I have a 1983 Catalina 30 TR that my wife and I use mostly as a day sailer with occasional overnight trips (2 this season, 3 last season). At a small local boatshow I saw a MacGregor 26X. My wife and I are thinking that this may be a better boat for our needs. In our area (southern Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads area) there are LOTS of long rivers that look like they'd be great for playing around on, but with the Cat 30, speed under power is too slow to go that far. Although I love sailing, I also like the idea of being able to power in the mid to upper teens when I actually have a specific destination to get to by a certian time. Plus water skiing behind a sailboat seems too good to be true. So, am I nuts for considering "downsizing" to a newer MacGregor 26X?
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David Sandowich
GOTTA DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO
I HAVE A CAT 30 AND KNOW THE FRUSTATION OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PUT IN THE MILES THAT SOME TRIPS WOULD REQUIRE. IF I WERE IN YOUR SITUATION I WOULD GET A REAL POWER BOAT ( 25-27) OR SMALL TRAWLER AND DO IT RIGHT. YOU'LL FEEL LIKE YOU ARE LIVING IN A CLOSET ON THE 26 VEREES THE CAT 30.
I HAVE A CAT 30 AND KNOW THE FRUSTATION OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PUT IN THE MILES THAT SOME TRIPS WOULD REQUIRE. IF I WERE IN YOUR SITUATION I WOULD GET A REAL POWER BOAT ( 25-27) OR SMALL TRAWLER AND DO IT RIGHT. YOU'LL FEEL LIKE YOU ARE LIVING IN A CLOSET ON THE 26 VEREES THE CAT 30.
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Rob
Crazy after all these years....
I think you are looking at two totally different animals. As long as you keep that in mind, you will be able to make a clear decision. However, if I were you, I would spend some considerable time behind the wheel of a Mac 26 before making any kind of a leap. I was considering a McGregor 26 when I first started looking at boats, and I found I wasn't comfortable with the boat's stability while it was still in the slip. It rocked and rolled far more than it's keeled neighbors did. I have also heard they are very tender in any breeze over 12 kts. I bought at C-27, and have never regretted it. There is a huge difference in helm and pointing ability between these boats from what I have heard from other sailors - and I have no reason to doubt them. A water ballast boat just doesn't seem like a fun, serious option. Best of luck! Rob
I think you are looking at two totally different animals. As long as you keep that in mind, you will be able to make a clear decision. However, if I were you, I would spend some considerable time behind the wheel of a Mac 26 before making any kind of a leap. I was considering a McGregor 26 when I first started looking at boats, and I found I wasn't comfortable with the boat's stability while it was still in the slip. It rocked and rolled far more than it's keeled neighbors did. I have also heard they are very tender in any breeze over 12 kts. I bought at C-27, and have never regretted it. There is a huge difference in helm and pointing ability between these boats from what I have heard from other sailors - and I have no reason to doubt them. A water ballast boat just doesn't seem like a fun, serious option. Best of luck! Rob
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Charlie Estrella
MacGregor....essh!
I haven't heard anything good about the MacGregor line. It's actually a great idea but I don't think you'll be happy with that decision. How much do you enjoy sailing? You've stated that you rarely overnight. In that case you may want to venture over to the powerboat arena. There is a multitude of powerboats being produced in this great economy. It just sounds to me like you would enjoy a pinic style boat that will take you where you want to go in a moderate amount of time. I would look at Fortier, Albin or Dyer....however if you decide to enter this arena get ready to shell out the green! Good luck!
I haven't heard anything good about the MacGregor line. It's actually a great idea but I don't think you'll be happy with that decision. How much do you enjoy sailing? You've stated that you rarely overnight. In that case you may want to venture over to the powerboat arena. There is a multitude of powerboats being produced in this great economy. It just sounds to me like you would enjoy a pinic style boat that will take you where you want to go in a moderate amount of time. I would look at Fortier, Albin or Dyer....however if you decide to enter this arena get ready to shell out the green! Good luck!
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Stan Rogacevicz
It's Your time and money !
Dave, Have at least one test sail on the m26x in some wind 10-15kt. You will hate the way it feels after a c30, but if you only sail in light winds and reef down early maybe it will be ok for you. As most have said it is a poor sailboat and not a good motorboat either - But unless you have 50+ grand to spend to get both maybe the m26x will give you enough of both worlds to make you happy. I had one 6 years ago and decided I needed much more strength and stability even for Narragansett Bay and definitly to go beyond. It got me out of the lakes and ponds of central Mass to the salt water, so it served a purpose for me. Decide where and how you want to spend the next x amount of years boating. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
Dave, Have at least one test sail on the m26x in some wind 10-15kt. You will hate the way it feels after a c30, but if you only sail in light winds and reef down early maybe it will be ok for you. As most have said it is a poor sailboat and not a good motorboat either - But unless you have 50+ grand to spend to get both maybe the m26x will give you enough of both worlds to make you happy. I had one 6 years ago and decided I needed much more strength and stability even for Narragansett Bay and definitly to go beyond. It got me out of the lakes and ponds of central Mass to the salt water, so it served a purpose for me. Decide where and how you want to spend the next x amount of years boating. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
What about a trailerable boat?
Obviously the M26X is trailerable but if you're looking to be able to enjoy your time sailing, check out C25s or even C22s. You can find a boat ramp & drop the boat in wherever you want to be. No need to plane! But the others do make valid points that perhaps you should check out power boats. MacGregors definitely have their place in the world (mainly lakes, IMHO) and if it works for you, go for it! LaDonna
Obviously the M26X is trailerable but if you're looking to be able to enjoy your time sailing, check out C25s or even C22s. You can find a boat ramp & drop the boat in wherever you want to be. No need to plane! But the others do make valid points that perhaps you should check out power boats. MacGregors definitely have their place in the world (mainly lakes, IMHO) and if it works for you, go for it! LaDonna
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Joe
Don't do it......
... there is an answer to your dilemma, but that boat is not it. Lousy power boat, lousy sailboat. Poor quality, low resale. If you still want one, buy a used one, they're cheap. It sounds to me like you might enjoy owning a powerboat that is large enough for weekends. Sooo... Sell the C30 and buy the powerboat you want. If you still want to sail once or twice a year, try chartering. If you really love sailing, buy a small sailboat and keep it on a trailer.
... there is an answer to your dilemma, but that boat is not it. Lousy power boat, lousy sailboat. Poor quality, low resale. If you still want one, buy a used one, they're cheap. It sounds to me like you might enjoy owning a powerboat that is large enough for weekends. Sooo... Sell the C30 and buy the powerboat you want. If you still want to sail once or twice a year, try chartering. If you really love sailing, buy a small sailboat and keep it on a trailer.
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Dave B
Doesn't do either very well
The MacGregor has the distinction of not being a very good sailboat or a power boat.
The MacGregor has the distinction of not being a very good sailboat or a power boat.
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