New to Trailer Sailors

[Mikescuba]

HI all, I'm new to this site so hope I get this right. I have done some sailing in the past some time ago but I am now looking to buy myself a Trailer sailor. I want something I can tow down to the lakes or down to the sea for the weekends. The McGregor 26 looks like it meets my requirements. Which is something comfortable on board. Easily tow able and launch able.
What I would like to know is how do these boats handle under sail? I have a couple of serious sailing friends who are putting me off by their comments. Its all meant in good faith. One told me he had heard that it is difficult to get more than 14 knots out of them and they don't handle that well. I have seen the promotional video.
Any advise?comments would be greatly appreciated. I'm basically looking for a fun weekender boat.

 

[BudGates]

First of all you need to know that there are 4 different models of the Mac-26. Pinned at the top of the "Ask A Macgregor Owner Index" is a good discussion with some good explanations of each model and their differences. It basically boils down to classic sailboats (26d & 26s) and power-sailors (26x and 26m). Which model is best for you all depends what you're looking for. The classics sail much better but they can't reach the speed that the power-sailors can. Some love the power-sailors while others, myself included, remain partial to the classic models.

As you said, getting more than 14 knots is quite difficult under sail alone. In fact, getting more than 7 knots is quite difficult in any 26' displacement hull, which most sailboats are. The power-sailors, with their planeing hulls and large engine capacity, can exceed 14 knots while motoring. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.

 

[Mikescuba]

First of all you need to know that there are 4 different models of the Mac-26. Pinned at the top of the "Ask A Macgregor Owner Index" is a good discussion with some good explanations of each model and their differences. It basically boils down to classic sailboats (26d & 26s) and power-sailors (26x and 26m). Which model is best for you all depends what you're looking for. The classics sail much better but they can't reach the speed that the power-sailors can. Some love the power-sailors while others, myself included, remain partial to the classic models.

As you said, getting more than 14 knots is quite difficult under sail alone. In fact, getting more than 7 knots is quite difficult in any 26' displacement hull, which most sailboats are. The power-sailors, with their planeing hulls and large engine capacity, can exceed 14 knots while motoring. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.

Thanks, appreciate the info. I'm looking at a Mc 26M. I want something I can sale on the lakes around here on the weekends or take down to the sea for a long weekend. we will be mainly bay hopping along the coast. One of the things I like about the Mc 26 is it appears quiet roomy and easy to trailer.

 

[Meriachee]

If you go to an M or X version, be aware that they are a tall freeboard, and will be much more like a travel trailer behind the tow vehicle. With a C version, the freeboard isn't anywhere near as tall, and they tow much more like a sailboat. Without a huge motor, both version can be towed with a relatively small vehicle, I have seen pictures of a guy who towed a C version around BC with a VW Golf. (I wouldn't have bought the car afterwards)

 

[Mikescuba]

If you go to an M or X version, be aware that they are a tall freeboard, and will be much more like a travel trailer behind the tow vehicle. With a C version, the freeboard isn't anywhere near as tall, and they tow much more like a sailboat. Without a huge motor, both version can be towed with a relatively small vehicle, I have seen pictures of a guy who towed a C version around BC with a VW Golf. (I wouldn't have bought the car afterwards)

Thanks for the info. I have a Land Rover 110 Defender so towing shouldn't be a problem.

 

[BudGates]

There are a few power-sailor owners here but not that many. Since you've decided on a power-sailor you may get better answers if you ask your question at http://www.macgregorsailors.com/ .