I am real new to this sport . . . .of sailing. I am taking lessons when down on Cozumel . I desire to have a trailer boat , but one that would sleep 4 for a weekend and 2 for longer. I have been looking at the Macgregor 26m with a 50hp and that looks great except being brand new at this . . . how would I really know what looks great . This boat will be one of my diversions when I retire in 2 more years at age 55. I am not a CEO and I am getting old SOoooooooo I don't have money or time to waste hitting and missing : ) So where else would you ask these questions other than from those who have gone before me : )
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I am real new to this sport . . . .of sailing. I am taking lessons when down on Cozumel . I desire to have a trailer boat , but one that would sleep 4 for a weekend and 2 for longer. I have been looking at the Macgregor 26m with a 50hp and that looks great except being brand new at this . . . how would I really know what looks great . This boat will be one of my diversions when I retire in 2 more years at age 55. I am not a CEO and I am getting old SOoooooooo I don't have money or time to waste hitting and missing : ) So where else would you ask these questions other than from those who have gone before me : )
Other choices
Whoa Richard; Slow down... you are going to need to answer a lot of questions for yourself before you buy anything. You can learn to sail in a few hours on the water if you have a good instructor but boat choice is a little more complicated. Where are you going to sail? What kind of sailing do YOU like? Are you a potential racer... cruiser??? Lots of things to test out before you buy such a poorly balanced boat with such a (relatively) huge amount of horse power. Might I suggest that you join a sailing club of some sort and crew for others for a bit to see what sailing is about. There are crew lists and some good skippers out there looking for crew. Maybe a small boat first, then step up a bit. Anyway, and this is strictly my opinion, any starter sailboat in the 26' and under category with more than about 10 hp is going to be about powering... not sailing. Even a much older keel boat or trailerable swing keel is going to be a better sailing craft than the Mc26M... given that these old hulls will last forever (or certainly out live either of us) they can be a bargain and a blessing for those of us willing to keep up with their maintanence. Just look around a little more before jumping into a "motor boat". The cost of a 50 hp motor is around $6K or more compared to smaller motors and a fresh set of sails!!! You can buy a LOT of boat if you lean more toward the sail end of things rather than the power end. Whatever you do enjoy the looking and the sailing. Best; Chris
Whoa Richard; Slow down... you are going to need to answer a lot of questions for yourself before you buy anything. You can learn to sail in a few hours on the water if you have a good instructor but boat choice is a little more complicated. Where are you going to sail? What kind of sailing do YOU like? Are you a potential racer... cruiser??? Lots of things to test out before you buy such a poorly balanced boat with such a (relatively) huge amount of horse power. Might I suggest that you join a sailing club of some sort and crew for others for a bit to see what sailing is about. There are crew lists and some good skippers out there looking for crew. Maybe a small boat first, then step up a bit. Anyway, and this is strictly my opinion, any starter sailboat in the 26' and under category with more than about 10 hp is going to be about powering... not sailing. Even a much older keel boat or trailerable swing keel is going to be a better sailing craft than the Mc26M... given that these old hulls will last forever (or certainly out live either of us) they can be a bargain and a blessing for those of us willing to keep up with their maintanence. Just look around a little more before jumping into a "motor boat". The cost of a 50 hp motor is around $6K or more compared to smaller motors and a fresh set of sails!!! You can buy a LOT of boat if you lean more toward the sail end of things rather than the power end. Whatever you do enjoy the looking and the sailing. Best; Chris
Other choices
Whoa Richard; Slow down... you are going to need to answer a lot of questions for yourself before you buy anything. You can learn to sail in a few hours on the water if you have a good instructor but boat choice is a little more complicated. Where are you going to sail? What kind of sailing do YOU like? Are you a potential racer... cruiser??? Lots of things to test out before you buy such a poorly balanced boat with such a (relatively) huge amount of horse power. Might I suggest that you join a sailing club of some sort and crew for others for a bit to see what sailing is about. There are crew lists and some good skippers out there looking for crew. Maybe a small boat first, then step up a bit. Anyway, and this is strictly my opinion, any starter sailboat in the 26' and under category with more than about 10 hp is going to be about powering... not sailing. Even a much older keel boat or trailerable swing keel is going to be a better sailing craft than the Mc26M... given that these old hulls will last forever (or certainly out live either of us) they can be a bargain and a blessing for those of us willing to keep up with their maintanence. Just look around a little more before jumping into a "motor boat". The cost of a 50 hp motor is around $6K or more compared to smaller motors and a fresh set of sails!!! You can buy a LOT of boat if you lean more toward the sail end of things rather than the power end. Whatever you do enjoy the looking and the sailing. Best; Chris
Whoa Richard; Slow down... you are going to need to answer a lot of questions for yourself before you buy anything. You can learn to sail in a few hours on the water if you have a good instructor but boat choice is a little more complicated. Where are you going to sail? What kind of sailing do YOU like? Are you a potential racer... cruiser??? Lots of things to test out before you buy such a poorly balanced boat with such a (relatively) huge amount of horse power. Might I suggest that you join a sailing club of some sort and crew for others for a bit to see what sailing is about. There are crew lists and some good skippers out there looking for crew. Maybe a small boat first, then step up a bit. Anyway, and this is strictly my opinion, any starter sailboat in the 26' and under category with more than about 10 hp is going to be about powering... not sailing. Even a much older keel boat or trailerable swing keel is going to be a better sailing craft than the Mc26M... given that these old hulls will last forever (or certainly out live either of us) they can be a bargain and a blessing for those of us willing to keep up with their maintanence. Just look around a little more before jumping into a "motor boat". The cost of a 50 hp motor is around $6K or more compared to smaller motors and a fresh set of sails!!! You can buy a LOT of boat if you lean more toward the sail end of things rather than the power end. Whatever you do enjoy the looking and the sailing. Best; Chris
We started at 57 - why the hurry
I made my first sail at the age of 54 in an 8 foot dingy. AT 57 I built a 12 foot sailing dingy. At 58 we bought a Catalina 250 to sail the Chesapeake bay (4 hour drive from where we live - no big inland lakes around here). We spent many hours at boat shows, reading, surfing the net, visiting dealers and brokers - looking at asking and trying out a few sailboats that matched what we wanted to do with it. Slow down and take a serious look at what you can do, what you want to do and what really matters then start your search.
I made my first sail at the age of 54 in an 8 foot dingy. AT 57 I built a 12 foot sailing dingy. At 58 we bought a Catalina 250 to sail the Chesapeake bay (4 hour drive from where we live - no big inland lakes around here). We spent many hours at boat shows, reading, surfing the net, visiting dealers and brokers - looking at asking and trying out a few sailboats that matched what we wanted to do with it. Slow down and take a serious look at what you can do, what you want to do and what really matters then start your search.
We started at 57 - why the hurry
I made my first sail at the age of 54 in an 8 foot dingy. AT 57 I built a 12 foot sailing dingy. At 58 we bought a Catalina 250 to sail the Chesapeake bay (4 hour drive from where we live - no big inland lakes around here). We spent many hours at boat shows, reading, surfing the net, visiting dealers and brokers - looking at asking and trying out a few sailboats that matched what we wanted to do with it. Slow down and take a serious look at what you can do, what you want to do and what really matters then start your search.
I made my first sail at the age of 54 in an 8 foot dingy. AT 57 I built a 12 foot sailing dingy. At 58 we bought a Catalina 250 to sail the Chesapeake bay (4 hour drive from where we live - no big inland lakes around here). We spent many hours at boat shows, reading, surfing the net, visiting dealers and brokers - looking at asking and trying out a few sailboats that matched what we wanted to do with it. Slow down and take a serious look at what you can do, what you want to do and what really matters then start your search.
Lake Michigan sailing?
Richard, if you live in Chicago, you are lucky to live in a city with so many phenomenal harbors to sail from. Having grown up in Chicago and sailed from Montrose Harbor and downtown (Monroe Harbor), I know what a great place it is to be, even if the season is relatively short. My question is ... why are you looking for a trailerable boat? Are moorings that difficult to locate? Do you intend to use the boat on a small inland lake? I am closer to 50 than I wish I was, and I know that comfort in a small cruiser is important. In a boat that you want to spend a weekend or longer on, I can't imagine where in the Chicago area, other than Lake Michigan, you could possibly use it. So make sure that you get a boat that is VERY seaworthy. As any Chicagoan knows, Lake Michigan has cold water and can be very treacherous. No offense to the Mac, but I would look for something with a heavy keel, that will be secure in any sea condition (even though it is a lake). Don't be impressed with 50 hp, that belongs on a runabout, not a sailboat. If you want to sail in Chicago, you can't go wrong if you check out the Chicago, Columbia, or Montrose Yacht Clubs. They are located downtown, at Belmont Harbor or Montrose Harbor. There are many great people there that would get you going. Also, the market for some great older boats in good condition has to be really good in Chicago. You can find something to fit the bill if you look into it.
Richard, if you live in Chicago, you are lucky to live in a city with so many phenomenal harbors to sail from. Having grown up in Chicago and sailed from Montrose Harbor and downtown (Monroe Harbor), I know what a great place it is to be, even if the season is relatively short. My question is ... why are you looking for a trailerable boat? Are moorings that difficult to locate? Do you intend to use the boat on a small inland lake? I am closer to 50 than I wish I was, and I know that comfort in a small cruiser is important. In a boat that you want to spend a weekend or longer on, I can't imagine where in the Chicago area, other than Lake Michigan, you could possibly use it. So make sure that you get a boat that is VERY seaworthy. As any Chicagoan knows, Lake Michigan has cold water and can be very treacherous. No offense to the Mac, but I would look for something with a heavy keel, that will be secure in any sea condition (even though it is a lake). Don't be impressed with 50 hp, that belongs on a runabout, not a sailboat. If you want to sail in Chicago, you can't go wrong if you check out the Chicago, Columbia, or Montrose Yacht Clubs. They are located downtown, at Belmont Harbor or Montrose Harbor. There are many great people there that would get you going. Also, the market for some great older boats in good condition has to be really good in Chicago. You can find something to fit the bill if you look into it.
Lake Michigan sailing?
Richard, if you live in Chicago, you are lucky to live in a city with so many phenomenal harbors to sail from. Having grown up in Chicago and sailed from Montrose Harbor and downtown (Monroe Harbor), I know what a great place it is to be, even if the season is relatively short. My question is ... why are you looking for a trailerable boat? Are moorings that difficult to locate? Do you intend to use the boat on a small inland lake? I am closer to 50 than I wish I was, and I know that comfort in a small cruiser is important. In a boat that you want to spend a weekend or longer on, I can't imagine where in the Chicago area, other than Lake Michigan, you could possibly use it. So make sure that you get a boat that is VERY seaworthy. As any Chicagoan knows, Lake Michigan has cold water and can be very treacherous. No offense to the Mac, but I would look for something with a heavy keel, that will be secure in any sea condition (even though it is a lake). Don't be impressed with 50 hp, that belongs on a runabout, not a sailboat. If you want to sail in Chicago, you can't go wrong if you check out the Chicago, Columbia, or Montrose Yacht Clubs. They are located downtown, at Belmont Harbor or Montrose Harbor. There are many great people there that would get you going. Also, the market for some great older boats in good condition has to be really good in Chicago. You can find something to fit the bill if you look into it.
Richard, if you live in Chicago, you are lucky to live in a city with so many phenomenal harbors to sail from. Having grown up in Chicago and sailed from Montrose Harbor and downtown (Monroe Harbor), I know what a great place it is to be, even if the season is relatively short. My question is ... why are you looking for a trailerable boat? Are moorings that difficult to locate? Do you intend to use the boat on a small inland lake? I am closer to 50 than I wish I was, and I know that comfort in a small cruiser is important. In a boat that you want to spend a weekend or longer on, I can't imagine where in the Chicago area, other than Lake Michigan, you could possibly use it. So make sure that you get a boat that is VERY seaworthy. As any Chicagoan knows, Lake Michigan has cold water and can be very treacherous. No offense to the Mac, but I would look for something with a heavy keel, that will be secure in any sea condition (even though it is a lake). Don't be impressed with 50 hp, that belongs on a runabout, not a sailboat. If you want to sail in Chicago, you can't go wrong if you check out the Chicago, Columbia, or Montrose Yacht Clubs. They are located downtown, at Belmont Harbor or Montrose Harbor. There are many great people there that would get you going. Also, the market for some great older boats in good condition has to be really good in Chicago. You can find something to fit the bill if you look into it.
my 2 cents
OK, the mac 26 is a nice looking boat, but it has many drawbacks. Water ballast, no deep weight, this causes an excessive amount of heel. I know a previous owner who said his wife wouldn't go with him any more due to the heeling. Light construction, can possibly be easily damaged. 50hp motor? Please! A boat that light shouldn't need more than 10 hp. Now my experience. Our first boat was a Chrysler 22, Very heavy, very STRONG, low heeling. Johnson 6hp for aux power. No, we don't get across the bay in 15 minutes, but that's not what sailing is about. Our friends own a Hunter 23 and they call our boat "The Battleship" We now own a Glander Tavana, another old, heavy boat. Good construction. Both boats sail like dreams, and after all, is that not what we're into this for? A nice day, good winds, no motor odors, and still moving along at 5-6 knots. Slow down, research, think about what you want to do, then find out how to accomplish it. Remember, an older boat will cost you less than a new one and quite possible will be better constructed to boot.
OK, the mac 26 is a nice looking boat, but it has many drawbacks. Water ballast, no deep weight, this causes an excessive amount of heel. I know a previous owner who said his wife wouldn't go with him any more due to the heeling. Light construction, can possibly be easily damaged. 50hp motor? Please! A boat that light shouldn't need more than 10 hp. Now my experience. Our first boat was a Chrysler 22, Very heavy, very STRONG, low heeling. Johnson 6hp for aux power. No, we don't get across the bay in 15 minutes, but that's not what sailing is about. Our friends own a Hunter 23 and they call our boat "The Battleship" We now own a Glander Tavana, another old, heavy boat. Good construction. Both boats sail like dreams, and after all, is that not what we're into this for? A nice day, good winds, no motor odors, and still moving along at 5-6 knots. Slow down, research, think about what you want to do, then find out how to accomplish it. Remember, an older boat will cost you less than a new one and quite possible will be better constructed to boot.
my 2 cents
OK, the mac 26 is a nice looking boat, but it has many drawbacks. Water ballast, no deep weight, this causes an excessive amount of heel. I know a previous owner who said his wife wouldn't go with him any more due to the heeling. Light construction, can possibly be easily damaged. 50hp motor? Please! A boat that light shouldn't need more than 10 hp. Now my experience. Our first boat was a Chrysler 22, Very heavy, very STRONG, low heeling. Johnson 6hp for aux power. No, we don't get across the bay in 15 minutes, but that's not what sailing is about. Our friends own a Hunter 23 and they call our boat "The Battleship" We now own a Glander Tavana, another old, heavy boat. Good construction. Both boats sail like dreams, and after all, is that not what we're into this for? A nice day, good winds, no motor odors, and still moving along at 5-6 knots. Slow down, research, think about what you want to do, then find out how to accomplish it. Remember, an older boat will cost you less than a new one and quite possible will be better constructed to boot.
OK, the mac 26 is a nice looking boat, but it has many drawbacks. Water ballast, no deep weight, this causes an excessive amount of heel. I know a previous owner who said his wife wouldn't go with him any more due to the heeling. Light construction, can possibly be easily damaged. 50hp motor? Please! A boat that light shouldn't need more than 10 hp. Now my experience. Our first boat was a Chrysler 22, Very heavy, very STRONG, low heeling. Johnson 6hp for aux power. No, we don't get across the bay in 15 minutes, but that's not what sailing is about. Our friends own a Hunter 23 and they call our boat "The Battleship" We now own a Glander Tavana, another old, heavy boat. Good construction. Both boats sail like dreams, and after all, is that not what we're into this for? A nice day, good winds, no motor odors, and still moving along at 5-6 knots. Slow down, research, think about what you want to do, then find out how to accomplish it. Remember, an older boat will cost you less than a new one and quite possible will be better constructed to boot.
Think before you jump in
Where are you going to sail,will it have alot of wind, than you will need a fixed keel boat and if you only go out in lite wind the trailerable is ok. I have a 290 with just short of 4' fixed keel and when I am sailing and the wind picksup my boat can handle it very well. I know people with trailerables and when the wind picksup they heel over alot. You should demo the different boats and see how they handle before deciding. nick
Where are you going to sail,will it have alot of wind, than you will need a fixed keel boat and if you only go out in lite wind the trailerable is ok. I have a 290 with just short of 4' fixed keel and when I am sailing and the wind picksup my boat can handle it very well. I know people with trailerables and when the wind picksup they heel over alot. You should demo the different boats and see how they handle before deciding. nick
Think before you jump in
Where are you going to sail,will it have alot of wind, than you will need a fixed keel boat and if you only go out in lite wind the trailerable is ok. I have a 290 with just short of 4' fixed keel and when I am sailing and the wind picksup my boat can handle it very well. I know people with trailerables and when the wind picksup they heel over alot. You should demo the different boats and see how they handle before deciding. nick
Where are you going to sail,will it have alot of wind, than you will need a fixed keel boat and if you only go out in lite wind the trailerable is ok. I have a 290 with just short of 4' fixed keel and when I am sailing and the wind picksup my boat can handle it very well. I know people with trailerables and when the wind picksup they heel over alot. You should demo the different boats and see how they handle before deciding. nick
My humble opinion
Old man, I'm retired and think you will use your boat more and enjoy it more if you have a mooring. Trailering a boat is a pain, physically exhausting, and usually requires a helping hand or two. If you like getting out on the water quick buy a motor boat. If you enjoy sailing, buy a sailboat. A mac is an abomination, example, you enjoy being out with a beautiful woman, but still like drinking with the your buddy=transvestite? OK bad analogy, I'm actually way out of line, I apologize to anyone I might have offended, any way you get out on the water is fine, I love the ocean and would be happy out there on an old wooden dinghy with broken oars. Good luck!
Old man, I'm retired and think you will use your boat more and enjoy it more if you have a mooring. Trailering a boat is a pain, physically exhausting, and usually requires a helping hand or two. If you like getting out on the water quick buy a motor boat. If you enjoy sailing, buy a sailboat. A mac is an abomination, example, you enjoy being out with a beautiful woman, but still like drinking with the your buddy=transvestite? OK bad analogy, I'm actually way out of line, I apologize to anyone I might have offended, any way you get out on the water is fine, I love the ocean and would be happy out there on an old wooden dinghy with broken oars. Good luck!
My humble opinion
Old man, I'm retired and think you will use your boat more and enjoy it more if you have a mooring. Trailering a boat is a pain, physically exhausting, and usually requires a helping hand or two. If you like getting out on the water quick buy a motor boat. If you enjoy sailing, buy a sailboat. A mac is an abomination, example, you enjoy being out with a beautiful woman, but still like drinking with the your buddy=transvestite? OK bad analogy, I'm actually way out of line, I apologize to anyone I might have offended, any way you get out on the water is fine, I love the ocean and would be happy out there on an old wooden dinghy with broken oars. Good luck!
Old man, I'm retired and think you will use your boat more and enjoy it more if you have a mooring. Trailering a boat is a pain, physically exhausting, and usually requires a helping hand or two. If you like getting out on the water quick buy a motor boat. If you enjoy sailing, buy a sailboat. A mac is an abomination, example, you enjoy being out with a beautiful woman, but still like drinking with the your buddy=transvestite? OK bad analogy, I'm actually way out of line, I apologize to anyone I might have offended, any way you get out on the water is fine, I love the ocean and would be happy out there on an old wooden dinghy with broken oars. Good luck!
What the others are saying
The Mac 26x is sort of a hybrid - I have a friend who has one, and for him it works out fine. I've only seen it under sail twice - most of the time he uses it as a powerboat. But it is not a good choice if what you want is a good sailboat - its performance and stability do not compare well to 'pure' sailboats. It will be difficult to find a trailerable boat that will sleep 4 decently - that's what a lot of people say they want, but the as soon as you say "trailerable" you have started to whittle away at the qualities that make boats perform well and be more stable and comfortable: weight, keel configuration, o/all size, etc. And does "trailerable" mean you are going to pull it behind the family station wagon or a one ton diesel truck? Visit some marinas and talk to some owners of boats in the 23 to 27 foot range - see what they like and dislike about their boats. Some will probably invite you for a sail. Ask them why they bought theirs and not another brand or size. After a while you'll get a sense of what to look for. And unless you REALLY enjoy rigging and unrigging a boat, or are willing to settle for something that WON'T sleep four, forget the trailering part.
The Mac 26x is sort of a hybrid - I have a friend who has one, and for him it works out fine. I've only seen it under sail twice - most of the time he uses it as a powerboat. But it is not a good choice if what you want is a good sailboat - its performance and stability do not compare well to 'pure' sailboats. It will be difficult to find a trailerable boat that will sleep 4 decently - that's what a lot of people say they want, but the as soon as you say "trailerable" you have started to whittle away at the qualities that make boats perform well and be more stable and comfortable: weight, keel configuration, o/all size, etc. And does "trailerable" mean you are going to pull it behind the family station wagon or a one ton diesel truck? Visit some marinas and talk to some owners of boats in the 23 to 27 foot range - see what they like and dislike about their boats. Some will probably invite you for a sail. Ask them why they bought theirs and not another brand or size. After a while you'll get a sense of what to look for. And unless you REALLY enjoy rigging and unrigging a boat, or are willing to settle for something that WON'T sleep four, forget the trailering part.
What the others are saying
The Mac 26x is sort of a hybrid - I have a friend who has one, and for him it works out fine. I've only seen it under sail twice - most of the time he uses it as a powerboat. But it is not a good choice if what you want is a good sailboat - its performance and stability do not compare well to 'pure' sailboats. It will be difficult to find a trailerable boat that will sleep 4 decently - that's what a lot of people say they want, but the as soon as you say "trailerable" you have started to whittle away at the qualities that make boats perform well and be more stable and comfortable: weight, keel configuration, o/all size, etc. And does "trailerable" mean you are going to pull it behind the family station wagon or a one ton diesel truck? Visit some marinas and talk to some owners of boats in the 23 to 27 foot range - see what they like and dislike about their boats. Some will probably invite you for a sail. Ask them why they bought theirs and not another brand or size. After a while you'll get a sense of what to look for. And unless you REALLY enjoy rigging and unrigging a boat, or are willing to settle for something that WON'T sleep four, forget the trailering part.
The Mac 26x is sort of a hybrid - I have a friend who has one, and for him it works out fine. I've only seen it under sail twice - most of the time he uses it as a powerboat. But it is not a good choice if what you want is a good sailboat - its performance and stability do not compare well to 'pure' sailboats. It will be difficult to find a trailerable boat that will sleep 4 decently - that's what a lot of people say they want, but the as soon as you say "trailerable" you have started to whittle away at the qualities that make boats perform well and be more stable and comfortable: weight, keel configuration, o/all size, etc. And does "trailerable" mean you are going to pull it behind the family station wagon or a one ton diesel truck? Visit some marinas and talk to some owners of boats in the 23 to 27 foot range - see what they like and dislike about their boats. Some will probably invite you for a sail. Ask them why they bought theirs and not another brand or size. After a while you'll get a sense of what to look for. And unless you REALLY enjoy rigging and unrigging a boat, or are willing to settle for something that WON'T sleep four, forget the trailering part.
Agree with both Bob and William.... think
what you are going to buy carefully. I have a Capri 16 (fixed keel trailable) fun in the beginning. When I wanted to move up I thought about what was the largest trailable boat I could buy. Then reality hit. How often would I really use it if I had to rig it. I bought a H36, permanent in the water....I use it almost every weekend. good luck abe
what you are going to buy carefully. I have a Capri 16 (fixed keel trailable) fun in the beginning. When I wanted to move up I thought about what was the largest trailable boat I could buy. Then reality hit. How often would I really use it if I had to rig it. I bought a H36, permanent in the water....I use it almost every weekend. good luck abe
Agree with both Bob and William.... think
what you are going to buy carefully. I have a Capri 16 (fixed keel trailable) fun in the beginning. When I wanted to move up I thought about what was the largest trailable boat I could buy. Then reality hit. How often would I really use it if I had to rig it. I bought a H36, permanent in the water....I use it almost every weekend. good luck abe
what you are going to buy carefully. I have a Capri 16 (fixed keel trailable) fun in the beginning. When I wanted to move up I thought about what was the largest trailable boat I could buy. Then reality hit. How often would I really use it if I had to rig it. I bought a H36, permanent in the water....I use it almost every weekend. good luck abe
- Status