CJH wrote:

DSK wrote:


But he won't do more sailing than any other trailerable sailboat,
he'll just go slower and have a harder time steering. Why do people
have to act like the Mac26 is the *only* trailerable sailboat?


Sorry, just catching up. I couldn't find my thread. No I haven't
joined the cult just yet. There are too many things to consider and
will have analysis paralysis for a while. So what are the
recommendations for other trailerable sailboats suitable for a family of
four as described in my initial post. If I carry a dingey with motor my
kids would be satiated. Don't worry about tow weight too much, F-350 SD
Diesel can pull quite a bit. I don't want to break the bank on my first
boat. I have some experience but would like to cut my teeth for 2-3
years and then break the bank.

Carl

As you can see, the Mac discussions can get pretty wild. As pointed
out, most of those who are the most adamant (even bitter) in their
criticism of the Mac have never sailed one of the current models (the
26M), which includes a number of changes. Many have never even sailed
one of the older model Macs!! But if you simply prefer not to subject
yourself to ridicule and sarcasm (as seen on this ng) by going with a
Mac, it would certainly be understandable.

I suggest you check into all the boats mentioned. There are lots of
options and lots of used boats (including Macs) for sale. Keep in mind
that many of the heavier, larger boats are going to be more difficult to
launch and pull out on a trailer because they require substantially more
water depth to float off the trailer. I chose a trailerable boat
because it eliminates the upkeep, slip fees, and maintenance entailed in
keeping the boat in the water. Ours is kept in a lot "mast up" and towed
about 100 yards to the launch area. Some of the smaller ones don't have
the interior room you were looking for. And although you may not think
you need or want it, the large (50 - 70 hp) motor most M26s have can be
quite handy when you want to motor out to a desired sailing area without
spending the whole day getting there, or when you want to get back to
the marina before heavy weather hits, or when you want to et back to the
marina after a hot day's sail, coming back against the wind. And, of
course, cost is a factor.

If you weren't limited to trailerable boats, your choices on the used
market would be much wider. - But your plan to buy a smaller, cheaper
boat and keep it for three years or so before moving to a larger one
makes sense.

Jim