Macgregor and other boats, opinions needed.

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Feb 13, 2007
4
- - Strasburg, VA
Hello all.I know that what I am about to ask is a highly opinionated topic but I am looking for everyones opinion on a "new boat". I'm considering buying a Macgregor 26 and can't seem to make up my mind. Some background on myself. I have years of experience with powerboats and currently own two a 20' single engine and a 26' twin engine. For the last three years I have been taking sailing lessons and I have been infected by the sailing bug. I have decided that it is time to buy a sailboat. I have been reading my brains out trying to figure out what to buy. I would like to stay in the range of $20,000. I would use it primarily in the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers around it, mainly coming down the Potomac. But I would love a boat to take down the ICW to NC and possibly to the keys one day. I find that I like alot of the aspects of the Macgregor. I love the fact that it has such a low draft. I do like that it can be trailered, but really only so I can store it my house during off season to reduced slip fees. I don't need alot of creature comforts. A Magma grill and a couple coolers works for me. I kind of lean toward the, if you don't have it, it can't break mentality. I do like that you can get a newer boat in my price range. I really would rather not buy another boat to restore. I've done it three times already and I want something more 'turnkey' this time around. I find that I really don't care so much about having a 50hp motor on a sailboat to run around with. I got that covered with my powerboat. My brother owns a 34' Island Packet which I absolutley am in love with and love sailing her. But, that is totally out of my price range. If I could afford something like that I'd jump at it. So here I am. A guy trying to get out and sail but the more I read about different boats and specs. The more i have trouble making up my mind. I have been on different sailboats and really, all of them would do what I want. But I find myself being drewn back to the Macgregor because of its draft. I like the notion of being able to get her in the shallows. So here's all you alls chance to sell me on a boat. I know it is ultimately my decision but would really appreciate any opinions on the Macgregor or any other boats from you guys.
 
Jul 20, 2005
2,422
Whitby 55 Kemah, Tx
Seaspot

I think you will find that most people like the boat they have...either they felt it was perfect for them, or that they got the most per money spent. If you go by that, just see which boats are the most common boats bought in your price range. Other people say go with the highest resale value because an owner who hates his boat will let it go much sooner and a lower price. With all that said, I would say that if you already have a couple of powerboats, don't go with a half power, half sailboat like the Macgregor. You can find a boat that is built for sailing that sails better...especially if the Keys is in your future. If you want a shallow draft, maybe a catmeran is what you want.
 

CalebD

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Jun 27, 2006
1,479
Tartan 27' 1967 Nyack, NY
MacGregor 26S

A buddy of mine bought a Mac 26S (1994?) that I have sailed on a bit and like quite a lot. It is NOT the 26X which sports the 50HP motor giving it the crossover power sailboat mystique. It is a sailboat with the 1000# water ballast, centerboard, 9HP motor stern mounted. It is pretty fast for its size (>6kts) but a little "tender" when the wind pipes up. Faster than my old and heavy Tartan 27. Of course, you need to reef the main when it gets windy and the tiller can get some heavy weather helm. The 26S has loads of space below (as no engine compartment) and the top pops up giving ample headroom when at anchor or docked. I think that this would be a fairly ideal boat for the Chesapeake's sometimes shallow waters. My buddy keeps his in his driveway in Yonkers, NY over the winter on its trailer too. There is a MacGregor dealer around DC named Otho that another friend of mine does some setup work for. If you want, I can try to get his contact info.
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
Catalina 30

You can find an older Catalina 30 for around 20,000. If you bought the c30 you would have the advantage of a fixed marine head, hot and cold water pressure, a shower, two burner lpg stove with an oven. Much more boat and much more room. Remember, if you are taking it cruising you will have days when you are stuck in port. I started cruising on a Hunter 22. I thought that I wanted to get a Hunter 260 as an upgrade. After a while I decided that I was tried of stepping the mast, I only used the trailer to pull the boat out of the water for the season, and I didn't have the room that I wanted. I sail the Potomac River and all over the Chesapeake Bay. I have had my Catalina 30 out in the bay and got caught, at Smith Point, in a steady 40 knot winds and 8 foot seas. It really sucked in my Catalina 30 but I was able to make it through with no damage. I couldn't imagine being in that situation in my old Hunter 22 (that would have been hell). When you go to a fixed keel boat you will also benifit from stability. The benifits are so much greater, especially if you are intending to do some cruising like you said. Check out an older boat that is bigger.
 
Mar 22, 2004
733
Hunter 30 Vero Beach
Mac 26S

I owned a Mac 26S before my Hunter 30. If you're taller than 4' you might want to look for something else. A friend has a Catalina 25 and it is a much better boat for sailing and spending time aboard. The Mac has a pop top but it's pretty cramped even with it up. If you like camping in a small camper but with no head room you'll like a Mac 26S, and it sails ok, not great. The Catalinas and Hunters are much better trailerables. You can usually find them for a reasonable price and in good condition. They would make a good starter boat. By the way, glad to hear that you want to get into sailing. Maybe we can get you to sell the stink pots if we try hard enough!
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Seaspot...

There are 113 boats listed on Yachtworld for under $20000, including several Catalina 30s. I wouldn't try and talk you out of or into a Mac 26. I have zero experience in those boats. However, I would encourage you to "look" around before you buy. Check out the link for Yachtworld boat sales in Maryland for under $20000. Good luck.
 
K

KennyH

I think you need more boat than the MacGregor

I have sailed on the MacGragor and done lots of Cheaspeake Bay sailing. You need more boat than the Macgragor. The Catalinas or Hunters of about the same size would be a better choice. The Cheaspeake can be as bad as offshore work. 25-27 is the min. size to do what you want. I have the older Hunter 25 which has a 2foot 11 inch draft and is perfect for most conditions. However I would be very careful in the Cheaspeake with my boat for sure. For headroom if you care about that sort of thing you need to move up to 27 plus feet. Good luck with your choice.
 
F

Fred

The Hunter 26 is very similar to the H260 and less

expensive. You should be able to get a fully equipped H26 within your budget with a few bucks to spare. The H26 is bigger and heavier than the McG 26. I has about 5'10 or 11 of headroom with the hatch closed, and the hatch has a hinge arrangent for a pop top. The Catalina 27 and 30 (both are great boats) are in your budget, too, but it's harder to bring them home, so moorage may cast a lot more per year. On the other hand, if the boat is in the water near where you live, you may use it a lot more. The H26 is a nice mix of simple and handy. The fuel tank is a standard outboard tank, but it has a built in spot with a hatch over it and good ventilation. Same with the ice box. Plain cooler with a nifty spot in the galley. In a boat this size I would prefer a tiller, so you can lift it and have the cockpit open at dock or anchor. You will want an autopilot, and the tiller one is a lot less expensive than the wheel one. A used boat will probably have one. You will also want roller furling on the jib, so look for a boat that has it or budget to add it.
 

muised

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Aug 17, 2005
97
- - Halifax, Nova Scotia
I reluctantly agree somewhat!

If it were me, I would look at a Catalina 30, but probably for resale and because I am looking to move up to a 29-32 foot boat. Your annual costs would have to factor in haul, launch and storage depending on your location. For a first boat, with a shallow draft and the ability to trailer, I would look for an O'Day 25 Centerboard. Draws 2'11" board up, big for a 25' boat, trailerable, and cheap. You should be able to find one with a trailer for $7-10K. I am biased because I own one, but I think for what its made for it is great value. I have no first hand experience on a Mac 26 - only what I have read, although I have seen a couple at our marina. My uninformed opinion is they look lightly built (which would make sense given the intended usage). Some other under-loved boats might fit the bill as well. Check some Pearsons, Paceships, seem to be lots of good deals on 27's of all sorts. I think some of the early Ericsons represent good value as well. Bottom line - if you already know how to sail, don't buy too little boat, but be realistic about your finances and intended usage. Buy the biggest that will allow you to do what you want, that you can afford, and that you can sail.
 
Jan 27, 2007
383
Irwin 37' center cockpit cleveland ohio
hi

first: do you plan to dock it or trailer it for the season? The answer will push you in the right direction. Second:did you ever live on either powerboat for an extended time? If yes, then you should know what you like and dislike in terms of headroom and space. [Remember, anyone can poop in a bucket, buy enough bottled water by the gallon for a week, and what's with having to cook?] toid: Trailering a boat to the Keys for a week or two's adventure is preferable than sailing down there. What I mean is, if you got a two weeks vac. coming, do you want to spend it sailing in the Keys or....This also should point you in the right direction. fourth: I paid $18.5k for a 37' Irwin. 4 foot draft. That usually gets me within 10 feet of most shores. The problem is sucking stuff into the water intake at shallow draft while using the motor. So...if you plan on gunkholing...is an outboard better or an inboard? (I think the outboard.) Again, this will point you in the direction you seek. Fifth: Vodka...ran out of rum. Sixth: Do you now take your stinkpots out for the day, or weekend? If weekend, then go towards the better hull for that...fixed. Seventh. How old you are? (A Columbian lady asked me that once...) If young at heart, go with the trailerable and do Florida everywhere at 60 MPH. Do Lake Lanier at 60 MPH. Draw circles on a map hours driving time. I did it for 8 hours, 10 hours and 12 hours. When I left work Thursday and didn't have to be back till Tuesday at 4:00PM, I drove to intersting points....St. Michaels (LOVED IT), New York City, Mystic Conn, Skiing in New York, Baltimore, etc. Do it all at 60 MPH and return with memories. If you are an old fart at heart, buy the fixed keel, sail till duck, hit the bars, and lie like hell about your adventures. I did mine on a 20' Paceship Mouette. I am 6'2 and yep, it was quite cramped at times, but then I slept in the van if necessary (find a Wal-Mart...camp there for the night...it's FREE).
 
W

Waffle

Macgregor sail good

the new model have a better hull shape for sailing then the older ones. They are the best cross over boat out there but the weight of the big engine makes docking and boat handling hard.
 
Jun 2, 2004
252
hunter 260 Ruedi Res.
I second the 260

I've sailed in a mac 26x several times and I have owned a 260 for going on 3 seasons. I like the 260 much more. More room, sails better, handles weather better, better quality all around. I'm not putting the mac down, I just feel that the 260 is a better trailer sailor than the mac. And like you said, if you want to go fast, you still have your powerboats. I've been out on the Sea of Cortez in some pretty nasty weather and the 260 did fine. I* don't think I would have done as well in the mac. Just my opinion. Good luck.
 

MikeH

.
Jan 7, 2004
153
Hunter 260 Perrysburg, OH
My 2 cents

Before I bought my H260 I also checked out and sailed the H26, Mac 26D and 26S, as well as the Catalina 250. All great boats, in different ways. The early to mid-90's 25/26-footers fall into your price range, so I think you're right on there. These all have a low draft and are fairly trailerable (60 minutes to fully launch) - good for the beginning and end of season. They're fairly spartan with a porta-potti or simple head, alcohol (or other) stove, storage for coolers and at least one nice berth. Most have pop tops which helps the headroom. At 10 years or so old they don't have to be restored. They should all be good for the Bay and surrounding rivers, and most are set up to use an outboard, which is less work than an inboard. But, going down the ICS in one, or down to the Keys, not me. As several people have said these boats are tender, with reefing at 10-12 Knts. Except for that, I think you're on the right track.
 
B

Bill

fwiw...

I'd stick with Catalina, Ben, or Hunters that will all fall in your price range. They are all designed by Marine Architects with knowledge about sailing vessels. B
 
W

Waffle

Macgregor are in the same class as Catalina,

Hunter and Ben... They are all lower cost production boats.
 
Jun 5, 2004
36
Catalina 380 Seabrook, TX
Disagree Waffle,

Macgregor is not in the same class as Ben, Hunter and Catalina. Macgregor is a hybrid - sail/power boat all in one. Usually when you find a hybrid such as this, it does both functions, but neither one very well.
 
Jun 8, 2004
550
Macgregor 26M Delta, B.C. Canada 26M not X
Lose the power boats

Why not just get a Macgregor and sell the power boats? How many boats do you need? The newer 26M MacGregor is a good choice and it will take a bigger motor so you can have two boats in one. If your boating season is relegated by seasons then trailerable is the way to go as you can moor in your driveway in the winter then get 4-6 months slip moorage in the summer. The MacGregor has more fun factor with it's versatility and also is easier to re-sell when the time comes. As much as I'd like a 32' keel sailboat I am hard pressed to give up my Mac after having it a few years, really like having it in my driveway to work on. The only thing I do not like about the Mac is the skinny beam, but then that is what makes it trailerable.
 
C

Captain 9330

Catalina's were and are my choice

I am a trailer sailor through and through so my comments are all to do with swing or shallow keel trailering boats in the 22 to 25 foot range. As a member of the Trailer/Sailors Association, I have had plenty of exposure to the vast array of boats that fall into that category to include monohull and trimaran designs. I looked a lot before deciding on getting my Catalina 22 almost 21 years ago. I ended up buying a 1980 used (was only 4 seasons old then) and benefited from the upgrades and additions the first owner did. Since then, I have done a lot of looking and comparing with friends boats. I still haven't found anything I would let my first love go for though I have been strongly tempted by a Catalina 25. If I am ever to move to another boat, it could only be a swing keel pop-top Catalina 25. I was attracted to MacGregor early on but the feeling of being in a shallow bathtub with cushions about did not give me a sense of comfort when considering being away from civilization for more than a week at a time. Friends sail them and enjoy them but don't have lots to say besides they like to sail them. Precision 23s are nice boats and are quite roomy inside while having lines that are quick and easy through the water even in chop. Seaward makes a sensational boat on the upper end of the market- the 23 is smallish but the 25 is very nice. Corsair makes the 25 and 27 folding trimaran with the interior space of my 22 but they fly across the water in the same breeze that I glide in. If speed still holds a grip on you that would be a good choice- the brochure used to have a water skier behind the tri in a good wind. I don't know if this muddies the waters or helps to open up new avenues of investigation to finding your "perfect" boat. To do it again, I would still buy my Catalina 22.
 
G

George

Boat Choice

You are embarking on the same journey many of us have taken. If you are new to sailing, I'd stick with a trailerable -- there are several good choices in a wide price range. The catalina 22 is a good first boat -- over 15,000 sold and still in production. If you'd like to see how one person sorted this all out go to this link: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Wrong Waffle..

Quote: "Macgregor are in the same class as Catalina, Hunter and Ben... They are all lower cost production boats." While they are all lower cost production boats the Macgregor's are NOT in the same class construction wise even when compared to a Hunter. The layup schedules are far beefier on a Hunter, Catalina or a Beneteau than they are on a Macgregor. The rigging is heavier and they all will out sail a Mac like it was anchored. Just looking at raw numbers the Catalina 25 is built far more stoutly than a Macgregor 25. The Catalina weighs in at 4150 lbs and the Mac at 2100. These are both 25 footers! A Mac is no Hunter, Catalina or Beneteau in terms of build quality period..
 
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