Always had motorized boat. I am not a serious fisherman like ocean and bay. Like overnight stay for two and the water. No over night trips or too far out to sea. Sea worthy and concerned about shallow water. Like to get close to sand bar. Looking at Used McGregor within my budget. If it was you what year? X or M? What options are necessary especial if you might sail alone? What would you look at and look for. Tough decision for first time sailing and keep it enjoyable. Any comments would be helpful. Thank you, Dee
First time sail boat buyer need your help!
- Thread starter Dsine
- Start date
Welcome to the group! I actually like the looks of the 26M, but have not owned one. The couple I looked at hit a lot of great points you said above and I seriously considered a fairly new 26M as our second boat. The change was when my wife and I got a bit more serious and looked at what we really wanted to step up to from our 1976 O'day 25 and decided to move to a modern sailboat. I've been out on the lake many times with several 26X and they seem to be having a great time sailing around and then cruising in when it is time to call it a day.
My best advise is to find a boat that has been loved and taken care of, there are a lot of boats out there and the owners have not kept up with them. I'd look for a nice clean boat and reliable motor, or plan to budget to buy a new motor and sell the old one if it is a pain.
asa.com
My best advise is to find a boat that has been loved and taken care of, there are a lot of boats out there and the owners have not kept up with them. I'd look for a nice clean boat and reliable motor, or plan to budget to buy a new motor and sell the old one if it is a pain.
Cruising Boat Spotlight: The MacGregor 26M
Like them or not, one thing that is indisputable about the MacGregor 26M is they have brought many non-sailors into the sailing universe.
asa.com
The newer hybrid McGregors don't sail well. The older ones are not hybrids so they are fine. I recommend something like a Catalina 22 with a swing keel. You can go in shallow water and they are easy to put on a trailer. Lots of them were building so easy to get parts and info. If you want something a little more comfortable go with a Catalina 25 or a Hunter 25. These boats have a full head and a galley.
I've said before- while the M is better sailing boat, the X has a much better interior layout. And in areas with shalllows, oyster beds, etc, the Dagger board on the M, vs the centerboard on the X is a definite put off. Pays your money and takes your choice
Thank you so much for your input and reply. As a beginner my family is concerned if i get into trouble that i have enough of power to drop sails and power to safety. Does that change your input? What what engine would i be comfortable with? I am also concerned that when i take it out of water for water not expensive to block up or transport. What year? Boat etc What I check for etc if i am in the under 23k price range? Your thoughts? Thank you, D
There are a lot of variables to consider. What is the area you are sailing, how far from marina or ramp, what or the water conditions, tide, current, what do the local storms look like, etc? Also $23k is a nice number and a lot of options, what are you budgeting for repairs, maintenance and upgrades, every boat is a project. I would also consider the weight of what the motor is also as it impacts the sailing. Bigger motors are bigger weight to drag around.
Any auxiliary motor will be enough to get you to safety if you need to drop the sails, so don't worry about needing a speedboat when the wind is gone. Make sure the engine is absolutely reliable, that you know how to use it, and you are good.
There are so many choices, Dr Judy poses some very relevant questions that will help inform your decision.
Put aside money for repairs and maintenance, when it comes to a used boat there will be plenty of ways to spend money on it.
There are so many choices, Dr Judy poses some very relevant questions that will help inform your decision.
Put aside money for repairs and maintenance, when it comes to a used boat there will be plenty of ways to spend money on it.
Last edited:
Where in New Jersey are you going to sail? You talk about "sand bars" and "seaworthy". I wouldn't recommend an "X" or an "M" if you plan to make day sails off shore.
I gotta ask.... how many of the people who have opinions about MacGregor 26 M&X have actually spent time aboard one on the water?
I’ve been on a 26 X or two, and while it’s not the right boat for me, they do allow a combination of sailing and high speed motoring. I have dozens of friends all across the country who have Enjoyed some fabulous vacations on them. . They are fair weather, inshore or coastal sailboats. If you need to get somewhere safe in high winds, you can fire up the big motor and get to your destination really fast at 15 kts or more.
They are motor sailors. That’s what they do.
I’ve been on a 26 X or two, and while it’s not the right boat for me, they do allow a combination of sailing and high speed motoring. I have dozens of friends all across the country who have Enjoyed some fabulous vacations on them. . They are fair weather, inshore or coastal sailboats. If you need to get somewhere safe in high winds, you can fire up the big motor and get to your destination really fast at 15 kts or more.
They are motor sailors. That’s what they do.
Last edited:
I was on an X once, many years ago and I don't recall my impression of it because there was no wind and we were on a still lake. I have no complaints about people buying a boat when they know what they are getting. My greatest objection to these boats is their advertising. They sell people on the notion that the boat is just as stable and safe as any other 26' sailboat, even though it is the cheapest, most lightly-built boat on the market.
You can't convince me in a thousand years of argument that these boats are safe offshore. Fire-up the motor and get home fast? What about their manual that says that 6 people (160 lbs each) is the weight limit. That's with full water ballast. If you are going to plane home under motor power and an empty ballast tank, then your weight limit is 4 people or you are in danger of capsize. What other 26' boat has a weight limit that is so restrictive? They say don't worry about capsize, we have positive flotation. They show a bunch of people standing on the roof of a submerged boat when it is tied next to a dock. That's good to know! If the light-weight boat capsizes easily, you get to cling to the sides of a rolling boat. I'd like to see how that works out in the Atlantic Ocean!
All I need to do is read the manual, which you can find on-line, to convince me that the boat is not made to handle difficult conditions. The weight limit is 960 pounds with full water ballast. If you empty the ballast tanks, the weight limit is 640 pounds. Be sure the weight is kept low and stationary. These precautions are enough to tell me what the liability is. If the buyer wants to motor across a calm bay and party on a sand bar … go for it, it'll be great. That's why I asked about the use.
You can't convince me in a thousand years of argument that these boats are safe offshore. Fire-up the motor and get home fast? What about their manual that says that 6 people (160 lbs each) is the weight limit. That's with full water ballast. If you are going to plane home under motor power and an empty ballast tank, then your weight limit is 4 people or you are in danger of capsize. What other 26' boat has a weight limit that is so restrictive? They say don't worry about capsize, we have positive flotation. They show a bunch of people standing on the roof of a submerged boat when it is tied next to a dock. That's good to know! If the light-weight boat capsizes easily, you get to cling to the sides of a rolling boat. I'd like to see how that works out in the Atlantic Ocean!
All I need to do is read the manual, which you can find on-line, to convince me that the boat is not made to handle difficult conditions. The weight limit is 960 pounds with full water ballast. If you empty the ballast tanks, the weight limit is 640 pounds. Be sure the weight is kept low and stationary. These precautions are enough to tell me what the liability is. If the buyer wants to motor across a calm bay and party on a sand bar … go for it, it'll be great. That's why I asked about the use.
Aside from that, if they are out in the Atlantic and need to motor into the wind because the wind is too high? I've got news for you, there is no way they are going to make 15 knots without blowing the boat into pieces. If they are lucky, they might make 3 knots, yet, the hull will be slamming enough to wreck the boat well before they make it to a safe place. They would have to turn around and that would probably cause a capsize. There is no safety in that boat under the conditions that they could find themselves in if they have rose-colored glasses. But, I suspect that owners of these boats can see the obvious so clearly that they never expose themselves.
Thank you. For your input. What keel? Swing? Dagger board? Concerned about hitting something? First time sailing. Took lessons. Off Jersey shore and bay? Thank you, D
He's talking about a fixed lead or iron keel. That will give you most stability. You might have to elaborate a little more. Where are you going to sail? If you sail on Barnegat Bay, you will find a very shallow sand bottom. A swing or dagger boat can be raised easily and get you off the bottom. You aren't likely to find any danger that will make any difference between a swing keel or dagger board. If you have a fixed keel, you will want tow insurance for sure. What are you concerned about hitting? You are not going to find any granite, unless you sail on Lake Hopatcong, and you'd have to be blind to hit granite because the rocks are marked, unless the water is unusually low, you might find a rock that is normally too deep to hit.
If you are sailing off shore in the Atlantic (if you are "first time sailing" it isn't likely or recommended that you start off-shore) you will be in deep water. You aren't going to be sailing a MacGregor onto a beach anywhere. There would be no reason to be fixated on a swing keel or a dagger board because either one of those would be a lousy choice.
It's hard to understand why you are so fixated on the keel type. You have to define your sailing location better. "Bay" could define Raritan Bay or a very shallow bay such as Barnegat Bay. Each has much different characteristics. In my opinion, talking about a swing keel or a dagger board for off shore sailing in the Atlantic doesn't make any sense at all. You need to clarify.
Do you need a cabin at all (as in are you set on overnights right away?) If you are bay sailing daytime only and are concerned about sand bars, a simple little day sailor with an outboard Motor and a centerboard might be your best bet at the beginning. O’day Rhodes 19 (or Mariner if you want a tiny cabin that will sleep 2) come to mind, excellent bay boats and no risk of damage if you beach them. They sail really well, are very forgiving and have great support through Stewart Marine in Maine or DR Marine in Cape Cod. Good learning boat that has all the same systems as a bigger boat- mainsail, spinnaker, jib (or genoa with roller furling if you want). Easy to trailer too.
But the point is here, you really need to be accurate and honest about how you will use the boat, that will steer you towards the right choice.
But the point is here, you really need to be accurate and honest about how you will use the boat, that will steer you towards the right choice.
Last edited:
As an M-owner, and apparently crappy sailer, I'll agree with @DrJudyB, @Mr Fox, and @JRT. You have an enviable budget for a first time buyer. Decide how you plan to use the boat and what sort of weather you want to prepare for. In bays, rivers, and thin water, a swing keel or daggerboard boat will be better. If you plan to trailer, or that idea even appeals to you, the swing keels and daggerboards are what you need to be looking at. If you want to spend lots of time offshore in bad weather, you need a serious boat. If, on the other hand, you only want to slip out into the ocean on good days, a trailerable would be fine.
If you will keep it in a marina, only hauling it once a year, and never plan to sail in other places, that opens you up to a heavier boat with more permanent ballast.
Trailering is great if you want to keep your boat at home and sail different places. Cheaper than marina storage. Downside is time required to setup and tear down for launching and trailering. I'm at 20-25 minutes for setup, and around 45 minutes teardown and secure for trailering home. Add another 30 minutes for washdown if you are in brackish or salt water.
Keeping it in a slip is the ultimate in convenience, but costs more and requires bottom painting. And likely more maintenance otherwise due to exposure. Basically, you can stop by the marina anytime you have a couple of hours and go for a quick sail, though - so it's a pretty sweet gig when everything is right. If a bad storm comes in, you might have to go check on your lines / add lines to make sure your boat is secure (maybe check your neighbor's lines, too).
Absolutely agree that a reliable motor, and good knowledge of it is essential.
I'm not going to get into defending my boat's brand, but I've been out in 25knotts gusting over 30, small craft advisory, and significant swell in my 26m. In fact, I took my middle daughter for her first sail in those very conditions. My boat can plane in more chop than I can stand and it has somehow managed to stay intact. I've motored unballasted with 4 adults, and ballasted with 6. It runs about 17 knots empty and about 15 knots full, so you can still cover good ground. Although, if it's blowing 25-30, you won't want to be motoring much over hull speed. The rig is light, as is the boat construction. That's why it can be launched and retrieved like a bass boat. While they sometimes are taken for blue water cruises, I wouldn't select one for that purpose. I wouldn't select an X or M if I wanted to race much either. PHRF is in the 250+ range if I recall correctly, compared to the earlier models which run 213-222 range.
There are a huge number of boats in the 22-28 ft range for the money you have. You need to look at a bunch of them, go aboard and try them on. See if you can get a day sail out of folks if you bring the food and beer. Hone in on how you want to use it. Catalina, Hunter, Macgregor, Potter, and many others offer boats that will do what you have described above; bays, no overnight off-shore, and sandbars.
Don't ignore a multi Hull if you happen on one that's a good deal, either,
I think it's been said before, but I'll plus one; buy the best boat and accessories you can - unless you're looking for more of a project. That way you'll get to sail some before the projects start. After all, it is a boat.
Happy hunting!
If you will keep it in a marina, only hauling it once a year, and never plan to sail in other places, that opens you up to a heavier boat with more permanent ballast.
Trailering is great if you want to keep your boat at home and sail different places. Cheaper than marina storage. Downside is time required to setup and tear down for launching and trailering. I'm at 20-25 minutes for setup, and around 45 minutes teardown and secure for trailering home. Add another 30 minutes for washdown if you are in brackish or salt water.
Keeping it in a slip is the ultimate in convenience, but costs more and requires bottom painting. And likely more maintenance otherwise due to exposure. Basically, you can stop by the marina anytime you have a couple of hours and go for a quick sail, though - so it's a pretty sweet gig when everything is right. If a bad storm comes in, you might have to go check on your lines / add lines to make sure your boat is secure (maybe check your neighbor's lines, too).
Absolutely agree that a reliable motor, and good knowledge of it is essential.
I'm not going to get into defending my boat's brand, but I've been out in 25knotts gusting over 30, small craft advisory, and significant swell in my 26m. In fact, I took my middle daughter for her first sail in those very conditions. My boat can plane in more chop than I can stand and it has somehow managed to stay intact. I've motored unballasted with 4 adults, and ballasted with 6. It runs about 17 knots empty and about 15 knots full, so you can still cover good ground. Although, if it's blowing 25-30, you won't want to be motoring much over hull speed. The rig is light, as is the boat construction. That's why it can be launched and retrieved like a bass boat. While they sometimes are taken for blue water cruises, I wouldn't select one for that purpose. I wouldn't select an X or M if I wanted to race much either. PHRF is in the 250+ range if I recall correctly, compared to the earlier models which run 213-222 range.
There are a huge number of boats in the 22-28 ft range for the money you have. You need to look at a bunch of them, go aboard and try them on. See if you can get a day sail out of folks if you bring the food and beer. Hone in on how you want to use it. Catalina, Hunter, Macgregor, Potter, and many others offer boats that will do what you have described above; bays, no overnight off-shore, and sandbars.
Don't ignore a multi Hull if you happen on one that's a good deal, either,
I think it's been said before, but I'll plus one; buy the best boat and accessories you can - unless you're looking for more of a project. That way you'll get to sail some before the projects start. After all, it is a boat.
Happy hunting!
I think that McGregor actually seems like it would be fun- there’s a lot of room, plenty of births for sleeping, good amount of light below, a big outboard and trailerable. It’s a little quirky, definitely different (therefore not for everyone) but who cares if you enjoy it and like the way it looks?
I’m not saying it is your best choice, but it seems on paper (I’ve never been on one) like a very flexible boat as long as you don’t plan to be out of sight of shore.
I’m not saying it is your best choice, but it seems on paper (I’ve never been on one) like a very flexible boat as long as you don’t plan to be out of sight of shore.
Got long winded and forgot some important stuff. Whatever boat you get, learn its limitations and yours. Stay well on the safe side of both until you have a lot of time at the helm. Keep your blue water trips short and make sure you study the weather, allowing plenty of time for traveling at the speed of smell. Wind predictions can be pretty far off some days. Don't ignore weather - even in bays. Even bare rigging and a low freeboard boat get gnarly in a blow. Get good ground tackle. Always let someone know where you're going and when to expect you back (preferably someone not with you on the boat).
Lastly, get a big enough kicker to make headway in a reasonable blow. It doesn't have to be 60-90hp on a 26 ft boat like an M or X, but 9-10 hp vs 2hp can make a big difference. I'll let others who have more conventional boats address this if you have any questions. Just familiar with it because my buddy has a little kicker on his J22 that wouldn't get him back upwind to his marina in a blow - making for a long night tied up at a dock in a river where he took shelter.
Lastly, get a big enough kicker to make headway in a reasonable blow. It doesn't have to be 60-90hp on a 26 ft boat like an M or X, but 9-10 hp vs 2hp can make a big difference. I'll let others who have more conventional boats address this if you have any questions. Just familiar with it because my buddy has a little kicker on his J22 that wouldn't get him back upwind to his marina in a blow - making for a long night tied up at a dock in a river where he took shelter.