More 26S vs 25: Height above the waterline?

[HeelBoy]

I'm about a month away from pulling the trigger on a Mac, unless some other epic deal presents itself.
Is the 26s Higher on the water than the 25?

I've been chugging all the info I can, and found two interesting photos (attached). Is the Mac25 cockpit physically lower to the waterline than the 26S? Or is the inside deck lower? That's a huge difference in interior space back there!

 

[sail sfbay]

Is the 26s Higher on the water than the 25? 26s appears to be higher. Look at the P dimensions to get an indicative idea here: SailboatData.com - MACGREGOR 26S Sailboat AND SailboatData.com - MACGREGOR 25 Sailboat.

Is the Mac25 cockpit physically lower to the waterline than the 26S? Or is the inside deck lower? Suggest looking at them to be sure............probably a maater of perspective.

 

[stickinthemud57]

Well, sfbay beat me to it!

These photos illustrate how much roomier and accessible the queen berth is in the 26S, D, or C than the 25. We definitely love this feature!

I don't know the answer to your question, but would suggest you print out the profiles provided at the following links:

MACGREGOR 25 - sailboatdata

The first version was called the VENTURE 25. With relatively few changes, it became the MACGREGOR 25 (around 1980). With more than 7000 boats sold, it’s one of the most popular models from this builder. Masthead Rig: I: 28.3′ J: 9.75′ P: 24.5′ E: 10.5′ Photo of Venture 25 courtesy Adam Hunt.

sailboatdata.com

MACGREGOR 26S - sailboatdata

Dry boat weight: 1650 lbs. Centerboard weight: 50 lbs. An earlier model, called the MACGREGOR 26D was similar but with a (vertically) lifting keel. (also with water ballast = reduced weight for trailering. Not to be adjusted while sailing). Spinnaker area: 360 sq. ft. Thanks to a number of...

sailboatdata.com

...create scales based on the lengths of the boats, and determine other dimensions from that.

 

[HeelBoy]

Look at the P dimensions t

What does the P dimension measure? Mast heigh from waterline?
Just looking at the side by sides, without even scaling, the 25 appears to have a lower cockpit floor... Which I'm honestly a fan of, from a seaworthyness perspective.

Then again, the higher displacement of the 26s will have it bobbing around less, also good for bad days. Deciding is hard. lol

 

[stickinthemud57]

A quick google search reveals this among several diagrams:

http://www.epsails.com/images/rig-meas.gif

LOA (Length overall) would be a good dimension to use also.

 

[stickinthemud57]

You might want to research comfort ratios and S# at the above links. These attempt to predict stability and performance, respectively.

The general consensus is that the 25 is a little sportier, while the 26S, D, and C is a bit roomier. I like the galley arrangement in the S, which features a swing-out table that stays out of the way when not in use. This provides more sitting and sleeping space.

 

[Giro]

Is the freeboard taller in the 26s than the 25?
The specs don’t show this in either case.

 

[sail sfbay]

Suggest measuring them..........since you have a 25 drop a tape measure over the side then find a 26S and do the same. Some 26S's for sale in California listed on these sites: MacGregor sailboats For Sale in California | Used MacGregor sailboats For Sale in California by owner (boatersnet.net) AND Macgregor sailboats for sale by owner. (sailboatlistings.com).

 

[Giro]

I’ll do that when we visit our boat. Only problem is I have never seen a 26s in the whole of California. I just though someone might know. Thank you, though.

 

[sail sfbay]

Just found this MacgregorOwners.com Owner Directory (sailboatowners.com). Might send 26S owners (some in California) in this directory a PM for help.

 

[Giro]

That is great. Thank you!

 

[stickinthemud57]

Is the freeboard taller in the 26s than the 25?
The specs don’t show this in either case.

Yes, but the diagrams will get you at least in the ballpark. Suggest you use those and do a little calculating.

 

[Giro]

Right.