Looking to buy 1st boat. Trying to compare Macgregors to Hunters and Catalina(26,260,250). If anyone can offer some advice as to which is best and least expensive overall,the good and bad of each. Thanks!!!
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Boats
I would stick to the Hunter or Catalina. There is quite a bit of difference in price between used and brand new. I found my 1998 Hunter 240 on the boats listing on this web site. I love my Hunter and the room below. The water ballast makes it managable to launch and retrieve the boat from a trailer (as opposed to launching a full keeled boat from a trailer). I keep my boat on the trailer with the mast up and can launch, park the trailer, and be sailing within half an hour.
I would stick to the Hunter or Catalina. There is quite a bit of difference in price between used and brand new. I found my 1998 Hunter 240 on the boats listing on this web site. I love my Hunter and the room below. The water ballast makes it managable to launch and retrieve the boat from a trailer (as opposed to launching a full keeled boat from a trailer). I keep my boat on the trailer with the mast up and can launch, park the trailer, and be sailing within half an hour.
Comparing boats
Without a doubt in my mind I can assure you that Hunter is the better boat. Now, some misguided and uninformed Catalina or Macgregor owner might disagree, but they really don't know what they are talking about. Of course, one day I'll probably own a Catalina or Macgregor and then I will be able to assure you that without a doubt in my mind that they are the better boat, but until that day comes... Hope you get my point, these boat mfgs are all pretty close in quality, value, etc. Tell us a little more about what you are after, new or used, trailorable or not, lake or sounds, daysailing or overnighting.
Without a doubt in my mind I can assure you that Hunter is the better boat. Now, some misguided and uninformed Catalina or Macgregor owner might disagree, but they really don't know what they are talking about. Of course, one day I'll probably own a Catalina or Macgregor and then I will be able to assure you that without a doubt in my mind that they are the better boat, but until that day comes... Hope you get my point, these boat mfgs are all pretty close in quality, value, etc. Tell us a little more about what you are after, new or used, trailorable or not, lake or sounds, daysailing or overnighting.
Boat selection
So, it starts again. I would suggest a search of the archives. There is some great info in the postings. I agree with Andy, you need to make some decisions concerning useage and expectations and that will help with your decision. Will you tow alot? What is your price range? Do you need powered speed or pure sailing? New or used? Fixed keel? Understand you are comparing apples to oranges; determine what juice you want. Also, consider the opinions. Some people will give you an honest answer based upon experience and knowledge. Some will provide answers based upon prejudice and lack of real exposure. Often you can tell the difference because prejudice is frequently shrouded in absolutes. Let us know more of your perameters and we can be more helpful. K
So, it starts again. I would suggest a search of the archives. There is some great info in the postings. I agree with Andy, you need to make some decisions concerning useage and expectations and that will help with your decision. Will you tow alot? What is your price range? Do you need powered speed or pure sailing? New or used? Fixed keel? Understand you are comparing apples to oranges; determine what juice you want. Also, consider the opinions. Some people will give you an honest answer based upon experience and knowledge. Some will provide answers based upon prejudice and lack of real exposure. Often you can tell the difference because prejudice is frequently shrouded in absolutes. Let us know more of your perameters and we can be more helpful. K
don't even think about
don't even think about a MacGregor -- i worked in a marina as a kid & they were a total joke -- thin plastic
don't even think about a MacGregor -- i worked in a marina as a kid & they were a total joke -- thin plastic
Hey Mike
Thanks for proving my point!! Total absolutes. No direct experience. You were a kid. Thanks! K
Thanks for proving my point!! Total absolutes. No direct experience. You were a kid. Thanks! K
Blondes or Brunettes?
Your choice depends on where you are planning to sail. Started with a Hobie Cat and learned more on that boat than any since. My personal choice would be between the Catalina and the Hunter. But if you were in some conditions, the Macgregors are great boats. I personally don't care for them because of the experience of a friend who put his arm out of commission slipping on the cabin deck. Took him out of sailing because of the extensive break. But, then I suppose he could have tripped over a crack in a sidewalk and done the same.
Your choice depends on where you are planning to sail. Started with a Hobie Cat and learned more on that boat than any since. My personal choice would be between the Catalina and the Hunter. But if you were in some conditions, the Macgregors are great boats. I personally don't care for them because of the experience of a friend who put his arm out of commission slipping on the cabin deck. Took him out of sailing because of the extensive break. But, then I suppose he could have tripped over a crack in a sidewalk and done the same.
I'm with Kevin...
All the boats are good boats, but several have very different purposes and should be bought/used accordingly. I would advise you to rent a few, and see what you think. Specifically, try out a fin keel versus a water ballast and see how you like the feel of the boat. As for MacGregors, they get knocked alot, and I certainly did not choose one (not my style) but they definetly have some advantages depending on your local waters. That said, the experience I can best relay to you is on Catalinas, because I own one. My wife and I bought a C-27 (1979) and have been very pleased with her ever since. We like the solid feel to the tiller, and the fact that she is not too tender in high winds. We love her inboard as well. She was a great buy at 8k, and we put about another 5k into her to get her just the way we wanted her. Have fun on your quest, and please keep us updated. I like to hear what people decide on. Rob
All the boats are good boats, but several have very different purposes and should be bought/used accordingly. I would advise you to rent a few, and see what you think. Specifically, try out a fin keel versus a water ballast and see how you like the feel of the boat. As for MacGregors, they get knocked alot, and I certainly did not choose one (not my style) but they definetly have some advantages depending on your local waters. That said, the experience I can best relay to you is on Catalinas, because I own one. My wife and I bought a C-27 (1979) and have been very pleased with her ever since. We like the solid feel to the tiller, and the fact that she is not too tender in high winds. We love her inboard as well. She was a great buy at 8k, and we put about another 5k into her to get her just the way we wanted her. Have fun on your quest, and please keep us updated. I like to hear what people decide on. Rob
Larry, We looked for a year at all trailerable
sailboats that were large enough for 2 adults to spend up to 2 week aboard. We sailed Catalina's, Mac's, San Juan's and Hunters. They all sail great. The reasons we bought a 1995 Hunter 26 were because it offered the best headroom, had what we felt was the best construction, had by far the best resale (which means the highest cost to buy), and had the best rigging topside and the best interior layout. Our boat was very well equiped and had a after market added marine head and 20 gal. holding tank. After seeing what a pain it is to empty a porta-potty that alone was enough reason to buy this boat. To bad you live on the right coast as we are now selling "Speedy" and buying a 37 to 42 foot boat to sail wherever on the Earths oceans we want for the next 10 years. Sold the house 2 weeks ago. Good luck on your boat buy, you too can get hooked like us and go for the big trip when you retire. Ray S/V Speedy
sailboats that were large enough for 2 adults to spend up to 2 week aboard. We sailed Catalina's, Mac's, San Juan's and Hunters. They all sail great. The reasons we bought a 1995 Hunter 26 were because it offered the best headroom, had what we felt was the best construction, had by far the best resale (which means the highest cost to buy), and had the best rigging topside and the best interior layout. Our boat was very well equiped and had a after market added marine head and 20 gal. holding tank. After seeing what a pain it is to empty a porta-potty that alone was enough reason to buy this boat. To bad you live on the right coast as we are now selling "Speedy" and buying a 37 to 42 foot boat to sail wherever on the Earths oceans we want for the next 10 years. Sold the house 2 weeks ago. Good luck on your boat buy, you too can get hooked like us and go for the big trip when you retire. Ray S/V Speedy
Happy for now!
Have had a Hunter 240 for 6 mths now and very pleased with it. It does seem a little tender in winds over ~20mph. It is the largest boat I could trailer easily (that I found). Eventually would like to move up to a larger one, but I'm happy for now.
Have had a Hunter 240 for 6 mths now and very pleased with it. It does seem a little tender in winds over ~20mph. It is the largest boat I could trailer easily (that I found). Eventually would like to move up to a larger one, but I'm happy for now.
macgregor 26 doesn't sail
for a first boat, go with a hunter or catalina, forget the macgregor. i have spoken to a few people who own the 26, it is very roomy inside and if fast under power but she is cheaply made and does not sail well at all. very slow. i would go with the hunter, i have owned 2 now and they have been great.
for a first boat, go with a hunter or catalina, forget the macgregor. i have spoken to a few people who own the 26, it is very roomy inside and if fast under power but she is cheaply made and does not sail well at all. very slow. i would go with the hunter, i have owned 2 now and they have been great.
I don't think....
that anyone should be hammering Macgregor, there are alot of people that really enjoy them and they have carved out a nice niche for themselves...that being said ALL three of the brands (Hunter, Macgregor and Catalina) are "cheaply" made, all manufacturers cut corners (High end boats being the exception ie. Tartan, Sabre) That's why people like us can afford them. So basically it goes back to what Dakota said. Some sail better, some motor better, some have more interior room. Asking a question like this in here is only going to get you people's personal preferences.
that anyone should be hammering Macgregor, there are alot of people that really enjoy them and they have carved out a nice niche for themselves...that being said ALL three of the brands (Hunter, Macgregor and Catalina) are "cheaply" made, all manufacturers cut corners (High end boats being the exception ie. Tartan, Sabre) That's why people like us can afford them. So basically it goes back to what Dakota said. Some sail better, some motor better, some have more interior room. Asking a question like this in here is only going to get you people's personal preferences.
Lower mfg standards than Catalina/Hunter
Don't put the Macgregor in the same category as the Catalina/Hunters. They have very low mfg standards. They have their chainplates backed with fender washers. Very light weight construction. These boats are trully starter boats and really should only be used in protected waters. They sell a lot of boats and when people that really want to sail decide what they have purchased ususally want to move up in a short period of time. On the otherhand if you want a combo boat (excellent speed under power) and only sail in light air there is nothing else like it. I wish I could find the article of one that was on the S.F. bay that had dumped their ballast near Treasure Island and then capsized. All the crew was rescued.
Don't put the Macgregor in the same category as the Catalina/Hunters. They have very low mfg standards. They have their chainplates backed with fender washers. Very light weight construction. These boats are trully starter boats and really should only be used in protected waters. They sell a lot of boats and when people that really want to sail decide what they have purchased ususally want to move up in a short period of time. On the otherhand if you want a combo boat (excellent speed under power) and only sail in light air there is nothing else like it. I wish I could find the article of one that was on the S.F. bay that had dumped their ballast near Treasure Island and then capsized. All the crew was rescued.
thanks
Thanks to all who have responded. It's very informative and helpful. Thanks again PS will most likely go with the Hunter 240 or 260!!
Thanks to all who have responded. It's very informative and helpful. Thanks again PS will most likely go with the Hunter 240 or 260!!
Greg, saying that all 3 boats are cheaply made
is not really a good clasification. There ARE differences and everything is "relative". There is nothing wrong with the Mac and if I was doing lake sailing I would think these are wonderful. But classifying these with Catalinas or Hunters is incorrect. There IS a difference in build quality and as with most things there is a pecking order. Also I would not classify Tartans & Sabre as "High end" boats. They do cost savings measures just as any company that wants to make a profit does. I would classify them as "Mid Range" boats. I might classify Hinckleys and Hylas's as High end boats, but they too are not the best "money can buy". So remember everything is "relative" and it all depends on how you are going to use it. Just think....Even if you could afford a Humvee, does it make any sense to own one if you are commuting and parking in NYCity? Not really...
is not really a good clasification. There ARE differences and everything is "relative". There is nothing wrong with the Mac and if I was doing lake sailing I would think these are wonderful. But classifying these with Catalinas or Hunters is incorrect. There IS a difference in build quality and as with most things there is a pecking order. Also I would not classify Tartans & Sabre as "High end" boats. They do cost savings measures just as any company that wants to make a profit does. I would classify them as "Mid Range" boats. I might classify Hinckleys and Hylas's as High end boats, but they too are not the best "money can buy". So remember everything is "relative" and it all depends on how you are going to use it. Just think....Even if you could afford a Humvee, does it make any sense to own one if you are commuting and parking in NYCity? Not really...
Oh, Phil...
I was going to mention to Mark to list his Balboa for sale on the site, but there is no generic page where someone with other than the sailboatowners brands can participate. Wonder if that might be worthwhile considering? Clearly, there are a lot of other brand owners participating on these sites (kudos to you). Rick D.
I was going to mention to Mark to list his Balboa for sale on the site, but there is no generic page where someone with other than the sailboatowners brands can participate. Wonder if that might be worthwhile considering? Clearly, there are a lot of other brand owners participating on these sites (kudos to you). Rick D.
It's a matter of cost -vs- quality
In most cases bigger bucks means better quality. But in any market for any product there is a break point between quality and cost. The proper balance between quality and cost equals value, value determining whether a purchase takes place or not when a buyer's needs, desires and finances allow the decision to be made to buy. If cost is too high or quality too low nothing will happen. In other words, how much am I willing to sacrifice for something I want? Will it be worth it? In my years of sailboat shopping and owning I have become a big fan of the Catalina value equation. Cost and quality match perfectly, equaling great value. Chris
In most cases bigger bucks means better quality. But in any market for any product there is a break point between quality and cost. The proper balance between quality and cost equals value, value determining whether a purchase takes place or not when a buyer's needs, desires and finances allow the decision to be made to buy. If cost is too high or quality too low nothing will happen. In other words, how much am I willing to sacrifice for something I want? Will it be worth it? In my years of sailboat shopping and owning I have become a big fan of the Catalina value equation. Cost and quality match perfectly, equaling great value. Chris
Rick - SailboatOwners.com
Our 'generic' (we prefer 'non-branded') site accommodates ads for any boat. The ads appear on all of our sites and get good traffic. In fact, we've sold boats from that site I'd never heard of before! ph.
Our 'generic' (we prefer 'non-branded') site accommodates ads for any boat. The ads appear on all of our sites and get good traffic. In fact, we've sold boats from that site I'd never heard of before! ph.
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