MacGregor 26 vs. ?

[slowpoke]

have you ever looked at a pearson?, i have a1975 pearson for sale great shape, with tender,g.p.s. plotter,vhs sounder, ankor etc 9000$

[sailingdog]

THis is a really bad idea. This could be easily construed as chartering the boat and would have serious consequences for the owner of the boat, since chartering a boat generally requires that you have a USCG captain's license and commercial insurance. If you were to do this and had an accident, the owner might find that their insurance was invalid.

Originally Posted by CaptinRedBeard

Sounds like you are a newbie like me. I've also looked into the 26m and 26x but after hearing two very different arguments like you I have decided to take another route.

Try to partner with someone who already owns a boat. Offer to pick up a portion of the monthly fee's in trade for use of the boat. this way you will get a true idea of what it really costs to own a boat, you'll learn a lot about sailing and what you like and dislike.

What I learned in my first year: When things get bad they get bad quick, The ocean is something to take seriously, small boats are fine for ocean passages if you are very experienced (which neither you or myself are).

I see that you are serious about researching the boats and I give you big props for being smart about it. Maybe post your area and your schedule and one of these nice sailers will show you the ropes, then you won't have to ask if the macgreggor is good, you'll be able to make your own decision.

[jhorus]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Sailinjay-
Just so you know, it is generally considered somewhat bad form on a forum to revive a dormant thread.

I disagree. I would rather see dormant threads revived than another thread opened up about the same thing. If it's still relevant, then it's topical.

[jhorus]

ok that said, I am also debating a trailer sailer, and the Mac26 is high on my list. I tried sailing when I was in high school, and loved it. I always assumed the sailboats with cabins (like the Mac26) were super-expensive, so I just put it out of my mind until I discovered the website.

So now my wife and I are locked in a fierce debate: She loves the Yamaha 240SX, and I love the Mac26, and if I get the options I want on the Mac, both are about the same price!

[Michael1]

Originally Posted by jhorus

ok that said, I am also debating a trailer sailer, and the Mac26 is high on my list. I tried sailing when I was in high school, and loved it. I always assumed the sailboats with cabins (like the Mac26) were super-expensive, so I just put it out of my mind until I discovered the website.

So now my wife and I are locked in a fierce debate: She loves the Yamaha 240SX, and I love the Mac26, and if I get the options I want on the Mac, both are about the same price!

A Yamaha 240 vs. a MacGregor 26 is an apple and oranges comparison. The Yamaha would be fun for a short period of time, but I think the MacGregor would keep you interested in using the boat a lot longer. For one, you can actually go places, and stay overnight in the MacGregor. It's also going to handle less favorable sea conditions better. Motoring gets boring after a short period of time, but sailing can keep your interest for hours, days, years, given all the optimization you can occupy yourself with. There's much more to learn, even after years of sailing. You should also consider the cost of gas, and whether that might be a disincentive to use the boat. Jet boats really suck the gas, and it gets tiresome at 95 db of engine noise for hours.

Sometimes it is nice to get a boat on a plane, and the MacGregor can do that with a larger engine. That's something I miss with all the full keel boats I sail.

My suggestion is get her out on a MacGregor. Perhaps the dealer will give you a test run. You'll need to get a boat both of you will be happy with.

Michael