I have never owned a boat, and have no sailing experience. I am considering taking sailing lessons and I really like the Macgregor 26, and 19. Can anyone please tell me if the 19' model would be safe for coastal boating. I would be greatful for any advice. Thanks, Dave
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Good Post Dave
Dave, I own a 26M and sail southwest florida about Charlotte harbor and Pine Island area. Pretty peaceful waters and nicely protected on a good balance of days throughout the year. Up around Cayo Costa Island, Cabbage Cay and all the many islands and protected anchorages I have seen kayaks cruising about. This will tellya how easy it is to sail this area. Summer 'popup' storms can be fierce at time, including water spouts here and there, but if you prepare for such, it is a piece of cake and nothing a MAC19 can't handle.
Dave, I own a 26M and sail southwest florida about Charlotte harbor and Pine Island area. Pretty peaceful waters and nicely protected on a good balance of days throughout the year. Up around Cayo Costa Island, Cabbage Cay and all the many islands and protected anchorages I have seen kayaks cruising about. This will tellya how easy it is to sail this area. Summer 'popup' storms can be fierce at time, including water spouts here and there, but if you prepare for such, it is a piece of cake and nothing a MAC19 can't handle.
southwest Gulf of Florida?
I don't know about that. I have sailed that area in a MAC25 a few times. Gotten real sea sick and nearly lost my boat a few times. Really a nasty area to be sailing. Lots of sunken vessels sticking out of the water so be careful.
I don't know about that. I have sailed that area in a MAC25 a few times. Gotten real sea sick and nearly lost my boat a few times. Really a nasty area to be sailing. Lots of sunken vessels sticking out of the water so be careful.
I'd like to think NOT
In particular, I have never sailed there but have vacationed to Sanibel/Pine Island many times in the past. We (wife and I) have been to Cayo Costal park. We took a ferry boat over there and really enjoyed the day. So I don't recall the ferryboat captain (captain Tom) ever mentioning or pointing out sailboats wrecked and sticking out of the water. Of course I hate to think this is so because it has always been a wonderful experience for us and I hope that one day soon, I will sail my own sailboat in this ocean area. It makes me sick to my stomach to think this is a dangerous place to sail. Pity. Bill Hargill
In particular, I have never sailed there but have vacationed to Sanibel/Pine Island many times in the past. We (wife and I) have been to Cayo Costal park. We took a ferry boat over there and really enjoyed the day. So I don't recall the ferryboat captain (captain Tom) ever mentioning or pointing out sailboats wrecked and sticking out of the water. Of course I hate to think this is so because it has always been a wonderful experience for us and I hope that one day soon, I will sail my own sailboat in this ocean area. It makes me sick to my stomach to think this is a dangerous place to sail. Pity. Bill Hargill
charlotte harbor fl
just north of pine island is the best sailing area IMHO. punta gorda / charlotte harbor area. tampa is also good, but more shallow areas. just south on the inside is pretty shallow and more suited to kayaks, powerboats and skiffs. offshore is always nice, if the weather is good. just watch the inlets. you maybe better off starting on an inland lake... where abouts are you?
just north of pine island is the best sailing area IMHO. punta gorda / charlotte harbor area. tampa is also good, but more shallow areas. just south on the inside is pretty shallow and more suited to kayaks, powerboats and skiffs. offshore is always nice, if the weather is good. just watch the inlets. you maybe better off starting on an inland lake... where abouts are you?
Ideal conditions Only
You could use it for Ideal conditions, but like all Macgregors (except the Mac 65), is not a true coastal cruising boat. It could be done, but not in comfort. People who cross the Bahamas on any Mac, do it when the weather is right and head strait to protected areas when anchoring. Getting cought in 45 knots winds with 10 foot seas and out 30 miles from shore on a mac is an accident waiting to happen.
You could use it for Ideal conditions, but like all Macgregors (except the Mac 65), is not a true coastal cruising boat. It could be done, but not in comfort. People who cross the Bahamas on any Mac, do it when the weather is right and head strait to protected areas when anchoring. Getting cought in 45 knots winds with 10 foot seas and out 30 miles from shore on a mac is an accident waiting to happen.
What would be a good retractible keel boat for the Tampa Bay area?
Thanks for the responses to my question. I live in New Port Richey, about 25 miles north of Tampa Bay. I would love to get into sailing but I'm not sure which boat is right for me. I would like to have a retractible keel or water ballast boat so that I can trailer it and access shallow areas, and my wife and I would like to spend the weekend on it so I would like it to be reasonably confortable. We would like to explore Tampa Bay, the inter coastal, and the islands and rivers around here. It is difficult for someone like me with no sailing expereince to sort through all of the information out there because it seems like with all things people have very different opinions when it come to the MacGregor 19s & 26s verses a Catalina or Hunter. The Gulf Coast area is shallow in many areas and maybe this is not a good area for a novis sailor. The bottom line is that I would like to have a safe and reliable boat that suits my needs. I would be very greatful for any advice on this subject. Thanks again for your help, I sure can use it, Dave
Thanks for the responses to my question. I live in New Port Richey, about 25 miles north of Tampa Bay. I would love to get into sailing but I'm not sure which boat is right for me. I would like to have a retractible keel or water ballast boat so that I can trailer it and access shallow areas, and my wife and I would like to spend the weekend on it so I would like it to be reasonably confortable. We would like to explore Tampa Bay, the inter coastal, and the islands and rivers around here. It is difficult for someone like me with no sailing expereince to sort through all of the information out there because it seems like with all things people have very different opinions when it come to the MacGregor 19s & 26s verses a Catalina or Hunter. The Gulf Coast area is shallow in many areas and maybe this is not a good area for a novis sailor. The bottom line is that I would like to have a safe and reliable boat that suits my needs. I would be very greatful for any advice on this subject. Thanks again for your help, I sure can use it, Dave
Flicka 20 is your best bet for the Gulf.
best boat for you in the 19 foot range is the Pacific seacraft Flicka 20. Its a true blue water boat, you could cross the gulf and head to mexico if you wanted to. This boat has been sailed around the world by many who owned her. They are a real beauty too. Its also trailable, but not as easy as the Macgregor(Macgregor could take only 15-40 min to get ready in or out the water. People choose the Mac for the trailer ability and ease of handling on the boat ramps. Makes day sailing the Macgregor possible. It might take a half a day to get the Flicka on and off the water. Good luck This link might help in your search. http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/forest/2727/index.html
best boat for you in the 19 foot range is the Pacific seacraft Flicka 20. Its a true blue water boat, you could cross the gulf and head to mexico if you wanted to. This boat has been sailed around the world by many who owned her. They are a real beauty too. Its also trailable, but not as easy as the Macgregor(Macgregor could take only 15-40 min to get ready in or out the water. People choose the Mac for the trailer ability and ease of handling on the boat ramps. Makes day sailing the Macgregor possible. It might take a half a day to get the Flicka on and off the water. Good luck This link might help in your search. http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/forest/2727/index.html
I don't think that...
that you really need a Flicka to do some coastal cruising . Cap E is right, it is a true blue water cruiser. It has a full keel and is made for crossing oceans. Dave, in 45 knot winds and 10ft seas, you and I are going to be puckered, no matter what boat we are in(I am a lake sailer). I do not want to be out there in my 26S, but that does not mean that the 26S is inapropriate for coastal cruising. Even on lakes, I listen to the weather reports, watch the sky, and head for shore if the conditions deteriorate. The flicka is a beautiful boat that will probably get you through any storm when running to port is not an option. But it is heavy and will be slow in light airs, the full keel will not let you explore shallow areas, and it will not be trailerable in the same sense that a mac is. It will reqire a powerfull truck(I pull my 26S with a Chevy Astro van), and you will probably need a crane to put it in the water. They are also very expensive compared to a mac or even a Catalina or a Hunter. It is a great boat and a good suggestion, but it is a realitively exspensive boat and I am sure that most Florida sailers with coastal ambitions start with less.
that you really need a Flicka to do some coastal cruising . Cap E is right, it is a true blue water cruiser. It has a full keel and is made for crossing oceans. Dave, in 45 knot winds and 10ft seas, you and I are going to be puckered, no matter what boat we are in(I am a lake sailer). I do not want to be out there in my 26S, but that does not mean that the 26S is inapropriate for coastal cruising. Even on lakes, I listen to the weather reports, watch the sky, and head for shore if the conditions deteriorate. The flicka is a beautiful boat that will probably get you through any storm when running to port is not an option. But it is heavy and will be slow in light airs, the full keel will not let you explore shallow areas, and it will not be trailerable in the same sense that a mac is. It will reqire a powerfull truck(I pull my 26S with a Chevy Astro van), and you will probably need a crane to put it in the water. They are also very expensive compared to a mac or even a Catalina or a Hunter. It is a great boat and a good suggestion, but it is a realitively exspensive boat and I am sure that most Florida sailers with coastal ambitions start with less.
Coastal Sailing
I can sail my Mac 25 to Catalina (26 miles off the California coast) with no problems, I see other Macs there also: the same basic boat as the 19). But nobody goes out in foul weather and we listen the weather on the radio. Be careful and have fun. A Mac 19 will do exactly what you want it to.
I can sail my Mac 25 to Catalina (26 miles off the California coast) with no problems, I see other Macs there also: the same basic boat as the 19). But nobody goes out in foul weather and we listen the weather on the radio. Be careful and have fun. A Mac 19 will do exactly what you want it to.
Maybe too small
The 19 may be a bit small for coastal sailing for the gulf. I've sailed my V21 in Charlotte harbor which while reasonably large is somewhat protected(and also shallow in many areas). Having sailed most of the time here in Jersey on one of two lakes that were nicknamed "the Graveyard" years ago, I learned to watch the clouds and conditions VERY closely no matter how nice the day started. You would want to do the same. I think a 26 water ballast or swing keel would be your best bet, though. I am planning to make the switch to one when I retire and move to the area myself. Just remember that while a modern boat can take a lot more than the captain might before calling it quits a low freeboard trying to get through the breakwater into harbor on anything less than a calm day could be enough to scare the bejeesus out of many a captian.
The 19 may be a bit small for coastal sailing for the gulf. I've sailed my V21 in Charlotte harbor which while reasonably large is somewhat protected(and also shallow in many areas). Having sailed most of the time here in Jersey on one of two lakes that were nicknamed "the Graveyard" years ago, I learned to watch the clouds and conditions VERY closely no matter how nice the day started. You would want to do the same. I think a 26 water ballast or swing keel would be your best bet, though. I am planning to make the switch to one when I retire and move to the area myself. Just remember that while a modern boat can take a lot more than the captain might before calling it quits a low freeboard trying to get through the breakwater into harbor on anything less than a calm day could be enough to scare the bejeesus out of many a captian.
Mac 19
If we are talking about the same boat, the Mac 19 (as I recall) is a high freeboard power sailer. It was the forerunner to the X and M and kinda' looks like both. It is water ballasted, but I do not recall the keel arrangement (swing or dagger). It should be able to do pretty much what the X can do except it is smaller inside. Is this right?
If we are talking about the same boat, the Mac 19 (as I recall) is a high freeboard power sailer. It was the forerunner to the X and M and kinda' looks like both. It is water ballasted, but I do not recall the keel arrangement (swing or dagger). It should be able to do pretty much what the X can do except it is smaller inside. Is this right?
It's all I can do to stay sane ...
mingling in and rubbing elbows with the hectic world of the rat race. So when I splash my wreck into the sea, I throw caution to the wind, for it would be an honor to die in her watery arms. But Bob, your right about the assessment of the MAC19. In a lotta ways it is a scaled-down X. But then to reinterate sailing in the Port Charlotte Pine Island sound area. I believe it to be a nice relaxing place to sail. I personally haven't seen nor smacked into sailboat wrecks or seen sea serpents. Like anyplace you go to sail, there are certain precautions to take. Paying attention is one of them. Avoid taking risks is another. The list goes on.
mingling in and rubbing elbows with the hectic world of the rat race. So when I splash my wreck into the sea, I throw caution to the wind, for it would be an honor to die in her watery arms. But Bob, your right about the assessment of the MAC19. In a lotta ways it is a scaled-down X. But then to reinterate sailing in the Port Charlotte Pine Island sound area. I believe it to be a nice relaxing place to sail. I personally haven't seen nor smacked into sailboat wrecks or seen sea serpents. Like anyplace you go to sail, there are certain precautions to take. Paying attention is one of them. Avoid taking risks is another. The list goes on.
powersailor 19
M19 looks like a mini X imho. sounds like a great 1st sailboat. its a compromise boat, with a larger motor, and plaining hull. price might lean towards a used 26X for same money. http://www.dougpile.com/mac19/index.html http://www.dougpile.com/mac19/mods.html
M19 looks like a mini X imho. sounds like a great 1st sailboat. its a compromise boat, with a larger motor, and plaining hull. price might lean towards a used 26X for same money. http://www.dougpile.com/mac19/index.html http://www.dougpile.com/mac19/mods.html
Cheaper than an X
I don't know Mr Bill, Ive seen them sell for $6,000 and less. Original retail for Mac19 without motor was around $8,990. With that price I can afford to keep my 26S and buy a mac 19 to motor. Has anyone put a 90HP on a Mac 19? I remembered someone saying that it didn't steer well.
I don't know Mr Bill, Ive seen them sell for $6,000 and less. Original retail for Mac19 without motor was around $8,990. With that price I can afford to keep my 26S and buy a mac 19 to motor. Has anyone put a 90HP on a Mac 19? I remembered someone saying that it didn't steer well.
Price check, isle 1?
sorry, I didn't do the boattrader search... (YMMV) it just seemed like the M19 was newer than the X... regardless, the M19 seems like a good choice for a 1st time boater, AND a 1ST TIME SAILOR... -with the larger motor, you should be able to drop the sails and head for home, at 2x normal sailboat speed (12knts) -fwiw, most power sailors are under powered (imho), but thats ok too.. safer. best of luck!
sorry, I didn't do the boattrader search... (YMMV) it just seemed like the M19 was newer than the X... regardless, the M19 seems like a good choice for a 1st time boater, AND a 1ST TIME SAILOR... -with the larger motor, you should be able to drop the sails and head for home, at 2x normal sailboat speed (12knts) -fwiw, most power sailors are under powered (imho), but thats ok too.. safer. best of luck!
A low cost alternative to a Flicka
A Matilda 23 is a mid 70's to mid 80's boat that has a retractable weighted keel (not a centerboard), standing headroom and a reputation for being stiff, stable and tough. The company did produce a limited number of "Florida coastal cruiser" versions with inboard diesel and shower. It's trailerable but needs a decent tow vehicle as it weighs in around 5000 lbs. We started out in a Matilda 20, a smaller version originally designed for coastal areas of Australia. There is a decent owners website (I'm still the webmaster) at matildaowners.com and many boats are actively sailing the costs of England. The 23 foot version is not a fast boat but the interior is quite nice and functional for extended cruising. Chris
A Matilda 23 is a mid 70's to mid 80's boat that has a retractable weighted keel (not a centerboard), standing headroom and a reputation for being stiff, stable and tough. The company did produce a limited number of "Florida coastal cruiser" versions with inboard diesel and shower. It's trailerable but needs a decent tow vehicle as it weighs in around 5000 lbs. We started out in a Matilda 20, a smaller version originally designed for coastal areas of Australia. There is a decent owners website (I'm still the webmaster) at matildaowners.com and many boats are actively sailing the costs of England. The 23 foot version is not a fast boat but the interior is quite nice and functional for extended cruising. Chris
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