I am looking to buy a 1986 25' MacGregor. How easy is it to trailer? How easy is it to step the mast? And lastly, how easy is it to sail alone?
- Status
Easy to sail
I never trailered it, but it was easy to step the mast for TWO people. Not the kind of thing I would want to do on a regular basis.
As for sailing alone, it is a piece of cake. It was my first sailboat. Took it through hell and back. Mine was a 1979, I think. I never needed winches, so I dont remember if it even had any. I would head into the wind, pull in my jib , fall off and let it out slowly until sail looked good. Did the same with the main.
You will love your new boat.
Tony B
I never trailered it, but it was easy to step the mast for TWO people. Not the kind of thing I would want to do on a regular basis.
As for sailing alone, it is a piece of cake. It was my first sailboat. Took it through hell and back. Mine was a 1979, I think. I never needed winches, so I dont remember if it even had any. I would head into the wind, pull in my jib , fall off and let it out slowly until sail looked good. Did the same with the main.
You will love your new boat.
Tony B
that depends...
I just trailered my '88 26 D from California to Wisconsin and back again with no trouble whatsoever. It was on a tandem axle trailer being pulled by a motorhome. I would not want to try that trip on a single axle trailer being pulled by a car, especially if the outboard motor is heavy. A lot depends on what kind of terrain you intend to trailer on. Rochester is flatter than California, so you may have fewer challenges than I do. Make sure you have enough vehicle to handle getting the boat up the boat ramp. I've seen more than one half ton pickup smoke its tires trying to get up the ramp. A three quarter ton with four wheel drive will handle the task with ease.
My 21 year old son and I (I'm 51) step the mast without any trouble, so long as the shroud lines don't foul. A little sister comes in handy to deal with the shrouds. I attach the bow painter to the fore stay, and then put a wrap around the bow pulpit to act as a brake against the mast. The bow painter allows me to arrest the mast, even at a fairly flat angle with a single hand. My buddy steps his mast alone, but he has a contraption to assist him. He single hands his 25 footer, but his boat is set up for that purpose.
My advice is to buy the boat, get it set up properly, tow with the right vehicle and have fun.
I just trailered my '88 26 D from California to Wisconsin and back again with no trouble whatsoever. It was on a tandem axle trailer being pulled by a motorhome. I would not want to try that trip on a single axle trailer being pulled by a car, especially if the outboard motor is heavy. A lot depends on what kind of terrain you intend to trailer on. Rochester is flatter than California, so you may have fewer challenges than I do. Make sure you have enough vehicle to handle getting the boat up the boat ramp. I've seen more than one half ton pickup smoke its tires trying to get up the ramp. A three quarter ton with four wheel drive will handle the task with ease.
My 21 year old son and I (I'm 51) step the mast without any trouble, so long as the shroud lines don't foul. A little sister comes in handy to deal with the shrouds. I attach the bow painter to the fore stay, and then put a wrap around the bow pulpit to act as a brake against the mast. The bow painter allows me to arrest the mast, even at a fairly flat angle with a single hand. My buddy steps his mast alone, but he has a contraption to assist him. He single hands his 25 footer, but his boat is set up for that purpose.
My advice is to buy the boat, get it set up properly, tow with the right vehicle and have fun.
To caguy
If you wouldn't mind forwarding the plans for that stepping system my email is phdoc007@yahoo.com. Thanks.
If you wouldn't mind forwarding the plans for that stepping system my email is phdoc007@yahoo.com. Thanks.
she is a kitten,
to sail solo, I actually have a dinghy that is more of a handful than our Mac, I trailer, sail and step the mast by myself in my 77 venture which is virtually the same boat with a steel swinger underneath instead of the water and a board. .... I am getting a little sore from doing this solo all the time so if you could forward me that $30 mast stepping info to fighterace26@yahoo.com I would really appreciate it too.
some advice,
the boat almost never sits far enough forward on the trailer,
if you dont have a furling headsail get one it's much easier to single hand with it,
lead all the lines aft to the cockpit,
a tiller tamer is a must (or autopilot)
to sail solo, I actually have a dinghy that is more of a handful than our Mac, I trailer, sail and step the mast by myself in my 77 venture which is virtually the same boat with a steel swinger underneath instead of the water and a board. .... I am getting a little sore from doing this solo all the time so if you could forward me that $30 mast stepping info to fighterace26@yahoo.com I would really appreciate it too.
some advice,
the boat almost never sits far enough forward on the trailer,
if you dont have a furling headsail get one it's much easier to single hand with it,
lead all the lines aft to the cockpit,
a tiller tamer is a must (or autopilot)
The 25 is a nice boat,
larger than my 22-2, but a lot of parts interchange,poptop, hatches, rudder(thanks Duane,saved the day, you thought I wouldn't bring that up, did you Frank, *butt ) other parts(blocks, cleats, etc.) are standard parts that can be replaced with Harken, Garhauer, etc. The boat sits higher on it's trailer than most, so get a stepladder, Check the keel winch and cable, make sure the brake works, check the trailer tires and bearings carefully, check the standing rigging for broken strands near the ends, have fun. Tim
larger than my 22-2, but a lot of parts interchange,poptop, hatches, rudder(thanks Duane,saved the day, you thought I wouldn't bring that up, did you Frank, *butt ) other parts(blocks, cleats, etc.) are standard parts that can be replaced with Harken, Garhauer, etc. The boat sits higher on it's trailer than most, so get a stepladder, Check the keel winch and cable, make sure the brake works, check the trailer tires and bearings carefully, check the standing rigging for broken strands near the ends, have fun. Tim
I have a V-21 and let me tell ya
replacing the triangle with a Harkin small boat traveller and getting IdaSailor's aftermarket rudder made a HUGE difference in my boat.
replacing the triangle with a Harkin small boat traveller and getting IdaSailor's aftermarket rudder made a HUGE difference in my boat.
Ok, ok Timo fixed the motor bracket and I helped.
Thank goodness that the rudders are inter-changeable. In the rush to go sailing before the wife changed her mind I forgot to throw the rudder into the back of the truck. Thanks Duane for the use of your Ida Rudder.
There I've thanked Timo, Duane and goodness for saving a great day of sailing, now the universe is in order.
Frank
Thank goodness that the rudders are inter-changeable. In the rush to go sailing before the wife changed her mind I forgot to throw the rudder into the back of the truck. Thanks Duane for the use of your Ida Rudder.
There I've thanked Timo, Duane and goodness for saving a great day of sailing, now the universe is in order.
Frank
Had one, done that.
I loved my Mac 25, kind of.
Not big enough for the wife and two kiddies, 6 and 8 yrs. But it was great as a day saylor.
Doubt you could step the mast alone, even with a mast raising system, but finding an extra hand for 5 mins. is not hard at most boat ramps.
Boat points well and with the 150 genoa I could really make it hum and smoked many a Hunter!
I loved my Mac 25, kind of.
Not big enough for the wife and two kiddies, 6 and 8 yrs. But it was great as a day saylor.
Doubt you could step the mast alone, even with a mast raising system, but finding an extra hand for 5 mins. is not hard at most boat ramps.
Boat points well and with the 150 genoa I could really make it hum and smoked many a Hunter!
Mast raising
My first boat was a Chrysler 22, which I trailered everywhere, and sailed single handed 90% of the time, including stepping and unstepping the mast. Many years ago, but I remember that to step the mast I would get it up by hand just a little and set it on a crutch. Then use the trailer winch to hoist it the rest of the way up. On that boat it was simple and easy.
My first boat was a Chrysler 22, which I trailered everywhere, and sailed single handed 90% of the time, including stepping and unstepping the mast. Many years ago, but I remember that to step the mast I would get it up by hand just a little and set it on a crutch. Then use the trailer winch to hoist it the rest of the way up. On that boat it was simple and easy.
Simple...
Is the only way to describe sailing a V25. I went from Hobies and Sunfish almost 30 years ago to sliding my 1974 V25 into the water this spring and taking off like a shot. Raising the mast is not something I would even consider attempting by myself without some sort of mechanical aid. I've raised my mast twice and each time it has taken three people to get the job done. Two is probably the absolute minimum for my boat. We have spent most weekends this summer on the boat and have found it to be quite livable for two adults and an 8-year-old. The only problem we've encountered was one night the kid disappeared. After a few tense moments, we found he had wiggled his way under the cockpit and was sound asleep next to the battery and gas tank.
I bought my boat from a guy who lived about 200 miles away and we had no trouble at all trailering it back on a single axle trailer. I haven't tried pulling it out of the water yet...that may be an adventure.
Is the only way to describe sailing a V25. I went from Hobies and Sunfish almost 30 years ago to sliding my 1974 V25 into the water this spring and taking off like a shot. Raising the mast is not something I would even consider attempting by myself without some sort of mechanical aid. I've raised my mast twice and each time it has taken three people to get the job done. Two is probably the absolute minimum for my boat. We have spent most weekends this summer on the boat and have found it to be quite livable for two adults and an 8-year-old. The only problem we've encountered was one night the kid disappeared. After a few tense moments, we found he had wiggled his way under the cockpit and was sound asleep next to the battery and gas tank.
I bought my boat from a guy who lived about 200 miles away and we had no trouble at all trailering it back on a single axle trailer. I haven't tried pulling it out of the water yet...that may be an adventure.
Mac 25
I own a Mac 26D, but last week I took one of our club members Mac 25 out for a sail. The first thing I noticed sailing his mac was that the winches were halfway back the cockpit and very well suited for single handing. (My 26D has the winches on the cabin roof and are a little hard to get to when sailing by myself.) In addition I found that the cabin i higher or the cockpit lower than on my 26D, so I found that I had to sit on my leg or stand while manuvering around the harbour to be able to see where I am going. When you have the centerboard lowered completely the cable starts to sing when you hit 2knts+. The cabin layout was pretty good with the v berth up front and a single berth along the port side. The little table on the starboard was a nice touch but I found myself missing the huge double berth and stern lazerette of my 26D. All in all it seemed to sail all right but not as well as the 26D.
Wow I really didnt notice this was a totaly dead post.. Opps.
I own a Mac 26D, but last week I took one of our club members Mac 25 out for a sail. The first thing I noticed sailing his mac was that the winches were halfway back the cockpit and very well suited for single handing. (My 26D has the winches on the cabin roof and are a little hard to get to when sailing by myself.) In addition I found that the cabin i higher or the cockpit lower than on my 26D, so I found that I had to sit on my leg or stand while manuvering around the harbour to be able to see where I am going. When you have the centerboard lowered completely the cable starts to sing when you hit 2knts+. The cabin layout was pretty good with the v berth up front and a single berth along the port side. The little table on the starboard was a nice touch but I found myself missing the huge double berth and stern lazerette of my 26D. All in all it seemed to sail all right but not as well as the 26D.
Wow I really didnt notice this was a totaly dead post.. Opps.
Re: Mac 25
I sail my Mac 25 solo all the time in winds up to 20 knots and waves up to 6 foot on Lake Michigan, I love it, it's easy, but these conditions are pretty sporting on not for everyone. Sailing with the family, I limit the action to 2 foot waves and 12 knot winds.
Unlike Merg, I found this is a good small boat for my small family; my kids are 6 and 7. It is stable, easy to manage when little people are in the way, and is cheap, and holding it's value: As the kids get bigger, I will be able to sell it quickly and either get a Hobie Cat or a 30 footer, depending on what serves my teams's interests most. Granted, the interior amenities are sparse, so there is not much down there to entertain the kids, like a larger boat with more "living room" would offer.
I tow mine with a 2003 Honda Odyssey, with four wheel disk brakes, and a 3300 pound towing capacity. I have no problems at all. Some people have installed brakes on the trailer; I don't see this as necessary in my case, the Odyssey has substantial stopping power.
There are kits to set up the mast alone, I don't have one. I put the mast up with my wife, pal, or solicit a fisheman's help, it's easy and only takes a minute (but seems scary the first few times). In the archives, you will find mast stepping instructions for a two-some I have posted before.
The Mac 25 is a great bang for the buck.
I sail my Mac 25 solo all the time in winds up to 20 knots and waves up to 6 foot on Lake Michigan, I love it, it's easy, but these conditions are pretty sporting on not for everyone. Sailing with the family, I limit the action to 2 foot waves and 12 knot winds.
Unlike Merg, I found this is a good small boat for my small family; my kids are 6 and 7. It is stable, easy to manage when little people are in the way, and is cheap, and holding it's value: As the kids get bigger, I will be able to sell it quickly and either get a Hobie Cat or a 30 footer, depending on what serves my teams's interests most. Granted, the interior amenities are sparse, so there is not much down there to entertain the kids, like a larger boat with more "living room" would offer.
I tow mine with a 2003 Honda Odyssey, with four wheel disk brakes, and a 3300 pound towing capacity. I have no problems at all. Some people have installed brakes on the trailer; I don't see this as necessary in my case, the Odyssey has substantial stopping power.
There are kits to set up the mast alone, I don't have one. I put the mast up with my wife, pal, or solicit a fisheman's help, it's easy and only takes a minute (but seems scary the first few times). In the archives, you will find mast stepping instructions for a two-some I have posted before.
The Mac 25 is a great bang for the buck.
For the money
the Mac 25 is hard to beat. It sails well in moderate wind and waves. It has plenty of seating and sleeping room. Easy to launch and trailer. I have stepped the mast alone a few times, but don't recommend it unless you are 200# and very strong. I think it sails rings around the Mac 26's. With good sails, a clean bottom, an aftermarket rudder, and a traveler; the Mac 25 can hold it's own with most sailboats of similar size.
I sailed mine for 6 years, until I needed a boat to go offshore. I sold my 25 for the same price I paid for it!
the Mac 25 is hard to beat. It sails well in moderate wind and waves. It has plenty of seating and sleeping room. Easy to launch and trailer. I have stepped the mast alone a few times, but don't recommend it unless you are 200# and very strong. I think it sails rings around the Mac 26's. With good sails, a clean bottom, an aftermarket rudder, and a traveler; the Mac 25 can hold it's own with most sailboats of similar size.
I sailed mine for 6 years, until I needed a boat to go offshore. I sold my 25 for the same price I paid for it!
mast stepping solo/sails "rings" around 26s?
I have stepped my mast solo numerous times...only weight 163lbs. You can wrap the jib line around the bow cleat so when stepped you can tighten with jib line untill forestay is fastened.
I think to say that the 25 sails rings around the 26s is a greatly exagerated opinion. I have heard that the 25 is a slightly faster boat...not knocking that, but sails rings around? I don't think so!
I have stepped my mast solo numerous times...only weight 163lbs. You can wrap the jib line around the bow cleat so when stepped you can tighten with jib line untill forestay is fastened.
I think to say that the 25 sails rings around the 26s is a greatly exagerated opinion. I have heard that the 25 is a slightly faster boat...not knocking that, but sails rings around? I don't think so!
Absolutely
I've been in several 12 mile races with Mac 25's and Mac 26's. One club member has a Mac 25 that normally finishes 30 minutes ahead of the 26's. Yes, he has his 25 set up for best performance, but at least 1 of the 26 sailors has a comparable set-up, and can't compete. Maybe it's the 60hp outboard hanging on his transom? A 25 still feels like a sailboat. I'm not sure what a 26 feels like.
I've been in several 12 mile races with Mac 25's and Mac 26's. One club member has a Mac 25 that normally finishes 30 minutes ahead of the 26's. Yes, he has his 25 set up for best performance, but at least 1 of the 26 sailors has a comparable set-up, and can't compete. Maybe it's the 60hp outboard hanging on his transom? A 25 still feels like a sailboat. I'm not sure what a 26 feels like.
nothing is absolute....
except, perhaps, that nothing is absolute...
I would say that the difference was in the captain's not the boat. The phrf ratings would back up my statement. 25 is faster...rings around faster...don't think so; I would be willing to captain my 26s (with racing main and traveler setup, ida rudder, and my brain) against a 25 anyday. Not saying that he might have a higher probability of getting there first due to his boat...but the probability of him getting there 30 min.'s ahead of me in a 12 mile race is ABSURDLY low. I think I might; due to the phrf's I've found, and the hours I have sailing my boat, even have a chance to beat him. But there is virtualy NO WAY he would "sail rings" around me!
*this was the "average"
phrf for 25 231
phrf for 26s 222
*This was the one with the most advantage to the 25
phrf for 25 235
phrf for 26s 216
Neither one jives with your "rings around" nor "30 min. ahead in a 12 mile race" statements
except, perhaps, that nothing is absolute...
I would say that the difference was in the captain's not the boat. The phrf ratings would back up my statement. 25 is faster...rings around faster...don't think so; I would be willing to captain my 26s (with racing main and traveler setup, ida rudder, and my brain) against a 25 anyday. Not saying that he might have a higher probability of getting there first due to his boat...but the probability of him getting there 30 min.'s ahead of me in a 12 mile race is ABSURDLY low. I think I might; due to the phrf's I've found, and the hours I have sailing my boat, even have a chance to beat him. But there is virtualy NO WAY he would "sail rings" around me!
*this was the "average"
phrf for 25 231
phrf for 26s 222
*This was the one with the most advantage to the 25
phrf for 25 235
phrf for 26s 216
Neither one jives with your "rings around" nor "30 min. ahead in a 12 mile race" statements
I think I see the miscommunication okabow.
I just noticed you wrote of putting a 60 hp motor on the back of a 26's. I guess the apostraphe (sp?) makes a big difference (though I don't know the phrf or sailing chracteristics of the 26x or 26m).
My boat is a 26s. The 26s is a PURE sailor.
I just noticed you wrote of putting a 60 hp motor on the back of a 26's. I guess the apostraphe (sp?) makes a big difference (though I don't know the phrf or sailing chracteristics of the 26x or 26m).
My boat is a 26s. The 26s is a PURE sailor.
Re: I think I see the miscommunication okabow.
Just going with "real world " experience and what I've witnessed over the past 3 years. My Bristol has a PHRF of 282. I have never had a M26 of any model beat me in a scratch race, or handicap race. There are at least 6 M26's of various models in our club. They make great campers, but only 1 of them, ( a m26S, ) is close to the cabin boats at the end of a race. That tells me it takes more skill to get good performance from a M26. On the other hand, I regularly placed with my M25, even though I was a novice sailor at the time.
Just going with "real world " experience and what I've witnessed over the past 3 years. My Bristol has a PHRF of 282. I have never had a M26 of any model beat me in a scratch race, or handicap race. There are at least 6 M26's of various models in our club. They make great campers, but only 1 of them, ( a m26S, ) is close to the cabin boats at the end of a race. That tells me it takes more skill to get good performance from a M26. On the other hand, I regularly placed with my M25, even though I was a novice sailor at the time.
- Status