A New 33' Quasi Mac?

[Indulgence]

Hi Art,
I believe if the option existed when I bought my 26X, I would have taken a look at the " 33 " you're thinking about.
I am pretty certain I would have taken a pass whether I wanted it or not. The 26 suits our needs to a T.

You're your own biggest competitor in this market. Our beloved Mac's are nearly indestructible. There
are so many of them out there, especially second hand, at reasonable prices- it would be hard for a person
to justify spending the kind of money you need to bring a 33' to market.

Granted, there might be a 'move up' battalion of Mac, Catalina, San Juan, etc, owners out there just waiting
for this boat to come along.

Laurie

[SeaGriff]

I think you may be onto something here. When I went looking for a sailboat I bought the biggest trailerable I could find. I like my 26X but it is a little cramped especialy when we have guests. The way I see it the Macs are designed to be towed with a mid size car. I have 3/4 ton truck pulling mine and could easily pull something bigger. Here on the Canadian prairies a 9 to 10 ft beam would also be no problem. With the extra length and width that will definitly be an interesting boat. Better performance and more room. The power part isn't a big issue with me as I only have 25horse motor and see no need for more. Very interesting thread.

[Love MACs]

Art:

Still waiting to purchase my MAC, hopefully around the first of the yr as my retirement funds are looking better as the market is beginning to turn. So I would be definitely interested in the 33', realizing that it will not be on the drawing board by then, let alone near production. If I knew this were coming to fruition I could even wait a little while, but not too long! I think I would be real interested!!!


Allan

[delevi]

Looks like the majority who have taken the poll so far believe this boat to be under $35K. I think this is completely unrealistic, even for Roger, let alone a boat builder who will not be cranking these out by the thousands. The Edge is more expensive than this and it's not a 33 footer. Then you get into options, etc. A well equiped Mac runs around $35K. Can't expect to trade up at even money. A higher qualtiy, larger boat means more production costs. A metal keel is more expensive to produce than a water ballast tank. My guess is this boat would be at least $60k by the time all is said and done. Even so, a 31' Catalina is well over $100K by the time you pay for commissioning and equipment. Hunter or Beneteau might be a bit cheaper but not much.... so, even at $60k, the value is there. Just don't expect Macgregor-like pricing. Just my humble opinion, of course.

Leon

[AWKIII]

Hi Leon.

I agree. There is no way we could get this boat out the door with a $35K MSRP and make marginal return.

Although it is early on, I think we may be able to produce a reasonably well-equipped boat for around $45 to $50K with quality sails and trailer.

I have been mulling over the possibility of offering a basic version of the boat where a buyer can do some of the work. We would offer different "kits" such as:

1.Templates to build your own cushions.

2. Ready to install deck hardware package.

3. Ready to install lifeline/stanchion package.

4.Templates for carpeting or teak flooring.

5. Ready to build and install interior furniture packages.

6. Plumbing and electrical packages.

I am not sure if this is a viable concept from a marketing or operational standpoint. Although we will be happy to assist new owners with questions about their boats, I do not want to get involved in providing building consultation. However, the owner would be able to purchase the boat at a very competitive price.

Art

[AWKIII]

Hi Allan.

The boat wouldn't take very long to put in production.

The hull, rudder and lifting keel tooling are complete and are ready to go. The liner will need a few minor modifications. The deck mold will require the most work but we would not be starting from scratch. We would just have to modify the coach roof to allow for more headroom below.

If we make the decision to proceed, there is no reason boats could not be ready for delivery by the late spring.

Regards,

Art

[Love MACs]

Art Keep me in mind, I could be one of your first customers I would be willing to wait that long if the price is close to being right and your time frame is not too far off. I know you have some work to do and I have some stock watching/waiting/hoping to do.

Allan

[AWKIII]

Hi Allan.

As far as the market is concerned, all I can say is I feel your pain.

I have meetings set next week in California where the parties are going to sit down and put their cards on the table. If all goes well, then it's off to the races.

There are two sets of complete molds and we have an existing FRP factory ready to go.

We could start building hulls, rudders and keels within a couple of weeks. Gonna need to bring in a designer to handle the interior and coach roof re-design.

If all goes well, I am going to have them start on a new racing version for demo purposes. It will take about 45 days to build. To give you an idea of how fast she is, the boat has a PHRF rating in the high 80's. The 26M is in the high 200's.

Art

[Love MACs]

If she is fast, so be it. But I am looking for an enlarged version of the Mac for cruising. Personally I am more interested in the interior layout, but that's just me. Hope all goes well, and I know u will keep this board informed. Waiting, watching, hoping! There are many here rooting for you!!!!!!!!!!!


Allan

[delevi]

Fast is good. That's a remarkable PRHF for a 33 footer. The Catalina 400MKII is around 110.... and that's with a 36' waterline.

[Richard O'Brien]

Hi Allan.
To give you an idea of how fast she is, the boat has a PHRF rating in the high 80's.

Art

High 80's! That's not good. that's bad. "Bad to the bone" , bad. With that kind of phrf, you can PacMan those 37' Benes, and Swans. The great thing about the Mac is it's ability to motor to outlying sailing grounds, at an affordable price, but this boat might be a next step up if you can still make 8-10 knots? How is the mast-raising, and just how much mast are we talking here?

[AWKIII]

Hi Richard.

I thought the PHRF number would get your attention . In her current form she is a screaming banshee. She can be rigged and launched by one person. The mast raising system is pretty simple.

In her current form she carries a relatively large stick. But remember she is also real lite. The idea behind the cruising edition is to cut back on the mast length and sail area in tandem with adding some weight. She will still sail well but not like her sister.

If the meeting goes well I am going to have a demo of the performance version started so it is here in time for Chatfield. Of course, it will be red and named 5280. That's the only think I want back from the 240.

The only problem with the performance version is she will probably not sail to her rating on Chatfield. The course is just too short. There's no reason for it that I can tell.

Art

[AWKIII]

Here is another question for the people following this thread.

How important to you is a dealer network?

Would you pay a 10 to 15% premium by purchasing from a dealer or would you rather save the money by purchasing direct? If purchasing direct, you would order your boat through us and we would deliver it to your doorstep. Any warranty issues would be handled at a boat yard in your local area.

Art

[James V]

I cannot see it. My next boat would be a 30 footish catamaran if I upgrade at all.

I just do not need that much space of a 33 foot monohull.

[Richard O'Brien]

Hi Richard.

If the meeting goes well I am going to have a demo of the performance version started so it is here in time for Chatfield. Of course, it will be red and named 5280. That's the only think I want back from the 240.
Art

Yes, I've been calling the 240 "Humpty Dumpty" . I have to wait and see if that sticks,or maybe 5260! We got her drilled so no water can accumulate. now I have to find a new axle, build some new bunks, & re-design it a bit. Make a hatch cover,& boards, repair the daggerboard, payfor glass repairs. If it becomes too much before April I might look into one of those flathead mains for the M. It's going to be fun even in these lean times.

Richard