Maxi Magic Information, Review, Specs

The Maxi Magic emerged from the design board of Pelle Petterson, a central figure in Maxi Yachts' identity, as all Maxi models have consistently borne his design influence. Built by Maxi Yachts between 1984 and 1986, the Maxi Magic reflects the builder's commitment during that era to producing yachts that harmonized comfort, safety, and speed. Maxi Yachts, founded by Petterson in 1972, gained a reputation for durable fiberglass construction and thoughtful design, a tradition upheld in the Magic. The boat features a fractional rig, a design choice often associated with easier handling due to smaller headsails. Information on specific variations or marks (e.g., MkI vs. MkII) for the Maxi Magic during its production run is not widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Maxi Magic, with a length overall of just over 26 feet and a waterline length of 22.64 feet, is designed for efficient performance. Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.4 indicates a boat that is well-powered for its size, suggesting good performance in lighter winds while maintaining a balanced feel. The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.33, with 1,598 pounds of iron ballast in a fin keel, suggests moderate stiffness, meaning that while she will stand up to a breeze, earlier reefing might be prudent in heavier conditions compared to more heavily ballasted cruising designs. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 187 classifies her as a light-to-medium displacement vessel, contributing to her relative ease of motion and responsiveness. The Maxi Magic is noted to have a relative speed performance of 85, indicating she is faster than 85% of similar sailboat designs, underscoring her lively sailing characteristics. Her fractional rig further contributes to manageable sailing, particularly in varying wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Maxi Magic are limited, she is generally configured to offer practical accommodations for her size. Typical arrangements for boats of this class often include a single cabin, designed to provide sleeping space for up to five individuals. As with many sailboats from her era, the interior likely features a functional layout, making the most of the available space for a V-berth forward, a compact salon, a small galley, and a marine head. Owners generally appreciate the robust fiberglass hull construction, which translates to a solid and reliable feel, consistent with Maxi Yachts' reputation for durable builds.