Looking to come aboard

[rfrye94760]

Began looking at the 26X and 26M. Have heard from several boat snobs already as to why I should consider something else. Seems one group doesn't "approve" as it as a 50 on it and the other (power boaters) don't approve because it only has a 50 on it. Anyway it sure looks like the right boat for me and my family. I want to sail, wife and kids, 7 and 13, (kids not the wife) want to motor, tube, maybe ski. Buying used doesn't scare me but I'm not sure about buying used in salt water. Any guidance from the group as to what or where to look for salt issues would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

[NiceAft]

Bob,
Where do you intend to use the boat

Before signing any papers, be certain you even like sailing. Try to get out on a Mac so you can find out.
Ray

[rfrye94760]

Ray,
Planning on using it primarily between New Buffalo, MI to Milwaukee, WI as I live in the 'burbs of Chicago. I'm not an expert sailor but did receive instruction sailing a J22 on Lake Michigan. My wife and kids have been out on both sailboats and powerboats and like being on the water as well. I'm planning to have something for Spring 2010 so I've got time to research and plan.
Bob

[NiceAft]

Bob said:

Any guidance from the group as to what or where to look for salt issues would be appreciated.

This confused me. I thought you were asking about salt water issues If you are asking about what to look for, or ask when looking for a Mac, try doing a search on issues that are of concern to you. The search feature is located at the top right hand corner of this, and all pages. This topic has been discussed many times. Whether to purchase new, or used is just one question.

I'm sure board members will start chiming in

Ray

[Andy26M]

If your question about "salt issues" is referring to issues related to buying a boat which has been kept in salt water:

I kept my 26M in salt water (Narragansett Bay) for the first 3 years of her life. Several things make the Mac a good boat for salt water: no through-hull fittings below the water line, stainless rudder hardware, and the fact that when fully raised, the outboard is completely clear of the water (no part of the motor touches water). Thus far, I have zero issues related to those years in salt water.

I think the concern on a salt-water Mac would primarily be the hull itself. Was it bottom-painted (anti-fouling)? Does it have a barrier coat under the bottom paint? If not bottom-painted, how was growth controlled? Does it have any blisters (though blisters can also occur in fresh water). You'll have to decide in moving from salt to fresh water whether to remove the bottom paint, maintain it yearly, or just let it slowly wear off over time.

The second place to look carefully is at the rigging and above-decks fittings. Check for salt-induced corrosion, because even if the parts are above-water, there is a lot of salt in the air that can cause materials to age prematurely in a saline environment.

Andy

[ronaldkbunch]

Ah yes... the classic Macgregor question... "The best of both worlds, or the bastard child of boating?" Having owned a Mac 26X for the past nine years (which I purchased used from someone who kept it moored in Portland , ME, no 'salt' issues at all that I have experienced) I have found the Mac to be the best sailing motor boat, and the best motoring sail boat out there. Beware... as a Mac owner you may find yourself the recipient of the glares of hard core sailors with their sails perfectly trimmed when you blow by them at 15-20mph running ahead of a storm (or just because you can) or the sneers of power boaters as you fill up your six gallon tank as they are topping off with $200 reading on the pump. For me it is definitely a "best of both worlds" scenario.

[pokerrick1]

Welcome ronaldkbunch AND rfrye94760. For my first four years (and only four) I had my 2006 M in a slip in salt water and experienced ZERO problems associated with salt (darn few problem that weren't caused by me) No thru hull fittings, stainless steel and the engine comes completely out of the water. If the cabin suits you, you don't need the full speed of a powerboat and you like to sail - - -THIS IS das boat

Rick less in Las Vegas

[Divecoz]

Lets take it for a spin...........this weekend or next or the one after that

[NiceAft]

There you go I was hoping that one of them there Chicago fellers would come through

Ray

[rfrye94760]

Well I have to tell you, the Mac community is another selling point for me. Can't believe the response to my posts and really appreciate the info and the welcome.

[Y.B.Normal]

Apparently the "hardcore sailors" up here on Lake Winnebago (Wisconsin) are more open to alternate types of boats.
Just this weekend, I had one power boater tell me he liked the lines of my Mac, one sailor comment on how he liked the style of my Mac, and one pontoon boater ask my wife if she could buy it!

Drop Bill a line at http://www.boats4sail.info. He sells Macs out of Oconomowoc (WI), just north of you. While he primarily sells new Macs, sometimes he has a handle on some used ones. We bought our Mac 26M from one of his customers on Washington Island (Door County).

You're in a great area for sailing, with Lake Michigan, Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake, Big Green Lake, Lake Winnebago and Door County just a short drive away.

Good luck in your quest.

[Divecoz]

I concur Bills a great guy and a good sailor and that means a lot ... I bought mine from him and I am just south and west of you ...rt 59& rt 64 . I got your PM and I am a go for this weekend or most others .... lets hook up. Just dont tell these guys what a crappy sailor I am when and if I get ya back to shore.

[jaguar496]

Use the PEER pressure of the MACGROUP, and become one. A MAC sips fuel when at hull speed, sails just as fast as the PURE sailboats, and its simplicity honors your wallet. This group of MACSAILORS is the kindest in the world, and are ALL over the world. The MAC OWNERS in other countries have PAID dearly for the same excitement that you and your family can have for not alot of boat$$$$$. The only thing that I have not done is to take sailing lessons, and the is so forgiving, that it makes "ON THE JOB" training a PLEASURE stew of ALICE AND STEW OF"THE RESTLESS TWO"

[Hamin' X]

A MAC...sails just as fast as the PURE sailboats,
stew of ALICE AND STEW OF"THE RESTLESS TWO"

So as to not mislead anyone. this statement is not quite true. The X & M Macs will not sail as fast as most sailboats of the same length, except under very specific conditions. It is a compromise between a sailboat and a powerboat and as such, does neither particularly well, when compared to purebreds. The rest is right on.

[jaguar496]

A MAC...sails just as fast as the PURE sailboats,
stew of ALICE AND STEW OF"THE RESTLESS TWO"

So as to not mislead anyone. this statement is not quite true. The X & M Macs will not sail as fast as most sailboats of the same length, except under very specific conditions. It is a compromise between a sailboat and a powerboat and as such, does neither particularly well, when compared to purebreds. The rest is right on.

guess we've had several "very specific conditions" stew