Have had 2002 26X for almost 2 years. I agree w many of the recommendations for possible upgrades. I personally like the blank slate as its customizable to everyone's used case. Ie- inland Ohio and great lakes vs intercoastal or salish cruising. I think my 2 biggest issues would be
1) should've had an anchor roller. I think electronic winch is nice but would add 2k.
2) should've looked at the engine well drain design. Doesn't seem effective.
Someone should buy the plans from Tattoo or whoever has them. I think a 22 tattoo would be a hot seller.
I added one of those Blue Water Yachts anchor rollers to my 2001 for about $100, as seen at http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/4001-1x0.htm. I believe it was on sale at the time. I haven't had occasion to use it yet, but it seems nice and sturdy enough and was an easy installation. There are plenty of other anchor roller options described in the Forum Archives. I am led to understand that some of these options may do a better job of holding an anchor while underway, but I'd already used a few ginourmous stainless steel hose clamps to lash a suitable section of maybe 6 inch diameter white PVC standpipe I'd had lying around to one of the those starboard pulpit stanchions to hold my Fortress FX-11 anchor at the ready, which is just a tad too ponderous for the lilliputian anchor locker. I did a pretty good job of giving the pipe a nice sanding and a couple coats of paint so noone need ever guess its humble origins as a turd tunnel. And when off anchor-holding duty, I guess I could stuff its bottom end and use it as a nice loud confetti cannon to help get the attention and clear the path to the launch ramps of the pesky swarm of ever-loitering jetskis. Or, I could maybe host on-the-water Gender Reveal Parties...Come to think of it, having my own little "Gender Reveal Event" while approaching the dock might be a quick way of shooing all those damned kids out of the area. Seriously...there's a nice long sandy beach 100 feet away, so who the hull thinks letting their toddlers cavort on the slippery concrete boat ramps dodging the incoming and often liquored up boaters and zig-zagging trailers is a fine idea?
As for the engine well drain, occasional cloggery by leaves and whatnot had been my biggest issue with it. One of those smaller Walmart stainless drain screens sort of bent to fit and shape has cured that issue (see: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Peerless-sta ... s/17043474)
Like the mesh wire strainer idea!
Setting it with the ‘dome’ up would make sure that the water always has a place to drain. A longish 1/4” bolt clamped through the center and extending down into the drain keeps it in place and from wandering off....
Having the steering bar below deck as is done on the Mac26M is a nice feature compared to to topside open approach on the Mac26X to minimize clutter on that aft deck/ motor well area.
While in some ways we appreciate the accessibility on the Mac26X the surface obstruction and tripping over it aspects are a concern.
I wonder if there are issues with the Mac26M approach to having the steering below deck?
Having purchased my 2005 in October 2004, I have had it for awhile. No complaints yet with the steering being where it is..
The one complaint I have is with the opening in the transom. In the , a person more easily passes through. It's a tight fit on the .
If all goes to plan, I will be taking a round trip, eleven day cruise down to Saint Michaels, MD, and then back to Philly. I don't anticipate any steering problems.
26X for almost 2 years. I agree w many of the recommendations for possible upgrades. I personally like the blank slate as its customizable to everyone's used case. Ie- inland Ohio and great lakes vs intercoastal or salish cruising. I think my 2 biggest issues would be
in October 2004, I have had it for awhile. No complaints yet with the steering being where it is..