2006 26M potential buyer

[julien1977]

Hi!

I'm fresh on this site but I've been interested in the Mac 26 for the last two years. I was not interested AT ALL in sailing until I heard about the Mac. I currently own a Sea-Doo Speedster 1998 which is a small 16.5' jet boat. I do like speed, wakeboarding and I certainly don't like to depend on wind to get somewhere. I have to say that I as 21 year's old when I got the boat back then so my boating priorities have changed since then. The main reasons why I would like to change my boat are the following:

1 - This thing guzzles gaz like there's no tomorrow. Gaz price here in Canada is off the roof AND pollution is definitely a concern to me.

2 - I do not have the ability nor the will to sleep on it.

3 - Can't carry more than 4-5 people (4 most of the time).

I was considering a bigger cruiser, but I still have the gaz problem. So that's where the Mac comes into play.

I've told some people about the Mac, but somehow a lot of people were laughing at me. I do not know for sure if they where that much up to date as far as the latest models, but they were definitely trying to steer me in another direction to a point where I indeed DID put the Mac option behind me.

After thinking for other solutions for a while, I finally get back to my original idea. Especialy since I see that a lot of people are installing bigger engines on it so my hope to wakeboard behind a Mac is back on the track. I figured that the people laughing at me in the first place were probaly hard-core sailors who absolutely accept no sailing compromise to accomote power functionality OR hard-core powerboat owners who don't care about wind like I used to do a few years ago. Would the construction quality of the MacGregor 26 quality be a topic to laugh on? If somebody has a better explanation to all these laughs please tell me!

Back on the motor, at this point I would consider installing the Evinrude E-Tec Saltwater 90 (E90DPX). I will be in freshwater most of the time, but I consider driving it down to Florida during winter. It's also because it's white and it would look good on the Mac! Anybody (other than MacGregor staff) has an objection to that? Would that be enough to get a 200 pounder at 30 miles/hour on a wakeboard?

Waiting for your input!

Julien

[Jeff S]

I am not sure how the Mac does with wakeboarding. I am sure it could pull a wakeboarder. There are others here who I am sure will be able to answer that question.

Wakeboarding purists would probably scoff at a Mac as not the best boat for pulling a wakeboard- they would be correct.

Blue Water sailors would scoff at a Mac as it is not up to their standards for blue water sailing- they would be correct.

Sailing racers would scoff at a Mac based on its sailing abilities (sailing handicap). They would be correct.

If you want a boat that can sail decently, sleep 6, motor at 15-30 knots top speed depending on motor size, trailer anywhere, pull a wakeboarder, all for under 30k and you would have....the Mac. People trying to compare the Mac to something it is not are the ones who tend to scoff, more out of ignorance or their own personal preferences. I imagine an Oil tanker would scoff at the Mac too, but it isn't designed for that either.

As far as quality- it seems pretty decent for a boat in this price range. I wouldn't let quality concerns steer you away. There seems to be some variability as to dealer installation (the parts are put on by dealers)- There are some highly recommended dealers referenced in this website. (Names intentionally left off for board etiquette). The boat doesn't come with a lot of frills, but many have added them. The sturdiness is such that the boat is not overbuilt, but adequately built. I have been in conditions that would have demolished my former bowrider, but the Mac did wonderfully (it exceeded my comfort level). If you plan to deal with gale force winds I would look elsewhere, which is why it is more of a daysailor than a true cruiser.

We could laugh at a keelboat on how poorly it motors, or at a skiboat on how it always needs gas, but such is the nature of those boats.

The Mac is what it is, and it is good at what it is. The Mac is a bridge between the world of power boating and the world of sailing, a jack of all trades and master of none. Other boats tend to be a jack of few trades and a master of one. The question is, is it what you want?

I would't recommend the Mac to a bluewater sailor, or someone who wants a sailboat mainly for racing. If you are a serious competition type wakeboarder I wouldn't choose the Mac either. It is a great do everything family boat though.


Jeff S

[DLT]

If you will never overnight in it and never want to sail, you would almost certainly be better off with an aluminum hull deep-vee fish/ski boat.

I've looked at a few. They are pretty nice. In the 18-20 foot range, they all seem to be rated at upwards fo 150hp, but can probably do fine with a 90hp.

A 18.5' Lowe with a 90hp will run you about $20k. Which is in the range of a new 26M without an engine.

Now, I'm not talking about a jon boat. I'm talking about a deep-vee 'finished' fish/ski boat, with a welded thick skin hull.

With a 90hp, it'll wiegh about 1000lbs less than a bare 26m. So, as it has no 'sailing' compromises, it'll go much faster than any 26M with a 90hp...

Of course, if you run out of gas, you're paddling...

On Edit: Don't get me wrong. The Mac is a great compromise boat. I love mine. But, you don't seem to put any value on the compromises made... You don't need the inside space and the ability to sail. So...

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

My 2 cents worth...I havent met an unhappy Mac owner yet...When I was aged 21, it wouldve great to have owned a new MAC.

edit add on: If you want an idea of the "fun" of a Mac, take a look at the DVD or Video which are available. And by all means, try out a Mac ... you'll be eventually a Mac owner too.
Happy Sailing.

[julien1977]

Thanks for your time guys! Here's some clarification:

My Speedster is no wakeboard boat either so NO I'm not expecting a wakeboard championship boat out of the Mac. In fact, I'm pretty sure the Mac will even be better than my Speedster for the size of the waves it will generate in comparision. If the Mac can get me at 30 miles an hour, that's all I need for pretty much all my water sports needs.

I DO want to sleep on my next boat. Sorry if my syntax was'nt clear in the initial post, I'm a french canadian in the first place. I wanted to say that even if I could, I would'nt sleep on my 16' Speedster. Looking at pictures of the Mac, I can imagine that you can be pretty comfy sleeping in that boat and that's what I'm looking for.

Like I said, since I know that I COULD install a bigger motor (I don't know if I'll be willing to sacrifice the warranty), I feel that the Mac would be a good choice for my needs. I will rarely do blue water as I'm pretty far away from it. There's so many nice lakes and rivers here in Quebec that are perfect for a Mac that I don't even know if I'll ever put it in salt water.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Mac seems to be the perfect boat for those who are not sure if they prefer a sailboat or a powerboat, but I'm definitely sure it IS suitable for those who like a little bit of both. After all, the compromises you have to live with to make an hybrid boat also has its equivalent in advantages.

Julien

[delevi]

I think Jeff S summed it up best. The Mac is a good quality boat, not spectacular, but at its price point, one can't complain. I think you may need a larger motor than a 90 to go 30 mph with a wake board. I have a 50 hp E-Tec which gives me 21 mph in smooth water, lightly loaded, no wakeboard behind me. I heard that a 90 E-tec will yield up to 30 mph but that's not towing anyone or anything. Some on this board have installed 140 hp motors, which will probably do the trick, but I would have strong concerns about taking a sail boat that fast.

In my opionion; although the Mac is a "hybrid" sail-motor boat, it is primarily a sail boat. I would never consider buying a Mac if my first priority wasn't sailing. Some may disagree. I enjoy the benefit of going 20 mph under power to get places faster and of course, when there is no wind, but if I mainly wanted to motor, there are other boats that wouldl be more suitable.

When I decided to buy my Mac, I wanted a sailboat. For the price, there was no other boat which was trailerable, had comparable cabin acommodations, had decent performance under sail, and offered the ability to motor fast (for a sailboat.) I had no desire to use it for a ski boat, despite what the brochure says. I think most would concur that the Mac is a sailboat first and a motor boat second. If sailing is of interest to you and you plan to split your time fairly evenly between sailing and motoring, than a Mac is a great choice. Hope this helps.

[baldbaby2000]

Generally it's the big motor that causes the ridicule and also the fact that it's a first boat for a lot of people; they are learning and it shows. It's also true that the nay sayers don't distinguish between the various models and changes. I knew someone who bought a 26X just to use as a motor boat that was comfortable to sleep on. He never put the mast up. Myself I bought it to sail and be easily trailered. It sails OK, not great but good enough and I hope to improve it's performance with simple modifications.

[kmclemore]

Julien, it sounds to me like you're less interested in sailing as you are motoring and overnighting. If that's the case - and I may be wrong there - I'm not sure you'll be entirely happy with a powersailor like the Mac.

Now, if you've got the $$ to spend, I guess my advice would be to think about buying a good quality live-aboard powerboat that can accomodate the watersports you like. For example, I really like Boston Whaler's 255 Conquest. Has a rear sleeping area much like the Mac, and a very nice interior - very similar in layout to the Mac - while still having excellent performance and safety. There's a review of one here.

[julien1977]

Wow! I'm charmed to see all the replies in so little time! I see the MacGregor has a very commited community! All of your replies are very helpful. Thanks a lot for showing me a powerboat alternative "kmclemore". It's a lot more $$$ than the Mac though and the price range of the Mac is one of my considerations. I too consider the Mac for sailing in priority. I just like the fact that I CAN do watersports with it. I was ready to sacrifice wakeboarding back when I thought I was limited to a 50 HP so I guess I would choose the Mac for the good reasons today.

Tonight I called my uncle who introduced me to the Mac in the first place to talk about it. He saw the 26M (I think it was a 2004) from it's own eyes at the big boat show in Toronto last year and he liked it a lot. He's used to ride on different sail boats from small to bigger keelers and he agrees that the compromise in sailing comfort is no big deal (in fresh water) compared to the trailability, powering and just the plain flexibility the Mac has to offer. He went on a 14-day trip on the St-Lawrence gulf (open sea) on his friend's Hunter 28 (keel) last summer and he said that they had the sail up 10% of the time if not less. Around here, there's a lot of bridges requiring to lower the mast. NOT EASY on a boat like that. He even was in a dangerous situation where there was no wind and the prop of the inboard motor was completly wrapped with weed, rendering the prop completely inefficient. He had to stop by hitting the bottom and dive in cold water to clean the mess on prop. Finally he said that he would have been pleased to be on a Mac instead of the keeler in a lot of situations.

Anyways I must say that with all the information I have up to now, the Mac seem to be THE boat for me.

Thanks again for your replies and keep posting! It's soooooo useful when you want to be very informed when buying something new, whatever it is.

[Magdaddy]

When reading this thread, it occured to me that the Mac is a floating hybrid SUV . I've been crazy about the boat and the ideas that make it what it is for a while now. Question, do you really need to be moving 30mph to ride a wake board? I have been on a knee board at 25mph and the only thing I couldn't do was big air.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

And dont forget, the Mac makes a great public parks camper. Just back it in with all the travel trailers, hook up, set up the bimini, and enjoy. Summer months are comfy with our small Sears A/C with its portability and ease of storage.
During cold wintry months, the mast and hardware are left home, and we enjoy a nice cabin cruizer.
And fishing from a Mac is much more comfortable than most fishing rigs. If the fish arent bitin'...just go below for some TV, Nap, or good reading.

[julien1977]

I heard people say that you can wakeboard as low as 18 miles an hour but I know for a fact that this is ridiculous for me. I guess it's a matter of how much you weigh. I'm 5'11" and near 200 lbs and at 25 mph its still very hard on my arms. I personally really need 30 mph to feel comfortable. I would guess that if you're OK at 25 with your knee board, you should be OK as well on a wake since the area on the surface of the water a probaly similar between a knee and a wake. Hope this helps.

Julien

[kmclemore]

I've pulled my sons on wakeboards, and it works for them (10 and 12 yrs old)... they have a wet, fun but not too fast of a ride. However, I'm not sure there's enough horsepower in that Tohatsu 50 to drag my 185 lbs up!

[Night Sailor]

You wouldn't use a screwdriver to drive a nail, though it might be possible. You wouldn't choose a 911 Porsche to haul a cord of firewood, though it might be possible. If, as it seems, 30mph is important to you because your primary intended use is boarding, then I suggest you get a used powerboat you can afford that will get you 30mph with a a load onboard. The cost of gas is a small increment of the investment in your hobby, even at several dollars per litre.

If however, you intend to cruise long distances, and want to do so economically, even though it reduces your boarding pleasure, then a Mac might be a consideration. Remember though, the size engine it would take to push a Mac at 30mph is going to go through fuel like a starving pup at chow time. It will not be economical.

Some sports are just not economical or environmentally friendly, and we grow out of them. Perhaps you might also someday. Then a Mac might look very atractive.

[ChrisNorton]

Here are my two cents worth to your questions. BTW, I am a super-happy 26X owner with similar interersts to your own.

You wrote:
1 - This thing guzzles gaz like there's no tomorrow. Gaz price here in Canada is off the roof AND pollution is definitely a concern to me.

I respond:
If you primarily still use the engine, it still uses a good deal of gas. I often motor 40-80 miles on weekends. I can get ~40 miles (in ~4 hours) on my gas load of ~20 gallons. That is still $70US a fillup.

You wrote:
2 - I do not have the ability nor the will to sleep on it.

I respond:
Sleeping is definitely easy and doable for even up to 10-14 days. I installed a real flushable head which made all the difference. Total cost was about $300. The cockpit BBQ and interior alcohol stove are all very usable. I use a plug in cooler for refrigeration. Others on this board will recommend quieter and more power effecient options.

You wrote:
3 - Can't carry more than 4-5 people (4 most of the time).

I respond:
5 adults is the maximum I consider comfortable on the Mac, especially if you are going to motor a lot since using the deck under power is not advised. 6 adults is the absolute max I would take on any trip for any duration.

You wrote:
I've told some people about the Mac, but somehow a lot of people were laughing at me. I do not know for sure if they where that much up to date as far as the latest models, but they were definitely trying to steer me in another direction to a point where I indeed DID put the Mac option behind me.

I respond:
I've had people laugh to my face about owning a mac. If you own one, you'll need a backbone for it and not second guess your choice. As others have mentioned, the Mac is a compromise, although I think a beautiful one. It allows me to do so much. Sailors dislike them because they motor and don't sail like a cruiser or racer. Powerboaters typically don't know what to make of them but in my experience, they generally find them an interesting boat.

You wrote:
Would the construction quality of the MacGregor 26 quality be a topic to laugh on? If somebody has a better explanation to all these laughs please tell me!

I respond:
The Mac is not constructed poorly, but it's not top notch either. You can read on this board that nearly every boat is delivered with some minor flaws. The boat has been described as a clorox bottle with engines and sails. The boat is not heavily constructed for blue water cruising but then again, the price is not that of a true blue water cruiser. The boat is in its 10th year now (X and M) and I haven't heard of too many early retirements that weren't brought on by accident. The boat is made well enough for many years of enjoyment.

You wrote:
Back on the motor, at this point I would consider installing the Evinrude E-Tec Saltwater 90 (E90DPX). Would that be enough to get a 200 pounder at 30 miles/hour on a wakeboard?

I respond:
I use a 50hp Merc Bigfoot. The most I can get out of her is 18 mph. I believe others on this board would recommend lighter Japanese engines at over 90hp. The Evinrude may be too heavy. Others on this board with experience in larger engines may recommend beefing up the transom for an engine as large as you want. I also doubt this boat with any feasible engine will truly do 30 mph given the requirements of wake boarding (speed, drag, three people including driver, rear facing watcher and rider). I also don't think the wake is generated is very good for wakeboarding. My guess is the most you should expect is 25 mph unless you leave the mast at the dock and that is a good deal of work if you intend on removing and replacing it quite a bit. I tube off my boat at ~15mph but it is usually less than thrilling given the speed. Don't get me wrong, I love the boat and all it does, but my guess is you will be disappointed with water sport performance.

Regards,
Chris
'99X 'Chameleon'