Critique on the MacGregor
The MacGregor 26C is a good boat. It is water ballast and comprised of 2 different models: 26S was built in the years about 1989 to 1994 and has a swing keel, the 26D (dagger board) was build about 1985 to 1988. Together, they are referred to as the 26C (Classic). The 26X starts at about 1995 and is really a different type of boat. It has a big motor (50HP and up) but does not sail as well. I acquired a 26S this year and have been fairly pleased with it. For a boat in that class, it is well engineered, well designed, sails well and easy to handle. The water ballast is a novel idea and seems to work very well. I have not heard of any major problems with it. The end result is that it makes the boat ideal for tailoring. It does require a fair size vehicle to pull it out of the water. Once on the road, it is easy to tow. The Mac 26 is a light weight boat and therefore is what we consider a "tender" meaning somewhat unstable. Strong winds and rough water effects the boat dramatically yet I read where many have had the boat in 20/25 MPH wind and 5 to 7 foot seas. I have been in a bay in 20 MPH with gust to 25 and considered it to be uncomfortable, but not dangerous. 15 MPH wind is ideal. Regarding the size, the Mac 26 is well designed and the arrangement of the cockpit and cabin is very good. It accommodates 4 people very well and could go to six. For sailing, the skipper has to give full attention to the helm. I have been disappointed in this area. With the boat being light weight, it is constantly moving. You can not leave the tiller for a moment. I have a tiller tamer but it is of limited value. I have seen a couple of Macs with a wheel but I doubt if they offer that much advantage. For the most part, I am the only skipper on the boat as my wife and others just want to ride. I have done a lot of single handling, even night sailing, and have gotten accustom to doing everything myself, so it is possible. Get a furling jib and you will elimate many handling and sailing problems. The biggest complaints I have heard is regarding the helm but there are remedies to that problem. The original rudder is undersized and most add material to the leading edge of the rudder. Also, the boat carries alot of sail for that size and weight of boat. The boat is hard to handle if you have to much head sail. If the boat is tuned correctly, sail and equipment, the problems are remedied. Give consideration to where you will be sailing the boat. I understand many of your areas have heavy seas, particularily if in the ocean. I have been disappointed in the stability of the boat on rough water and when anchoring even in smooth water. I find the boat difficult to sleep on because of all the movement and rocking. Even with different approaches to anchoring, the movement is quite pronounced. I chose the Mac because it is the largest size I could get that trailors well and sails good. If I were not going to trailor it, I would possibly get a heavier and more stable boat. I have added a link to a person who has an excellent MacGregor site with a great amount of valuable information Good luck.
