+Geo Mak I took the original Bimini in to a local guy to make me a new one cost around $400 I think couldn't tell you the size. All these MacGregors had them originally so the frame came with the boat.
Has anyone taken one of these from the west coast to Hawaii? I understand that they are not built for that type of cruising, but with people being crazy, there must be someone who has done it or at least is thinking about it.;)
Just wondering.... I am looking at the Mac26 for the inside passage to Alaska as a liveaboard. Just me and the dog. It has many features that appear to make it ideal for that use. Thanks for posting your video, I enjoyed watching it.
I live in Jupiter FL and I've owned a Mac 26X for 8 years now. I've sailed her to the Bahama once from West Palm Beach inlet. Macs are very flatish bottom boats and do not cut thru high chop seas very well. They are more like a cork going over waves instead of a true sea going sailboat with a sharper V-hull to ease the bobbing of the wave. So, yes, they are "not built for that type of cruising." Also, the hull skin is about a 1/4 inch thick of fiberglass and that's about it. But, as you say, they are incredible for island cruising and going right up on a sandbar. I love my 26X Mac, but would not really do large cruising adventures with her in huge open seas like across the Atlantic or something.