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C, D and S are not a factory term
C = Classic, to distinguish from the X or Powersailor model. The C includes both the S and D models D = Daggerboard. This was the first version of the 26 waterbalast boat. Production of the D ran up to about 1989 or 90 S = Swing Centerboard. Beginning around 1990 MacGregor went to the swing centerboard model, moved the rudderpost inside the lazarette, raised the cockpit combings, added some floataton foam to the area above the V berth and rearranged the galley, at least twice.
C = Classic, to distinguish from the X or Powersailor model. The C includes both the S and D models D = Daggerboard. This was the first version of the 26 waterbalast boat. Production of the D ran up to about 1989 or 90 S = Swing Centerboard. Beginning around 1990 MacGregor went to the swing centerboard model, moved the rudderpost inside the lazarette, raised the cockpit combings, added some floataton foam to the area above the V berth and rearranged the galley, at least twice.
Diff between 1989 D and earlier models
I have an '88 D. Does anyone have a photo of an '89? I'm curious to see the difference between the higher combing of the '89. I've seen that referred to, but I've never really seen the difference depicted.
I have an '88 D. Does anyone have a photo of an '89? I'm curious to see the difference between the higher combing of the '89. I've seen that referred to, but I've never really seen the difference depicted.
87 Mac D
The 87 model was a mistake from Macgregor. Due to its low coamings and the lack of drag underneath, the 87D outperformed the design engineers data by pointing higher and just going faster than Macgregor wanted. Subsequent models were designed to slow the Mac fleet down, starting with increased windage on the 88, 89, and then designing a slot in the bottom for the swing CB (Macgregor had already tried this with the swing keel and knew about the increased drag it would cause). The S models still exceeded the desired design criteria, and growing tired of incremental increases in drag, Macgregor went ahead and designed the motorized models, which are much slower and therefore assumed to be safer for public consumption. I thought I'd throw this outrageous comment out there. I recently became interested in the Mac 23 cutter rig, and I believe it could sail faster than all of the Macs on some points of sail and in certain conditions. It is worth noting that other sailboat manufacturers progress towards faster designs, while Macgregor seems to be slowing down.... Flame suit on. John S Boise
The 87 model was a mistake from Macgregor. Due to its low coamings and the lack of drag underneath, the 87D outperformed the design engineers data by pointing higher and just going faster than Macgregor wanted. Subsequent models were designed to slow the Mac fleet down, starting with increased windage on the 88, 89, and then designing a slot in the bottom for the swing CB (Macgregor had already tried this with the swing keel and knew about the increased drag it would cause). The S models still exceeded the desired design criteria, and growing tired of incremental increases in drag, Macgregor went ahead and designed the motorized models, which are much slower and therefore assumed to be safer for public consumption. I thought I'd throw this outrageous comment out there. I recently became interested in the Mac 23 cutter rig, and I believe it could sail faster than all of the Macs on some points of sail and in certain conditions. It is worth noting that other sailboat manufacturers progress towards faster designs, while Macgregor seems to be slowing down.... Flame suit on. John S Boise
Bait
I'll bite. M and X don't need to worry about speed...we have plenty and it isn't a concern.....as traditional sailboats go, you are right Sir!!!!
I'll bite. M and X don't need to worry about speed...we have plenty and it isn't a concern.....as traditional sailboats go, you are right Sir!!!!
Baiter
Yes, I have seen a pattern wherein new folks ask the C D S M X question and usually someone claims one model or the other is faster.... I say sail what you got and use the search function when you need to. John S
Yes, I have seen a pattern wherein new folks ask the C D S M X question and usually someone claims one model or the other is faster.... I say sail what you got and use the search function when you need to. John S
89 D redux
Obviously I figured it out. The high combing and the dagger board allow the D model to point higher than the previous models LOL
Obviously I figured it out. The high combing and the dagger board allow the D model to point higher than the previous models LOL
John, that was the best!!!!
John, that is the best answer to the D,S, or C, question to date. Thanks.
John, that is the best answer to the D,S, or C, question to date. Thanks.
Pilot Boat
Hi Lamar, Have you checked out the Mac 23? What a great design, patterned after the boats used in olden times to bring the pilot out to the arriving ship. Cutter rigged with a big rudder on the transom. Lots of wood, and a beautiful hull. I give credit to Macgregor for producing a boat like that, and I'd trde my D for one I could fix up. John S Boise
Hi Lamar, Have you checked out the Mac 23? What a great design, patterned after the boats used in olden times to bring the pilot out to the arriving ship. Cutter rigged with a big rudder on the transom. Lots of wood, and a beautiful hull. I give credit to Macgregor for producing a boat like that, and I'd trde my D for one I could fix up. John S Boise
Ahh yes, I see the difference
Thanks for the photos guys. I hadn't noticed that difference before. I have an '88 and it appears to match the '87 lines.
Thanks for the photos guys. I hadn't noticed that difference before. I have an '88 and it appears to match the '87 lines.
my 88 is blue striping
blue stripe above water line, and below rub rail. some were black, right? when did that change
blue stripe above water line, and below rub rail. some were black, right? when did that change
Stripes
Looks like 87&88 were blue striped. 89 in the picture below is black. The lower coamings on the 87 really limit the space over the rear bed. It looks like the 89"s cockpit is more enclosed. John S
Looks like 87&88 were blue striped. 89 in the picture below is black. The lower coamings on the 87 really limit the space over the rear bed. It looks like the 89"s cockpit is more enclosed. John S
89 best of breed inho.
had I to pick any year, the 89 would be my choice. the high coamings are nice for spray and for mounding extra turning blocks or winches. (for you shute guys) and the floation over the vberth makes cutting for storage easier. (not to mention a nice place for the anchor / rode.) but it still has the pindle hung rudder. (not so sure about the stern rail... think the C's had them) but there all pretty good...
had I to pick any year, the 89 would be my choice. the high coamings are nice for spray and for mounding extra turning blocks or winches. (for you shute guys) and the floation over the vberth makes cutting for storage easier. (not to mention a nice place for the anchor / rode.) but it still has the pindle hung rudder. (not so sure about the stern rail... think the C's had them) but there all pretty good...
Funny stuff!
and funnier still is how often this comes up, and...... still no one hits the search button. --- Oh, Correction. looking at the posted photo of the 1989, the 1989 has the rudder inboard, like the later Centerboard models. not sure if thats good or bad, but you can put the stern rail on the inboard rudders/tillers a lot easier. (a lot have it) and I want it... lol.. ps: 75 degrees, and 15knts! what am I doing typing?
and funnier still is how often this comes up, and...... still no one hits the search button. --- Oh, Correction. looking at the posted photo of the 1989, the 1989 has the rudder inboard, like the later Centerboard models. not sure if thats good or bad, but you can put the stern rail on the inboard rudders/tillers a lot easier. (a lot have it) and I want it... lol.. ps: 75 degrees, and 15knts! what am I doing typing?
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