So to upgrade or not?

[81venture]

Hi! now I've invaded this forum

Saw this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mYTOnOs3Y

and made the mistake of showing the admiral.

She wants one

not sure what else I can write now...admiral gets what she wants.

We love the VN23, and all of the wonderful mod's I have added to it... but she is sold on this one now, loves the cabin (as do I)

Wondering if those have read my forum might surmise what I might ask for the Vn23 (with both masts and like 8 sails) just hazard a guess if you've read the post

And since I am now on the market for a 26m is there a good year to look out for? Any better than others?
Any advice?

Wow, can things change on a dime lol

cheers mates

Dave

[dlandersson]

Well of course the Admiral gets what she wants - that's why she's the Admiral.

With the 26 power sailor you have three Macgregor options:

26X - 5% hull slope (better planing under power), taller head, larger cockpit, smaller cabin, good used around $12000

26M - 15% hull slope (better sailing), shorter head, smaller cockpit, larger cabin, good used around $19000

Tattoo 26. Refined 26M, new around $30000.

White hulls are rumored to be faster than blue hulls.

All of the above have pluses and minus. I'd do some looking before any buying (she might get over it).

[Russ]

Whatever you do, don't show here this 55 minute video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2bZTjB7wo

The video is full of marketing. You can pull a skier, but not well. Easier to pull a tube. It's not as simple to rig as it shows. Although some folks are masters and can rig in 20 minutes. Takes me 90.

Probably the best aspect is the huge cabin. Admirals like that sort of thing. Don't be fooled into thinking the head is big enough for humans. Maybe small children.

As mentioned above, you have several flavors of Mac/Tattoo. A new boat will cost you about $40k by the time it's outfitted with essentials (anchor, etc.)
Used, there are lots of bargains out there if you are lucky.

Your V23 according to NADA guides
http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1981/Ma ... 860/values

Suggested
List Price Low
Retail Average
Retail
Base Price $3,689 $2,120 $2,410
Options: (add)
Outboard Motor: (change)
1981 Honda BF75BLA (x1) $855 $585 $655
Trailer: (change)
1981 Single 22 Feet $290 $325
TOTAL PRICE: $4,544 $2,995 $3,390

I find these prices a bit low compared to real listings. Search http://www.sailboatlistings.com/
See what you find on both ends of the trade.

--Russ

[yukonbob]

Don't be fooled into thinking the head is big enough for humans.

So True. I do like the head on the X over the M, but it all depends on how much time you plan on spending in it. I avoid it at all costs whenever possible. Mind you our heater is on the bulkhead in there so it makes it a magnitude smaller in there. Like being trapped in a dog kennel with an understandably angry dog that’s been set on fire.

[dlandersson]

Helps if you aren't 6+ feet tall.

Me, I like to read the Sunday paper in there.

Don't be fooled into thinking the head is big enough for humans.

So True. I do like the head on the X over the M, but it all depends on how much time you plan on spending in it. I avoid it at all costs whenever possible. Mind you our heater is on the bulkhead in there so it makes it a magnitude smaller in there. Like being trapped in a dog kennel with an understandably angry dog that’s been set on fire.

[Tomfoolery]

Probably the best aspect is the huge cabin. Admirals like that sort of thing. Don't be fooled into thinking the head is big enough for humans. Maybe small children.

That was a requirement, with no negotiation room at all. Since I was downsizing, that really only left one boat model that fit the bill, including water ballast and easy towing. I'm taller than average, but I find the heat to be big enough, though I never actually use it. The admiral thinks it's too tight. Shoulda kept the big boat.

[mastreb]

There are actually two versions of the Mac M: The original 2003 and some 2004 models have a fixed galley beside the daggerboard trunk on the starboard side with a very small table and a bench settee along the starboard side. This model can accommodate three adults and two children reasonably.

In mid-2004 this was changed to a sliding galley on the port side with a larger more typical dinette that can make a very large single berth, adding an additional berth to the boat which can accommodate four adults and two children. The galley can also be completely removed in its stock form by removing two screws, and it can be slid back under the cockpit to dramatically open up seating in the cabin. This configuration is also used on the new Tattoos although the table is slightly differently sized.

One major chance from the Ventures is wheel steering. You'll probably hate it coming from a tiller; I know I did. Its a requirement for the powering mode. It makes the boats very nervous, and its difficult to keep course without constant vigilance on the helm. The best solution to the problem is an autopilot--it prevents arguments with the helmsman and lets you focus on the sail trim.

[Steve K]

One consideration;
I liked the size of the head in the Xboat myself, but the Admiral didn't like the fact that it was so close to the cockpit. She didn't like to use it when there was a group of people in the cockpit. The D boat (basically the same layout as the M) works better for her modest ways, as the head is a little farther away from the party

Best Breezes,
SK

[Catigale]

Seeing what Dave's Admiral puts up with I'm guessing she is flexible about such things....

Good luck with your search! Where are you going to be sailing? The motor aspect of the power sailors is a huge nut to crack so you have to evaluate the boat and motor separately on so used buy.

[81venture]

Seeing what Dave's Admiral puts up with I'm guessing she is flexible about such things....

Good luck with your search! Where are you going to be sailing? The motor aspect of the power sailors is a huge nut to crack so you have to evaluate the boat and motor separately on so used buy.

That is an understatement... I am about to update my thread in the Venture Forums....wait until you see what I dragged home last night....Admiral is still kind of in shock


I appreciate the info on the powersailer....looks like its going to be a bit before I get one...scoured the internet and didn't see any for sale for less than $10k and up....not quite in the budget yet

Cheers

Dave

[Loala]

Here's almost an hour of 26M you and your Admiral should enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2bZTjB7wo

[Ixneigh]

Wasn't there one that caught fire posted here recently? For the right price I'm betting that could be gutted and cleaned up, with higher quality better looking elements replaced in the interior. Didn't seem like it had hull damage.
Ix

[dlandersson]

Any updates?

Hi! now I've invaded this forum

Saw this video

and made the mistake of showing the admiral.

She wants one

not sure what else I can write now...admiral gets what she wants.

We love the VN23, and all of the wonderful mod's I have added to it... but she is sold on this one now, loves the cabin (as do I)

Wondering if those have read my forum might surmise what I might ask for the Vn23 (with both masts and like 8 sails) just hazard a guess if you've read the post

And since I am now on the market for a 26m is there a good year to look out for? Any better than others?
Any advice?

Wow, can things change on a dime lol

cheers mates

Dave