GL: McGregor 26X

[Glenn Dean]

 I agree !
 I think the cabin of the MacGregor can be modified to provide the basics. The
two things that come right to mind is an indoor shower and refrigeration. the
cabin has enough room to work with.
As far as driving from the stern, a dodger/windshield and bimini top will
close it up some. An enclosed helm is always nice, but there are compromises
in everything. I read a stat that said more sailboats than power boats have
done the loop and most sailboats drive from the stern in open cockpits , so
the majority of the people who have done the loop have done it from an open
helm.
 As stated, we are hoping to retire early and retirement funds will be
limited. Not only is the MacGregor an economical boat to buy, it will also has
the ability to take advantage of free energy. I know they claim a 22mph top
speed, but in reality, with a load of gear, 14 mph may be closer to the truth.
Thats still much faster than most sailboats and trawlers.
 As far as outrunning storms, what I meant by that, is with a faster boat, you
can get to safe harbor, hopefully before, the storm hits. An example is , we
currently own a planning cruiser.
Once in Mobile Bay, we saw a storm coming in from the Gulf. We seldom go on
plane, but this day I put her up and managed to reach Dog River before that
storm did.Ironically, we could see a sailboat under full sail running before
the storm, also trying to reach Dog River. It was a beautiful sight, the white
sails agaisnt the dark blue sky.
 If you do get caught in a storm in the Macgregor, a good feature is it has
enough power to hold its own agaisnt the storm, without having to sail during
it.
 I imagine as with any dual pupose vessel, its not going to be the best power
boat or a great sailboat. But the fact that it can do both, is what we find
appealing and makes it look like the best bang for the buck.

 We are determined to retire early, and do the loop. If it means doing this in
something less than a luxurious trawler, then we are willing to do it. My wife
Joanne is a strong woman, she doesn't get upset if she breaks a nail. She too
is willing to make sacrifices in order to pursue
our dream. We are nearly finished raising 5 kids, we are ready to spread our
wings and fly !

-----Original Message-----
From: michaelv@nothinbut.net [mailto:michaelv@nothinbut.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 3:03 PM
To: Glenn Dean
Cc: ghnutley@aol.com; great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: McGregor 26X


Glen I think your on to something...
I too am a fan of the McGregor 26, however I favor the X model over the
newer M model. The short comings that have been mentioned can certainly be
dealt with, I saw a couple on the C&D canal with a McGregor 26 with the
mast in its stowed position, and a custom tent fitted over it providing
excelent shelter from the elements along with standing headroom and very
good visability. They had a 50hp Honda that you could barely hear and was
pushing them along effortlessly at 10kts. The interior is roomy and could
be altered to suit, I have some ideas for a shower if you are interested.
I have never sailed one but have seen them under sail and they seem to
perform pretty well, I wouldn't want to be caught in a blow in one, but as
you mentioned you could fire up the motor and get out of harms way pretty
quick. The trailerability is perhaps the best feature, the trailer is very
low profile and can be towed with any smaller suv or pickup, while on the
trailer you can still use the boat as a camper while traveling. You can
find them on the used market anywhere from 12k to 22k and can buy a brand
new one ready to go for around 25k. I wish other manufactures would come
up with similar designs...

--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006


--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006