Hey All:
Earlier this week I had posed a question about good cruising catamarans on the open forum and was directed to this board. Since then I've been studying this site for a short while looking for information on a good cruising catamaran and so far the Stiletto 27 seems to be the front-runner in my search for a new boat. I've read a helpful reviews of the benefits of this boat but as we all know, not every boat is perfect. Hence I would like to get some feedback on the shortcomings of the Stiletto 27. FYI the boat will be used in Atlantic Canada and possibly the Great Lakes. I am sure that this is the first of many questions I will have........hence my username. 
Thanks for your help.
Robert
The Stiletto is not the only choice, however. I had a MacGregor 36 that I bought for $13K and it slept 8 (ha ha -- only with margarine)and 4 in reality. A bit heavy but a very quick boat. Won the Cup of Miami twice, beating such boats as Condor 40 and the Corsair 27s when they first came out.
Should be able to find one at around $20K
Many of them hjave been bought up and have added pods to make them almost liveaboard type boats.
After those two the prices start to get pretty high. Both are good performing boats.
Rick
Rick is right, the Mcgregor is a quick boat and for the size you probably won't match the cost. I have a Stiletto 27. It's a fast boat (relative) its rating is about 65 or so if you want to race. For daysailing you could pile several people on it and still have fun. There are quite a few for sale on the stiletto forum. www.stiletto.wildjibe.com I think that's the right address. I'm sure you could post a request and get someone in your area to give you a ride. We're always looking for an excuse to sail.
More information? I'd be happy to help or direct to more knowledgeable.
Good luck
Clayton
S27 Toute d'Suite
H16
Found this MacGregor for sale at $19K
http:/
Good luck,
Rick
Thanks Rick:
The Mac 36 looks very impressive. Is the Macgregor 26 and 26X manufactured by the same builder?
Robert
Thanks Clayton:
You've written some great material for me to go by. Can you direct me to some dealers/owners in Canada?
Robert.
It is the same manufacturer. MacGregor was ahead of his time and has been a designer of monohulls for years and still is.., has some really great and fast designs.
The cat was his only multihull. It is said that for some reason he stopped making them and destroyed the molds.
Too bad! It really is a great boat for the price.
The handicap number is about the same as a Hobie 18, which is pretty darned fast for a big cat.
He had even devised a righting system for the boat. It had a winged bob at the top of the mast to prevent the boat from turning turtle, and then a water bag system where you hook the spin pole to the lower side of the main (while the boat is on her side), the you fill a water bag and use the winch to winch it upright.
You could also winch the mast up and down without outside assistance.
Rick
Rick
Since Rick had mentioned the Mac 36 I thought you might want to know their is one on eBay right now.
http:/
I guess $30,000 was too much, the auction ended with no bids.
The Mac 36 has certainly caught my eye and you're right Damon, the price was a bit much for me.
Robert