All very good points to consider.
I am not actively looking to purchase a boat at this time. A small problem of not having found that money tree or even a bush as yet.
And, if I did find that magic money tree, I'd be after a 35-50' cat, or a 50'+ monohull for a liveaboard at this point.
I am, however, researching for that day when I can get a boat (assuming my brother does something else with his boat that precludes my use of it).
So, all opinons are welcomed.
And yes, I had considered all those things about the Mac.
Also, the MacGregor thread would not have sufficed in returning the opinions I seek as it might have pidgeon-holed the responses.
Every boat represents some sort of compromise in some respect. You simply cannot have everything in one boat.
In having looked around at used Mac's, I didn't really see a plethora of them - so they must not be all that bad. And, with the production as high as it is, they must sell quite a number of them. So, the product can't be all that bad either - it does sell after all.
Owning any boat has its cost - "Break Out Another Thousand" after all. Generally, the bigger the boat, the more costs one has to bear.
Obviously, this type of boat has its plusses as well as its detractors.
I personally see no issues with trailering a boat that is meant to be trailored (you can go from lake to lake or sea to sea, etc., rather easily/handily). Neither do I see issues with a boat that requires a slip. What matters is the intended use of the boat and the budget, current and future, of the prospective owner.
As for performance - yes, anytime fuel, especially gas, is used to go fast, you are going to pay for it. Part of the territory. If one doesn't get that, then one shouldn't be boating.
As for set up, a good bit of time is spent readying our slip-docked boat for our day's outing, and, honestly, I don't see how the Mac would be that much more really. What's a few minutes? If you are that pressed for time, why are you sailing? Not trying to be a Mac advocate here, but simply making a point.
A used boat can indeed be a good value. My brother's Bayfield was $10,500. It only lacks a shower to be a really good boat (needs a few more feet for that accomodation). I personally think for the price he paid he got a good value. I think we've spent about a grand on little things to make it sailable and there will be more in order to recondition a bit of her. Depending upon what he wants to spend, that could be a little (some is mandatory) or quite a bit (feathering prop anyone? Dacron cruising sails? Spectra line? New lifelines? It goes on...).
Sometimes reconditioning a used boat can cost quite a bit - in which case, if a Mac was being considered but forgotten on account of price, the Mac may have been the smarter choice.
Again, it goes back to intent and use coupled with budget.
That aside, the main question is, really, how *is* the boat itself?
Sincerely,
/s/ Jon C. Munson II