In my search to purchase a used sailboat, I have found an 87 Hunter 25.5 w/inboard diesel and an 87 MacGregor 26 with a new 10 HP outboard. Both appear to be in good condition with origional sails. The Hunter is $8k and the Mac is $6.5k. Just want to be a day sailor with occasional overnight. Which best meets my needs and would I be more wise to invest in a newer boat?
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My impression is
The Hunter will likely be a better investment. It is probably heavier, stronger, slower, much more economical, safer and more stable. The MacGregor will go faster with a big outboard but it is lighter. The Mac would probably be easier to launch and the outboard will be easier to work on. Gas is more dangerous and probably more of an expense because you will use more of it. To go really fast, you will need more than 10 hp so factor that in. My experience is that we always end up motoring instead of sailing to get somewhere on someones schedule. Being able to motor fast while expensive is a very real convenience and a great but very different safety advantage.
The Hunter will likely be a better investment. It is probably heavier, stronger, slower, much more economical, safer and more stable. The MacGregor will go faster with a big outboard but it is lighter. The Mac would probably be easier to launch and the outboard will be easier to work on. Gas is more dangerous and probably more of an expense because you will use more of it. To go really fast, you will need more than 10 hp so factor that in. My experience is that we always end up motoring instead of sailing to get somewhere on someones schedule. Being able to motor fast while expensive is a very real convenience and a great but very different safety advantage.
My first boat was a 25.5
My first boat was a Hunter 25.5 and I still have it 10 years later. It is a very good day sailor with enough room to take out 4 people comfrontably with out everyone feeling like they're in the way. As for overnight and weekend trips there is enough room for a couple to have a comfrontable time on. I taught myself to sail on this boat, big enough to make mistakes on but small enough to be fun. I maybe a little baised but I'd recommend the hunter, especially if your going to keep it in the water.
My first boat was a Hunter 25.5 and I still have it 10 years later. It is a very good day sailor with enough room to take out 4 people comfrontably with out everyone feeling like they're in the way. As for overnight and weekend trips there is enough room for a couple to have a comfrontable time on. I taught myself to sail on this boat, big enough to make mistakes on but small enough to be fun. I maybe a little baised but I'd recommend the hunter, especially if your going to keep it in the water.
Which boat?
The 87 MAC is not an X model so the largest engine it can handle is the 10hp. The speed of the two boats will be the same. I vote for the Mac because that's what I started with, and I still have it.
The 87 MAC is not an X model so the largest engine it can handle is the 10hp. The speed of the two boats will be the same. I vote for the Mac because that's what I started with, and I still have it.
In water trail
Take both boats out for a test run before you buy. If the owner will not take the boat out for a sea trial, I would move on to other boats. The two boats you are considering sail very differently as Patrick said. I favor the Hunter in that it is likely a better built boat. And being heavier should be easier to sail. However if you are trailering the boat the lighter MacGregor will be easier to take in and out of the water.
Take both boats out for a test run before you buy. If the owner will not take the boat out for a sea trial, I would move on to other boats. The two boats you are considering sail very differently as Patrick said. I favor the Hunter in that it is likely a better built boat. And being heavier should be easier to sail. However if you are trailering the boat the lighter MacGregor will be easier to take in and out of the water.
Ken, all else being equal I, like...
Patrick, vote for the Hunter. Fuel consumption becomes a major factor in favor of the Hunter. The inboard diesel also tends to be a far more reliable solution than an outboard. BTW, be sure to have a reputable marine surveyor check the boat over before you finalize the purchase. Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of sailing. Disregarding the higher cost, a new boat is better than an 1987 model. But, for the price, the 25.5 is a well built boat. Check out some of the owner reviews on this model. Terry
Patrick, vote for the Hunter. Fuel consumption becomes a major factor in favor of the Hunter. The inboard diesel also tends to be a far more reliable solution than an outboard. BTW, be sure to have a reputable marine surveyor check the boat over before you finalize the purchase. Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of sailing. Disregarding the higher cost, a new boat is better than an 1987 model. But, for the price, the 25.5 is a well built boat. Check out some of the owner reviews on this model. Terry
Easy call for me
For 1500 bucks difference it is an easy choice. I have owned neither boat, but have friends and at least one relative who have. Both are base-level production boats, but everything on the Mac is made with lowest posssible production cost as the major consideration - have an experienced sailor go over it with you, paying special attention to fittings, gelcoat condition, fiberglass thickness, etc. The Hunter is made with a different philosophy, and it shows in the increased attention to details and the quality of the components. The Mac 26 isn't a bad boat - in fact John Kretschmer included it in his "Used Boat Notebook" describing "40 Great Used Boats." But in his own words, it is 'spartan', 'very lightly constructed and poorly finished' and 'does not age well.' The Hunter will deliver better performance in a variety of conditions, will hold up longer, and in my view is a much more attractive boat on the water. The diesel is a definite plus and is worth the extra money by itself and add to the boat's value when you sell. If you are going to keep it in the water, the Hunter is the hands down choice. If you intend to trailer it, then the lighter weight of the MacGregor would probably outweigh its shortcomings, but that is the only area in which it is "superior." PS - be ready to buy new sails, whichever one you choose.
For 1500 bucks difference it is an easy choice. I have owned neither boat, but have friends and at least one relative who have. Both are base-level production boats, but everything on the Mac is made with lowest posssible production cost as the major consideration - have an experienced sailor go over it with you, paying special attention to fittings, gelcoat condition, fiberglass thickness, etc. The Hunter is made with a different philosophy, and it shows in the increased attention to details and the quality of the components. The Mac 26 isn't a bad boat - in fact John Kretschmer included it in his "Used Boat Notebook" describing "40 Great Used Boats." But in his own words, it is 'spartan', 'very lightly constructed and poorly finished' and 'does not age well.' The Hunter will deliver better performance in a variety of conditions, will hold up longer, and in my view is a much more attractive boat on the water. The diesel is a definite plus and is worth the extra money by itself and add to the boat's value when you sell. If you are going to keep it in the water, the Hunter is the hands down choice. If you intend to trailer it, then the lighter weight of the MacGregor would probably outweigh its shortcomings, but that is the only area in which it is "superior." PS - be ready to buy new sails, whichever one you choose.
Hop over to hunterowners.com and ...
... read the owners reviews on the 25.5. I think you'll find a lot of very happy owners listing a lot of great characteristics. Great sailing performance (note the PHRF rating). If it's the shoal draft keel, so much the better for cruising, and doesn't affect performance too much. My buddy down the dock has one (actually, he got there a day or so before me or it would be mine) and loves it. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
... read the owners reviews on the 25.5. I think you'll find a lot of very happy owners listing a lot of great characteristics. Great sailing performance (note the PHRF rating). If it's the shoal draft keel, so much the better for cruising, and doesn't affect performance too much. My buddy down the dock has one (actually, he got there a day or so before me or it would be mine) and loves it. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Diesel is a DECISION
Diesl is a decision - With an outboard, if it needs service, you take it off and go to any boating shop, even (and perhaps often best) a stinkpot shop. If it dies, it is not hideously expensive to replace. With a diesel - you'll likely pay the mechanic to travel out to you, pay him again when he finds that he needs parts that are not in his box. Well maintained it lasts a long time, unlucky or poor maintenance and it is *expensive* to replace. Fuel saving is unlikely to matter on a 25' boat - unless you plan to cruise & motor long distances to keep a schedule. It would be easy to use less than 10 gallons a year mostly daysailing, but it all depends upon how much you motor. Plenty of 25 foot boats around to choose from.
Diesl is a decision - With an outboard, if it needs service, you take it off and go to any boating shop, even (and perhaps often best) a stinkpot shop. If it dies, it is not hideously expensive to replace. With a diesel - you'll likely pay the mechanic to travel out to you, pay him again when he finds that he needs parts that are not in his box. Well maintained it lasts a long time, unlucky or poor maintenance and it is *expensive* to replace. Fuel saving is unlikely to matter on a 25' boat - unless you plan to cruise & motor long distances to keep a schedule. It would be easy to use less than 10 gallons a year mostly daysailing, but it all depends upon how much you motor. Plenty of 25 foot boats around to choose from.
Will you be motoring in big waves?
If yes, you should go with the inboard. I have often followed outboard powered sailboats in and out of our harbour when there are 4-5 feet waves and have watched as the prop keeps coming out of the water. Kevin
If yes, you should go with the inboard. I have often followed outboard powered sailboats in and out of our harbour when there are 4-5 feet waves and have watched as the prop keeps coming out of the water. Kevin
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