This summer I had the great fun of going for a cruise on a MacGregor 26 at our lake. I am in love with it. My husband and I have sailed other small crafts, but never a full blown sailboat. We are trying to figure out the best boat for us. Ideally, we would like something small enough to be able to put on a boat lift in front of our cabin, so I think around 20-24 feet would be our max. We need a swing keel so we can get in close. We would like a sink, porta potty and maybe some kind of a cookstove. Electric ability and place to mount a barbecue for full day or weekend excursions. Likes are not needs though...really what we want is a day cruiser for a freshwater lake that can be single hand sailed as my husband would go out in a lot heavier weather than I would be willing to. I have been told that the MacGregor family of boats is the "best" by more than one person. I just don't think a 26 foot would work for us right now. Is there a site that goes through all the different sizes of MacGregors available and pros, cons and such? I haven't been able to find one. I am also open to other more "beginner" boats of a smaller scale as this is going to be our first sailboat. Look forward to the feedback!
More info on MacGregor Sizes
- Thread starter Tollergirl
- Start date
I realize that you don't think a 26 is the right size at the moment, but maybe rethink that.
The 26S made from about '90 to '94 or so has the swing keel so will operate in water 18 inches or less. It is also water ballast which can be dumped to go on the lift so at 1800 lbs., less ballast water, is as light or lighter than most of the Mac's under it in length.
It has a tremendous amount of room inside compared to the boats shorter than it or even the same length. We can haul food, water and our waste products for over a month for the 2 of us on the Mac.
Here is a link where you can get some comparison information between Macs and Macs and other boats...
http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html
I also have info on our site about different mods we have done and also I have a number of links to Mac related sites (see the links below) and then this site also has info on the Macs (one is at the top of the main board page as a sticky and tells the difference between the different 26 foot Macs).
If we were looking again right now for a boat it would be another 26S, but then everyone's needs are different. It fills ours very well.
Good luck,
Sum
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Our Endeavour 37
Our MacGregor 26-S Pages
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Mac-Venture Links
The 26S made from about '90 to '94 or so has the swing keel so will operate in water 18 inches or less. It is also water ballast which can be dumped to go on the lift so at 1800 lbs., less ballast water, is as light or lighter than most of the Mac's under it in length.
It has a tremendous amount of room inside compared to the boats shorter than it or even the same length. We can haul food, water and our waste products for over a month for the 2 of us on the Mac.
Here is a link where you can get some comparison information between Macs and Macs and other boats...
http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html
I also have info on our site about different mods we have done and also I have a number of links to Mac related sites (see the links below) and then this site also has info on the Macs (one is at the top of the main board page as a sticky and tells the difference between the different 26 foot Macs).
If we were looking again right now for a boat it would be another 26S, but then everyone's needs are different. It fills ours very well.
Good luck,
Sum
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Our Endeavour 37
Our MacGregor 26-S Pages
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Mac-Venture Links
as a beginner boat, especially on a lake, you cant hardly go wrong with a macgregor for simplicity and affordability.... you can modify it in about any way you want, to make it a more personalized boat for your likes or needs....
there are many other brands available that would work for you also, but some of them come with a higher price tag without any better furnishings, and sometimes less... you will get a lot of suggestions here on what brand you should buy, but no matter what it is you decide on, make sure it is a good solid and sound boat without softspots in the deck, or modified so far from original that it has no value for resale, as you will eventually want to move up in size...
macgregor boats are all about the same for simplicity, but if you are going to use a boat lift, check out the water ballasted boats... the swing keeled boats are nice and would probably work also, but they are a little heavier (4-600lbs heavier)...
how new do you want?.... if I was buying an older macgregor, I would look for something after about '81, as they started becoming more refined by then.
the macgregor 25 is a excellent boat, and the design of it, throughout the entire plan and results thereof, has been good enough to get it inducted into the hall of fame of boats.
the 26, in its many different models, is a spin off of the 25 and is also an excellent boat, but the M and X models are modified into a planing hull, and are not in the same class as the others (no matter how you want to argue it), and they are all water ballasted, where as the 25 has a swing keel... there is also the 22' WB model and the older 21' which has a swing keel...
there are many other brands available that would work for you also, but some of them come with a higher price tag without any better furnishings, and sometimes less... you will get a lot of suggestions here on what brand you should buy, but no matter what it is you decide on, make sure it is a good solid and sound boat without softspots in the deck, or modified so far from original that it has no value for resale, as you will eventually want to move up in size...
macgregor boats are all about the same for simplicity, but if you are going to use a boat lift, check out the water ballasted boats... the swing keeled boats are nice and would probably work also, but they are a little heavier (4-600lbs heavier)...
how new do you want?.... if I was buying an older macgregor, I would look for something after about '81, as they started becoming more refined by then.
the macgregor 25 is a excellent boat, and the design of it, throughout the entire plan and results thereof, has been good enough to get it inducted into the hall of fame of boats.
the 26, in its many different models, is a spin off of the 25 and is also an excellent boat, but the M and X models are modified into a planing hull, and are not in the same class as the others (no matter how you want to argue it), and they are all water ballasted, where as the 25 has a swing keel... there is also the 22' WB model and the older 21' which has a swing keel...
Ahh there is a 21 foot! I thought that it was a myth! What do you know about that size?
The boat lift we would use would be appropriate to the weight,
I don't mind spending a little more to have the ability to park in front of the cabin rather than a marina. I am concerned about a 25 as a first time boat...thoughts?
The boat lift we would use would be appropriate to the weight,
I don't mind spending a little more to have the ability to park in front of the cabin rather than a marina. I am concerned about a 25 as a first time boat...thoughts?
Are you saying there was a 22 water ballast? Not familiar with that. There was the Mac 19....
http://www.dougpile.com/mac19/
...water ballast and precursor to the 26X. Kind of a niche boat and hard to find, but the right boat for some people,
Sum
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Our Endeavour 37
Our MacGregor 26-S Pages
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Mac-Venture Links
Probably the #1 beginner boat in the U.S. is the Catalina 22. It has a swing keel allowing you to get into skinny water. It is in the size range you suggest you would be shopping.
The Catalina 22 is commonly available in most every area at a range of prices depending on condition, care, and options, (Stereo, trailer, etc).
The Catalina 22 is probably one of, if not THE most supported sailboat in the service parts category. One could almost build one from scratch from the commonly available service parts on the market here in the ship's store and elsewhere. emphasis on almost.
The C22 swing-keel is commonly available in the market in two different versions, 85(?) and older, and 86(?) and newer. The easiest way to visually decide the difference beween the two at a distance is that the older models had aluminum-frame portlights and the newer ones had screwed-on framless windows. There are pros and cons to both the new and the old style, but I prefer the newer version having owned both. TO keep the post short, we can elaborate on the differences later.
If you are creating a short list for investigation, be sure to include the C22
The Catalina 22 is commonly available in most every area at a range of prices depending on condition, care, and options, (Stereo, trailer, etc).
The Catalina 22 is probably one of, if not THE most supported sailboat in the service parts category. One could almost build one from scratch from the commonly available service parts on the market here in the ship's store and elsewhere. emphasis on almost.
The C22 swing-keel is commonly available in the market in two different versions, 85(?) and older, and 86(?) and newer. The easiest way to visually decide the difference beween the two at a distance is that the older models had aluminum-frame portlights and the newer ones had screwed-on framless windows. There are pros and cons to both the new and the old style, but I prefer the newer version having owned both. TO keep the post short, we can elaborate on the differences later.
If you are creating a short list for investigation, be sure to include the C22
I am not interested in a power sailer at all.
So thoughts on any other options with a swing keel readily
Read! Would be interested in any info on a 21 vs 25 or 26
Is it like a motorhome where every extra foot feels like 5 for driving?
Also any info on 21 would be appreciated
So thoughts on any other options with a swing keel readily
Read! Would be interested in any info on a 21 vs 25 or 26
Is it like a motorhome where every extra foot feels like 5 for driving?
Also any info on 21 would be appreciated
What are you looking to spend?
PS - every mac ever made.
http://sailboatdata.com/view_builder.asp?builder_id=180
PS - every mac ever made.
http://sailboatdata.com/view_builder.asp?builder_id=180
Ruth and I bought the 26S in our late 60's and neither of us had ever been in/on a sailboat and we learned (still are) without the help of lessons, due to our location. I think any of the Macs make a great first time boat and others with no experience have started with them all.
Go on Sailing Texas....
http://www.sailingtexas.com/cboats99macgregors.html
... and look at all the Macs both the exteriors and interiors and for sure try and find some to look at in person. I would look at all of the different length boats.
Sum
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Our Endeavour 37
Our MacGregor 26-S Pages
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Mac-Venture Links
Thanks I will look into those for sure! I almost bought a San Juan earlier this fall. It was a bare bones racer...24 foot but needed some cockpit work. Large soft spot and I wasn't comfortable with doing the repair so ended up missing out. San Juan isn't really mentioned on the forums...any reason?
That is a good question...it is going to depend on what the boat has to offer the shape and year. I think if it is in Canada and easy access for me, up to 6500, if it is USA and we have to travel to get it...I would have to start thinking about travel expenses and the fact that it is being bought sight unseen.
any sailboat racing in your future? how big is the lake? will you spend the night? or mostly day sailing?
c22, santana 21, percision 23, all are good.
mac's seem to hold their values, but so do the above.
my personal preference is the V23. big little boat.
but for racing the santana 21. but it has a 12" trunk + centerboard. (hybrid)
http://www.wdschock.com/boats/santana21/s21_index_b.php
for all of these older boats, condition is EVERYTHING. get the best example you can afford.
-cheap boats rarely are...
c22, santana 21, percision 23, all are good.
mac's seem to hold their values, but so do the above.
my personal preference is the V23. big little boat.
but for racing the santana 21. but it has a 12" trunk + centerboard. (hybrid)
http://www.wdschock.com/boats/santana21/s21_index_b.php
for all of these older boats, condition is EVERYTHING. get the best example you can afford.
-cheap boats rarely are...
macgregor or catalina, are both good choices.
if you've never had a sailboat, you might be better off with a weighted keel vs the waterballast boats. -they do heel a lot initially. not everyone likes or can handle that.
a venture 17 is a great 1st boat, but I'd suggest macgregor or venture 22-25' since you'll grow into that, vs the v17 will feel small after a few seasons. (IMHO).
keep in mind you'll probably not get your investment back, so I would pick something you will be happy with for several years, and when you sink more $ into you'll get the use and enjoyment.
-you know what B. O. A. T. stands for, right?
if you've never had a sailboat, you might be better off with a weighted keel vs the waterballast boats. -they do heel a lot initially. not everyone likes or can handle that.
a venture 17 is a great 1st boat, but I'd suggest macgregor or venture 22-25' since you'll grow into that, vs the v17 will feel small after a few seasons. (IMHO).
keep in mind you'll probably not get your investment back, so I would pick something you will be happy with for several years, and when you sink more $ into you'll get the use and enjoyment.
-you know what B. O. A. T. stands for, right?
Yes, the heeling would scare the you know what out of me at first, although my husband would love it! I don't think I want to get under a 20 foot boat as it would eventually be used for a few overnights. We do have two dogs and want enough room below and topside for comfort. I am sure you will enlighten me what B.O.A.T. stands for, if it is anything like my motorhome I am sure it is expensive fun lol!
Ahhh...my stuff always seems to come in increments of 500.00 at a pop lol...hopefully I will have the luck continue if I get another sailing vessel!
If the 26 s would fit on your boat lift I would definatly go with that. I didn't have any sailing experience and I definitely wouldn't want anything smaller. With my wife , kid,myself and a lab it feels pretty full. Handling it isn't that big deal and I do it by myself a fair bit. Setting it up and launching is most of the work. If you could leave it on a lift you would have it made. Its not like a 12' car topper but really quite manageable. It hits all your points on your wants list. I ran across the border to Washington state. I'm going to take a guess that your from SK so that is a bit more of commitment, but the US does have more of a selection. I've seem them in Idaho but not in Montana yet. However when I was looking I saw two in SK that I thought about. It was really easy to bring across the boarder though as long as you had the right paper work. Even when I factored in travel costs it was cheaper than anything I could find in Canada. Kijiji works pretty good here. Craigslist for the states though.
you are right... im wrong... i was working from memory, but its not quite what it used to be....
water ballasted 19' macgregor....not a 22'...
Thanks for the info...I so enjoyed the ride on the 26 that I would certainly consider it. I just know the day will come that my hubby will want to go out and I won't and I want to feel secure he can handle the 26 by himself. Right now I get concerned when he takes the 18 Hobie out because I know he doesn't weigh enough to right it when he heels over. We have put a turtle on for that reason, but still doesn't help when he can't get it back over and I have to motor out to him and pull it with the boat to get it back up. I know it will be a big commitment and we just don't know enough to feel comfortable with the total process of picking and buying. Even after time on the forums and researching, it seems like a very ominous task we have set for ourselves. I am concerned on the weight of a sailboat on a lift as I have not really been able to get a solid answer on weight fully loaded on a lift. I have also been told if I can have a lift modified to drop the keel back down after it is on the lift it will help with stability immensely. If anyone has experience with a macgregor particularly on a boat lift, as in just a standard boat lift, not a specialized custom modified sailboat lift I would love to hear your advice and thoughts. I know it may seem crazy to do a boatlift, but we have pd the price to have a lakefront cabin for the ease of access for all the other water activities we do. I really don't want to have to get moorage for a sailboat if I can help it. That was one of the big reasons for looking at a 20ish foot boat. To give you an idea, i currently have a 4200 lb boat lift for our 18 ft sea ray...overkill...a bit, but was planning for the future if we keep skiing as much as we do and upgrade into an older true ski boat. I actually have a contact that is selling a 4600 lb cantilever boat lift just like ours for a reasonable price. If that could handle a 26ft Mac I would almost be dancing...Now to go back to convincing my hubby if we get rid of the Hobie 18 and get a sailboat he could look at a Hobie 14 turbo...sigh.