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. So, am I nuts for considering "downsizing" to a newer MacGregor 26X?
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Ron
Are You Nuts???
I don't think so. I am a huge supporter of the bigger is better theory, but if you and your wife have found a smaller boat that fits your needs... why not?? Hope you both enjoy hot-dogging up the rivers.. Good Luck.. Ron
I don't think so. I am a huge supporter of the bigger is better theory, but if you and your wife have found a smaller boat that fits your needs... why not?? Hope you both enjoy hot-dogging up the rivers.. Good Luck.. Ron
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Ron
I'd go Slowly in trading a Catalina for Mac '26
I haven't personally sailed the MacGregor 26, but I have seen them out on the water. And based upon what others have said, it isn't a great sailing boat. If you enjoy sailing, I think you'd be disappointed leaving your Catalina for it. I think I'd go to a stricty power boat, before I'd switch. I also believe that the contruction on most MacGregor's is on the "light" side. About 2 years ago, I saw a couple of the 26's for sail, used, cheap. Maybe what seems like a great idea, isn't in practice, thus the poor used market. So, there's my free advice! Ron S/V Finesse, h34 Miami www.explorescuba.com
I haven't personally sailed the MacGregor 26, but I have seen them out on the water. And based upon what others have said, it isn't a great sailing boat. If you enjoy sailing, I think you'd be disappointed leaving your Catalina for it. I think I'd go to a stricty power boat, before I'd switch. I also believe that the contruction on most MacGregor's is on the "light" side. About 2 years ago, I saw a couple of the 26's for sail, used, cheap. Maybe what seems like a great idea, isn't in practice, thus the poor used market. So, there's my free advice! Ron S/V Finesse, h34 Miami www.explorescuba.com
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Mike
Don't do it
Don't even think about a Macgregor. It's the Yugo of boats. Poorly constructed, poorly designed.
Don't even think about a Macgregor. It's the Yugo of boats. Poorly constructed, poorly designed.
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steven f.
sail YOUR type of sailing
I cant speak of the McGregor boat but will say your smart in wanting a boat that suits your type of sailing. If gunk-holing in your areas rivers is what you do than by all means get a boat that fits that type of boating. I'm a coastal cruiser so we dont want, or need, an off-shore blue water cruiser. It doesn't fit our type of sailing. In short, I think your smart to get a boat that fits your style. Not all of us sail the same way or want the same things in sailing.
I cant speak of the McGregor boat but will say your smart in wanting a boat that suits your type of sailing. If gunk-holing in your areas rivers is what you do than by all means get a boat that fits that type of boating. I'm a coastal cruiser so we dont want, or need, an off-shore blue water cruiser. It doesn't fit our type of sailing. In short, I think your smart to get a boat that fits your style. Not all of us sail the same way or want the same things in sailing.
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Guest
No!
Your desire to have a different boat is understandable based upon your needs and wants. Going through the same process right now. Will probably dump my 28.5 and buy a smaller, cheaper sailboat and also a nice classic runabout to please the kids. I think I will get more time on the water and can still keep within my boating budget. The only question I would ask is why there are so many Mac 26's for sale that are a year old? The real issue is whatever makes you and yours happy. Good luck.
Your desire to have a different boat is understandable based upon your needs and wants. Going through the same process right now. Will probably dump my 28.5 and buy a smaller, cheaper sailboat and also a nice classic runabout to please the kids. I think I will get more time on the water and can still keep within my boating budget. The only question I would ask is why there are so many Mac 26's for sale that are a year old? The real issue is whatever makes you and yours happy. Good luck.
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Gary Jensen
good choice
I was out Saturday when the wind died. As I was drifting waiting for wind, a MacGregor sped by heading "in". I had to admit, my $150,000 boat was not doing me any good while this $10,000 (with no slip fees) appeared to be doing something right---for the moment. If the situation were different, like 35 mph winds or large ocean swells then I would be in a better situation... Bottom line , you know your situation and its your call......good luck Gary
I was out Saturday when the wind died. As I was drifting waiting for wind, a MacGregor sped by heading "in". I had to admit, my $150,000 boat was not doing me any good while this $10,000 (with no slip fees) appeared to be doing something right---for the moment. If the situation were different, like 35 mph winds or large ocean swells then I would be in a better situation... Bottom line , you know your situation and its your call......good luck Gary
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Rick Webb
I Was Not Impressed
I really liked the idea of the Mac but when I finally saw one I was thoroughly unimpressed. It is not a sailboat. The 12' Widgeon I learned to sail on was better rigged than the Mac. If you are looking for a powerboat you can sail it may be OK but just barely. Everything on and about the boat seemed cheap and lightweight. Yes, there are times I wish I had the speed to match it, but it passes. If you are seriously considering one maybe you ought to look for a powerboat and one of those Widgeons so many of us learned to sail on.
I really liked the idea of the Mac but when I finally saw one I was thoroughly unimpressed. It is not a sailboat. The 12' Widgeon I learned to sail on was better rigged than the Mac. If you are looking for a powerboat you can sail it may be OK but just barely. Everything on and about the boat seemed cheap and lightweight. Yes, there are times I wish I had the speed to match it, but it passes. If you are seriously considering one maybe you ought to look for a powerboat and one of those Widgeons so many of us learned to sail on.
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Stephen Ostrander
think again
If you try to compromise between sailing and powerboating by buying the Mac you will just be dissapointed in both regards. The Mac will do neither well. You might as well get a power boat and a smaller, trailerable sailboat that you could use selectively.
If you try to compromise between sailing and powerboating by buying the Mac you will just be dissapointed in both regards. The Mac will do neither well. You might as well get a power boat and a smaller, trailerable sailboat that you could use selectively.
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Joe
Sorry, Steve, I didn't realize that I ....
....duplicated your response. But you are exactly right.
....duplicated your response. But you are exactly right.
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Jim Oursler
What boat for the river?
I would buy a power boat for the river and stick with the Cat 30 for sailing. In the past 6 years I have been sampling them all... In order of purchase.. Pearson 26, Cat 30, Beneteau First 235, S2 7.9, Hunter 34 and J22. I kept the last two. One for racing and the other for cruising. All were used and good project boats. The Cat 30 is so much for the money. As a secondary consideration.. rent a Mac Greagor for a week, or buy one for about $10-14k on the used market. A lot hit the used market because the boat turns out to be too much of a compromise for many people. On a windy day in the bay, you will miss the weight and stability of the Catalina. The rivers are tempting, but you give up a lot with the do-all boat.
I would buy a power boat for the river and stick with the Cat 30 for sailing. In the past 6 years I have been sampling them all... In order of purchase.. Pearson 26, Cat 30, Beneteau First 235, S2 7.9, Hunter 34 and J22. I kept the last two. One for racing and the other for cruising. All were used and good project boats. The Cat 30 is so much for the money. As a secondary consideration.. rent a Mac Greagor for a week, or buy one for about $10-14k on the used market. A lot hit the used market because the boat turns out to be too much of a compromise for many people. On a windy day in the bay, you will miss the weight and stability of the Catalina. The rivers are tempting, but you give up a lot with the do-all boat.
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