MacGregor vs Hunter

[Viviana]

We are looking to buy a 26' boat. We are looking both at the Hunter 260 and the MacGregor 26X. We will sail our boat in the Mississippi river. We'll need to lock through the dams at times and we will like to at times cruise up the river several miles by motor and then sail down the river back to our home port. The Mississippi can have a hefty current at times. What do you recommend to us? We have seen the Hunter 260 and liked the interior and apparent quality. Viviana grew up sailing in a river in Argentina, had to deal with similar current and weather conditions (changing and dying winds, sudden storms) and likes the idea of having the availability of a faster engine to get to places or return home or find an island cove before the storm hits. She likes the possibility of a 50 HP motor. We want to know which boat is best at sailing. What do you think?Thanks,Viviana and Greg

 

[Tom]

Buy the 26X

To answer your direct question, the Hunter is the better sailboat. However, out of the two boats, it is the only actual sailboat. The 26X is a powersailer and as such sacrifices some sailing agility (mostly into wind) for far superior power performance. That does not make it a bad sailboat though. You will open up vast areas of the Miss River since you could motor upstream at about 18 mph for a couple of hours, sail, and then get back home. I have also used that power to beat a storm back to port. Couldn't have done that at the 5 mph top speed of the Hunter. By the way, the 26X can easily sail at 8 mph.

 

[wayne]

I'm used to horse power

I just purchased my first sailboat, and I chose the 26x for the cruise speed and range not attainable on standard trailer sailers. I have been a power-boater for 30 years, and I can usually beat any situation by applying more horsepower: A 6 knot wallow is not attractive to me in an emergency. Am I a pure sailor? Nope, and I couldn't care less...

 

[Mike]

Versitility=MacGregor

When i bought my 26x 1999 my sailing instructor mentioned he sailed a Hnter too. Infact the dealer sold both the Mac and Hunter. He preferred the Mac for sailing---he said, " it handled better." Of course the Hunter is more money and more glass used in construction.  Hunter is a sailboat and thats it---u sail and at times with no wind ---u take ur time and sail.  Currents----no problem for Mac with a 50 hp motor. It drafts almost no water--great for the Miss. Oh yeah, Mosquetos and other insects will love to nest in Hunters Fabric lined cabin!! U porbably want to hear from Hunter owners---inorder to get an unbias opinion... Good luck

 

[Jim Bailey]

Macgregor VS Hunter Decisions.

Greg, Listen to Viviana. She could also tell you about those interesting sand bars that pop up out of who knows where.The Macgregor 26X draws 9inches of water. And the 50hp engine is great. I've had a few other boats, including a 1984 MacGregor. I like my 26X a whole lot more. Good luck with your ultimate decision, and good sailing.