Greetings My experience has been with Lightnings,Cats and Sunfish for daysailing. I wish to take my first step into the cruising world by purchasing a 25 or 26 MacGregor. I made this decision after reading the numerous posts from a number of very satisfied Mac owners. My crew will be my wife and two ten year old daughters. Weekend sails for New Englands' lakes are the goal. I want to buy one boat that I can keep for the next 8-10 years while our girls are still with us. I also want a boat that will accomodate our two growing girls and ocassional guests. I am giving myself a budget of $10k and till next fall (2006) to find a Mac in very good condition. I do not have the time for a restoration project. Question: Is the 26 worth holding out for with it's extra bunk space and water ballast? Does it allow for a significant increase in gear storage options? Does the galley function better? Could the extra bunk space handle the occassional guest a little better as well. Does the water ballast give a greater sense of security to its' passengers,especially to those that feel a little undone when a sailboat heels over. I realize it could be the difference of spending $4k or $10k depending on what becomes available on the east coast. In all of the comments that I have reviewed, I do not recall anyone stating that they had evolved out of a 25 and into a Mac 26 for more interior accomodations or for the extra ballast. Any feed back on this issue would be greatly appreciated . Thank you, Doug
Choose the Mac 25 or 26
- Thread starter Doug6577
- Start date
- Status
One vote for a 26
I've never had a 25, so my opinion is slanted. I would (did) go with a 26S. The extra foot is worth it, and it is actually a lighter boat making it easier to haul on the trailer. You should be able to get a good 26 for under $7000. I spent more ($8,200 about two years ago), but messed up and waited almost till spring to buy one. The time to buy is now till mid-Febrary. Once spring comes around people will hold on to their boat for one more season. Good luck. I've been VERY happy with my 1991 26S. Kevin
I've never had a 25, so my opinion is slanted. I would (did) go with a 26S. The extra foot is worth it, and it is actually a lighter boat making it easier to haul on the trailer. You should be able to get a good 26 for under $7000. I spent more ($8,200 about two years ago), but messed up and waited almost till spring to buy one. The time to buy is now till mid-Febrary. Once spring comes around people will hold on to their boat for one more season. Good luck. I've been VERY happy with my 1991 26S. Kevin
another vote for a 26S
We love our Mac with the water ballast. Our next pick for more roominess would be a Hunter but they are much more expensive. I can't speak for the 25 but there are several at our marina. I recommend looking for one with a furling headsail. Adding one later is costly but the benefits demand one.
We love our Mac with the water ballast. Our next pick for more roominess would be a Hunter but they are much more expensive. I can't speak for the 25 but there are several at our marina. I recommend looking for one with a furling headsail. Adding one later is costly but the benefits demand one.
A vote for the 26 !!
HI DOUG, We owned a 1992 Mac26-S (swing keel), which I preferred to the Mac26-D (daggerboard, and have since bought a Mac 26-X. Without question...the 26 is the BEST CHOICE...very "SAFE" family boat...easy to sail, rig, trailer, upgrade, store, and maintain. We've camped and overnighted on it, and had great FUN. I highly recommend the investment of a BIMINI (cockpit sun shade) for the family...great for on the water picnics, fishing, etc. You and the FAMILY wont be disappointed. We had a Merc. 8 H.P., which is the H.P. range I recommend...(easy to lift on, or off the boat). ALSO, since your budget is $10,000. I want to add that I bought the 1992Mac26S for $7000., and it was MINT SHAPE as was the TRAILER !! Happy Sailing to you and your FAMILY...Make some great MEMORIES !!!
HI DOUG, We owned a 1992 Mac26-S (swing keel), which I preferred to the Mac26-D (daggerboard, and have since bought a Mac 26-X. Without question...the 26 is the BEST CHOICE...very "SAFE" family boat...easy to sail, rig, trailer, upgrade, store, and maintain. We've camped and overnighted on it, and had great FUN. I highly recommend the investment of a BIMINI (cockpit sun shade) for the family...great for on the water picnics, fishing, etc. You and the FAMILY wont be disappointed. We had a Merc. 8 H.P., which is the H.P. range I recommend...(easy to lift on, or off the boat). ALSO, since your budget is $10,000. I want to add that I bought the 1992Mac26S for $7000., and it was MINT SHAPE as was the TRAILER !! Happy Sailing to you and your FAMILY...Make some great MEMORIES !!!
Have a 26S but would like a 26X
I'll probably make a bunch of peopel mad, now, but I have the 26S, and I have really enjoyed it, but it gets small inside after a day on the water. I have three kids ages 9, 7, and 3, and they fit it great, but as your daughters get a bt older, they might get pretty cramped in it. Also, I've found my family sometimes gets tired of sailing sooner than I do, and I have often wished I could get back to the marina or the trailer faster than my 26S will go. I hear the 26X doesn't sil as well as the 26S, but it might be a worthwhile trade for the flexibility a bigger motor and biger interior will give you. You really need to test drive each of these models (with the family) to decide which one works best for you. Good luck.
I'll probably make a bunch of peopel mad, now, but I have the 26S, and I have really enjoyed it, but it gets small inside after a day on the water. I have three kids ages 9, 7, and 3, and they fit it great, but as your daughters get a bt older, they might get pretty cramped in it. Also, I've found my family sometimes gets tired of sailing sooner than I do, and I have often wished I could get back to the marina or the trailer faster than my 26S will go. I hear the 26X doesn't sil as well as the 26S, but it might be a worthwhile trade for the flexibility a bigger motor and biger interior will give you. You really need to test drive each of these models (with the family) to decide which one works best for you. Good luck.
25 v 26
since you know how to sail, the 25 would be the better sailboat, imho. lead keel will heel less. However thats the end of the pro's imho... (check the pivot of the centerboard big repair job to fix) the 26 cabin is much much better cruising, which is the stated purpose. hopefully, the crew will be learn to like heeling. once they know it will only go so far over. I doubt all will fit in the 25, (twice) The v berth is for kids anyway... or 1 small adult. the queen aft berth handles 2 adults. the galley is functional. to clarify, the 26 has less initial stability, so tends to heel more in a puff.
since you know how to sail, the 25 would be the better sailboat, imho. lead keel will heel less. However thats the end of the pro's imho... (check the pivot of the centerboard big repair job to fix) the 26 cabin is much much better cruising, which is the stated purpose. hopefully, the crew will be learn to like heeling. once they know it will only go so far over. I doubt all will fit in the 25, (twice) The v berth is for kids anyway... or 1 small adult. the queen aft berth handles 2 adults. the galley is functional. to clarify, the 26 has less initial stability, so tends to heel more in a puff.
25 less heel....?
I have read on earlier post's that the 25 has less (no?) water ballast and heels with more ease than the 26...? For the money and the purpose, I have nothing but GREAT views on the 26. Mine has taken me to lakes all over the southeast, and off charleston and Florida's Gulf Coast (my favorite spot by far, so far). Richard
I have read on earlier post's that the 25 has less (no?) water ballast and heels with more ease than the 26...? For the money and the purpose, I have nothing but GREAT views on the 26. Mine has taken me to lakes all over the southeast, and off charleston and Florida's Gulf Coast (my favorite spot by far, so far). Richard
Go for the 26
As a previous and current owner of a Mac 25 I'd cast my vote for the 26. Now I like the 25. My previous experience with a 25 was in 1980 and I had three daughters all younger than yours. At that time the 25 was the biggest Macgregor built. Now it is just the wife and I and the 25 is fine for us. Besides I got this on (a 1982) for a song ($1,500) with lots of goodies. Granted I've spent the last year restoring her but that's what I wanted to do. I've sailed on the 26D and visited on the 26X. I didn't see that there was that much more room on the 26D than my 25. Could've been the owner had a lot of junk aboard but, the aft sleeping area is nice. The 26X I visited seemed roomier, again this owner kept his boat very shipshape. And, as a last note, I've heard from previous 26X owners that the X has a big learning curve on how to handle it. I suppose the 26M is out of your budget? They're very nice inside and sail well too.
As a previous and current owner of a Mac 25 I'd cast my vote for the 26. Now I like the 25. My previous experience with a 25 was in 1980 and I had three daughters all younger than yours. At that time the 25 was the biggest Macgregor built. Now it is just the wife and I and the 25 is fine for us. Besides I got this on (a 1982) for a song ($1,500) with lots of goodies. Granted I've spent the last year restoring her but that's what I wanted to do. I've sailed on the 26D and visited on the 26X. I didn't see that there was that much more room on the 26D than my 25. Could've been the owner had a lot of junk aboard but, the aft sleeping area is nice. The 26X I visited seemed roomier, again this owner kept his boat very shipshape. And, as a last note, I've heard from previous 26X owners that the X has a big learning curve on how to handle it. I suppose the 26M is out of your budget? They're very nice inside and sail well too.
Love MY 26D
A guy in my sailing club has a 25 . It is very fast but I'm a little faster . You can find a 25 very cheap if you look around . My buddy's needed alot of work including removing the swing keel , grinding and filling and then of course painting and reinstalling . It was a huge job and one he said he would never do again . As for my 26 D I can easily remove the daggerboard and inspect or paint whenever I want .I get easy access to the hull for painting by pulling the trailer up on automotive type ramps . To get to the bunk area I back the trailer and hit the brakes a few times until the bunk area is exposed . Works great . Also with the D there's no cable or hinge bolt to mess with . I sometimes miss the stability of my old San Juan 26 , but the responsiveness and easy trailering of the D makes up for it . Another thing to consider . The water balast will cost more simply because it's newer .Since Hunter has stopped making water balast boats , it might hold it's value better through the years . That's my two cents worth ! Cap'n Paul
A guy in my sailing club has a 25 . It is very fast but I'm a little faster . You can find a 25 very cheap if you look around . My buddy's needed alot of work including removing the swing keel , grinding and filling and then of course painting and reinstalling . It was a huge job and one he said he would never do again . As for my 26 D I can easily remove the daggerboard and inspect or paint whenever I want .I get easy access to the hull for painting by pulling the trailer up on automotive type ramps . To get to the bunk area I back the trailer and hit the brakes a few times until the bunk area is exposed . Works great . Also with the D there's no cable or hinge bolt to mess with . I sometimes miss the stability of my old San Juan 26 , but the responsiveness and easy trailering of the D makes up for it . Another thing to consider . The water balast will cost more simply because it's newer .Since Hunter has stopped making water balast boats , it might hold it's value better through the years . That's my two cents worth ! Cap'n Paul
Trailers are important too!
I bought a 25 a few years back and am very happy with it. It is just me and my wife when we overnite cruise and it is plenty roomy for that. When we entertain, I normally limit ourselves to no more than 6 adults. This only works for an afternoon sailabout. With 6 people you will be climbing over each other a lot. If a sudden rainstorm blows in ... having 4 in the galley and the 2 extra must share spaces on the bench opposite the head. Gets cramped. The 25 handles well, but has a tendancy to not point well into the wind when tacking. This slows down the process of sailing to destinations upwind. I keep my mac in a slip year round which allows me to sail often and on a whim. However, I do have a trailer and it is the recommended Mac trailer, but they only have a single axle. If I were to do a lot of trailering, I would either replace the trailer with one that has a dual axle, or I would install one. The Mac 25 is a very heavy boat with its 600 pound cast iron keel and all, so the 2nd axle is a must in my mind. On other note regarding this keel. A mac 25 being as heavy as it is for, its overall length, gives this sailboat a 'sense of presence' in the water. Excellent stability and can ride out a storm with grace. She sails on a puff of a breeze and will lift on a 5 knot wind. Sweet boat.
I bought a 25 a few years back and am very happy with it. It is just me and my wife when we overnite cruise and it is plenty roomy for that. When we entertain, I normally limit ourselves to no more than 6 adults. This only works for an afternoon sailabout. With 6 people you will be climbing over each other a lot. If a sudden rainstorm blows in ... having 4 in the galley and the 2 extra must share spaces on the bench opposite the head. Gets cramped. The 25 handles well, but has a tendancy to not point well into the wind when tacking. This slows down the process of sailing to destinations upwind. I keep my mac in a slip year round which allows me to sail often and on a whim. However, I do have a trailer and it is the recommended Mac trailer, but they only have a single axle. If I were to do a lot of trailering, I would either replace the trailer with one that has a dual axle, or I would install one. The Mac 25 is a very heavy boat with its 600 pound cast iron keel and all, so the 2nd axle is a must in my mind. On other note regarding this keel. A mac 25 being as heavy as it is for, its overall length, gives this sailboat a 'sense of presence' in the water. Excellent stability and can ride out a storm with grace. She sails on a puff of a breeze and will lift on a 5 knot wind. Sweet boat.
Just another THOUGHT....
I dont "bash" weighted KEELs...but Ive noticed some folks having serious problems with that "WEIGHTED KEEL" when loading & unloading at the ramp. I prefer the WATER BALLAST system...which allows one to leave all that WEIGHT in the BAY and the ability to haul a lighter boat. That is so much more SIMPLIER. Response #8, Cap'n One Aye, is RIGHT...the dagger board is so much easier to maintain than that 600 lb weighted KEEL. JUST IMAGINE something going wrong with a 600 LB WEIGHTED KEEL, removing that big ole thing, reinstalling that big ole thing, etc. Thats not for ME. AND, a 600 lb weighted keel will pull the Mac25 to the BOTTOM of the BAY if flooded...whereas...the water ballast systems float when flooded...(a real nice safety issue to consider with the FAMILY).
I dont "bash" weighted KEELs...but Ive noticed some folks having serious problems with that "WEIGHTED KEEL" when loading & unloading at the ramp. I prefer the WATER BALLAST system...which allows one to leave all that WEIGHT in the BAY and the ability to haul a lighter boat. That is so much more SIMPLIER. Response #8, Cap'n One Aye, is RIGHT...the dagger board is so much easier to maintain than that 600 lb weighted KEEL. JUST IMAGINE something going wrong with a 600 LB WEIGHTED KEEL, removing that big ole thing, reinstalling that big ole thing, etc. Thats not for ME. AND, a 600 lb weighted keel will pull the Mac25 to the BOTTOM of the BAY if flooded...whereas...the water ballast systems float when flooded...(a real nice safety issue to consider with the FAMILY).
It won't sink - unless
The 25 won't sink if flooded unless you have removed the Styrofoam blocks fore and aft. This is not my opinion, it is demonstrated in the MacGregor brochure for the 25.
The 25 won't sink if flooded unless you have removed the Styrofoam blocks fore and aft. This is not my opinion, it is demonstrated in the MacGregor brochure for the 25.
More thoughts (and another 26 recommendation)
Doug, My general sailing philosophy is to go small, in the spirit of Larry Brown's books. Remember, you pay for fiberglass by the pound. However, given the choice between a Mac 25 and 26, I would also opt for the 26. We are very happy with our 1990 26S. I've never a sailed a 25 but we also own a 1974 Macgregor/Venture 17 with a 300# swing keel. A lot of my comments have been covered already, but I'll summarize below. Trailerability: The 26 is lighter and sits lower on the trailer, making it easier to launch. Swing keel boats are much more difficult to retrieve at the ramp. Ballast and stability: The 25's swing keel gets the weight lower in the water, increasing stability. Keel maintenance is a nightmare, as previously mentioned. Water ballast is nearly idiot-proof. In two seasons of sailing our water-ballasted 26, I have never felt uncomfortable nor wished I had something else in rough weather. Draft: The 25's keel does not fully retract into the hull. The 26's centerboard/daggerboard does, making it beachable. The ability to drive our 26 up on the sand to explore has significantly increased my daughters' (ages 8 & 10) tolerance of sailing. Interior: The 26 has more room. The queen-sized berth under the cockpit is glorious. I do like the layout of the 25 and often wish our 26S had a real dinette. Storage space is generous, and I've never come close to filling up the lockers, bulkheads and lazarette. Price/value: Here in the Upper Midwest, Mac 25s sell for about $4-6K, 26s for $6-9K and you'll pay $15-20K for a 26X. The Mac 25s I've looked at all needed work, and weren't worth the $2-3K savings versus a 26. I've never seen a 26S on the market here that wasn't ready to sail. Just my humble opinion. Good luck!
Doug, My general sailing philosophy is to go small, in the spirit of Larry Brown's books. Remember, you pay for fiberglass by the pound. However, given the choice between a Mac 25 and 26, I would also opt for the 26. We are very happy with our 1990 26S. I've never a sailed a 25 but we also own a 1974 Macgregor/Venture 17 with a 300# swing keel. A lot of my comments have been covered already, but I'll summarize below. Trailerability: The 26 is lighter and sits lower on the trailer, making it easier to launch. Swing keel boats are much more difficult to retrieve at the ramp. Ballast and stability: The 25's swing keel gets the weight lower in the water, increasing stability. Keel maintenance is a nightmare, as previously mentioned. Water ballast is nearly idiot-proof. In two seasons of sailing our water-ballasted 26, I have never felt uncomfortable nor wished I had something else in rough weather. Draft: The 25's keel does not fully retract into the hull. The 26's centerboard/daggerboard does, making it beachable. The ability to drive our 26 up on the sand to explore has significantly increased my daughters' (ages 8 & 10) tolerance of sailing. Interior: The 26 has more room. The queen-sized berth under the cockpit is glorious. I do like the layout of the 25 and often wish our 26S had a real dinette. Storage space is generous, and I've never come close to filling up the lockers, bulkheads and lazarette. Price/value: Here in the Upper Midwest, Mac 25s sell for about $4-6K, 26s for $6-9K and you'll pay $15-20K for a 26X. The Mac 25s I've looked at all needed work, and weren't worth the $2-3K savings versus a 26. I've never seen a 26S on the market here that wasn't ready to sail. Just my humble opinion. Good luck!
Thank You All for your Thoughts
To Kevin,Justin,Louis,Stan,mrBill,Richard,Rusty, Cap'n One Aye,Clown Pilot,Holly and tgreen. I sincerely appreciate the time you folks took to collect your thoughts and reflect upon your actual experience with these two fine boats, the Mac 25 and 26. The amount of response I got from my query gave me quite a surprise. My wife and I reviewed all of your letters a couple of times. Judging by the comments,the model that seems to be more appropriate for our particular needs appears to be either the 26D or 26S. The extra cabin will probably handle my growing twin girls better. Launching & retreiving on the boat ramp sounds easier. The ability to beach the craft sounds like a plus,opening the door for further adventure.The water ballast is seen as an advantage with no significant negative comments.I can always spill a bit of air out of the main until my crew feels more secure with the heeling over. There appears to be a general preference to the 26s. Availability of either model(26s or 26d)will probably make that decision for me. To tGreen,I am glad you attached a photo of your boat. I printed it and tacked it to my office wall. This will aid in the materialization process. A final note; 20 years ago I looked for my first 19' Lightning. I gave myself a year to come up with one. In the process I came across numerous lightning owners that had nothing but high praise for their boats' design and the active racing organization that backed it. I bought into quite a large family of happy Lightning owners. That well loved boat opened the doors to adventure filled summers rich in comraderie. Feels like I'm going to be joining another good family soon, the MacGregor Clan. Thanks again for taking the time to help us out with the decision process. Now the search can focus down to our own Mac 26 with the the promise of a new era of adventure for my girls,my wife & I. Sincerely, Doug
To Kevin,Justin,Louis,Stan,mrBill,Richard,Rusty, Cap'n One Aye,Clown Pilot,Holly and tgreen. I sincerely appreciate the time you folks took to collect your thoughts and reflect upon your actual experience with these two fine boats, the Mac 25 and 26. The amount of response I got from my query gave me quite a surprise. My wife and I reviewed all of your letters a couple of times. Judging by the comments,the model that seems to be more appropriate for our particular needs appears to be either the 26D or 26S. The extra cabin will probably handle my growing twin girls better. Launching & retreiving on the boat ramp sounds easier. The ability to beach the craft sounds like a plus,opening the door for further adventure.The water ballast is seen as an advantage with no significant negative comments.I can always spill a bit of air out of the main until my crew feels more secure with the heeling over. There appears to be a general preference to the 26s. Availability of either model(26s or 26d)will probably make that decision for me. To tGreen,I am glad you attached a photo of your boat. I printed it and tacked it to my office wall. This will aid in the materialization process. A final note; 20 years ago I looked for my first 19' Lightning. I gave myself a year to come up with one. In the process I came across numerous lightning owners that had nothing but high praise for their boats' design and the active racing organization that backed it. I bought into quite a large family of happy Lightning owners. That well loved boat opened the doors to adventure filled summers rich in comraderie. Feels like I'm going to be joining another good family soon, the MacGregor Clan. Thanks again for taking the time to help us out with the decision process. Now the search can focus down to our own Mac 26 with the the promise of a new era of adventure for my girls,my wife & I. Sincerely, Doug
more photos
everyone should study this site... so much info on all the models. and the potential mods possible. www.macgregor-boats.com
everyone should study this site... so much info on all the models. and the potential mods possible. www.macgregor-boats.com
- Status