Sailing characteristics between Hunter 26 , Catalina 250, or Mac 26d.

Meriachee · Aug 3, 2016

...and if we could get rid of the freakin rain for 10 minutes, we might be able to get out and sail.

We had a 26c for a lot of years. It's a light boat that doesn't have enough room. The same scenarios that you are experiencing in the 23 will be the same in the 26. Putting up the pop top just to stand up and put your pants on, gets old after a while, and the head on the Mac is quite simply too much work to use. (and I'm not a big guy)

There's far more to the question than sailing qualities.

Meriachee · Aug 3, 2016

Our mooring neighbour has the 25 version and it does a fair job of keeping up with us. It also has very nice amenities and sets up quick.

CaptDon01 · Aug 4, 2016

The C-250 was a response from Catalina to the Mac and Hunter water ballasted boats. Something to consider, the C-250 is, or was, (discontinued), available in a water ballast or fixed wing keel version, the others were not, and both the fixed keel and the water ballasted C-250 share the same mast and sails.

Don

John23883 · Aug 5, 2016

The Catalina 250 water ballast has about 10" less headroom if my memory is correct. I'm 5'10" and stand in the H26 with my head bowed down a bit. The Catalina was a no-go because of the headroom when we bought the H26. If it's blowin we hit 6 knots consistent and 7 to 7.5 on a reach all the time. This summer we were surfin and hit 8.2 knots. We just completed our annual 2 week cruise around Northern Lake Michigan. The last day (and night) coming home was 17.5 hours of sailing and motoring for 89.7 miles. Sailing at first, winds maybe 10, waves 2-3 feet, then winds to around 20 and reefed, waves 3-4 feet, then more wind and bare poles, waves 4-6 feet with the occasional 8 footer. Man those 6 and 8 footers really swing the stern about. Winds and waves predicted: 9-10 knots and 1-3 foot waves. HAH! Anyway, we never felt scared. Concerned if we should continue because we didn't know if it was going to get worse, but we kept going and were eventually able to put out half the jib to stabilize a bit. The last 20-30 miles were 1-3 feet and pretty calm although we kept the sails down after dark so as not to have to deal with extra work at night. That damn H26 handled it. I personally would not do that trip in a Mac 26. And although the extra freeboard in the H26 over the Catalina is a pain in the wind when coming into a slip, we did not get wet on this trip. The occasional face full of water, yes, but we stayed dry, our friends in the 23 foot sailboat with us got soaked.

John23883 · Aug 5, 2016

CaptDon01 said:
The C-250 was a response from Catalina to the Mac and Hunter water ballasted boats. Something to consider, the C-250 is, or was, (discontinued), available in a water ballast or fixed wing keel version, the others were not, and both the fixed keel and the water ballasted C-250 share the same mast and sails.

Don

Actually the Hunter 26/260 did have a model called the 270 that has a keel. I thought about it, but we couldn't launch it at any of the places we go. If you type in Hunter 270 in a search you will see pictures of them. When you see the picture on the trailer you will see why you'd need a real steep and deep launch.

Kermit · Aug 5, 2016

I can't answer your question because I have experience only on the H260. But I can tell you my feelings about it.
First of all, we love the boat. Trailering is a breeze. It's still heavy, but I enjoy pulling it. My wife demonstrated that she can raise the mast by herself. Not that she ever would be she can do it. Setup for us takes a lot longer than anyone else admits to. We have a roller furling jib and a rigid vang so those add some time.
It has a lot more room in the cabin than the H23.5. That being said, we have friends who have a 23.5 who spend a week at the time on theirs and love it. I can't imagine spending a week on their boat or ours. We're just different that way.
The cabin space offers the best and worst of both worlds. The V-berth is large enough only if you swing the table around. The previous owner cut ours and left the cut-off section. I'm glad he cut it but my wife is not. The aft berth would be great for sleeping as long as the person on the inside doesn't have to get up to pee. That seems to be the case on all boats with aft berths.
The head is large enough. Not spacious but it's enough.
Sailing-wise, I love sailing it. The people who say they don't like water ballast boats seems to be the ones who have never had one. Honestly, I've never met or spoken with anyone who said they had a water-ballast boat and hated it. I think water ballast is a great idea. Especially if you intend to trailer your boat. I guess I just sort of answered you question about how well it sails but I have no idea how the others sail. I love sailing our H260.
I'm running out of things to write. I'm sure I have plenty of other things I could tell you and I'll be happy to discuss them with you. My boat isn't up for sale so I'd be happy to talk on the phone and tell you the pros and cons that I've found.
Good luck!

BudGates · Aug 5, 2016

I'm not going to say that the Macgregor 26D is the best but I will say that both my wife and I love ours. I agree that it is a bit tight but, like they say, "It's all relative." After two times of spending a week on Catalina Island with our 22 foot Venture the 26d seems quite luxurious. We really like the queen size berth and the ability to use the head without hunching over.

I spent some time on a buddy's Catalina 25. I have to admit that the Catalina is a lot nicer boat but when I consider the price difference, the Mac was the right choice for us. Every boat has it's compromises. It's up to you to decide which ones you're comfortable with. Whichever one you choose I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Daveinet · Aug 5, 2016

I've only sailed on a Mac 26s. My observation is the boat is slow and a bit tender. The rudder is too short and comes out of the water prematurely when the boat heals. We had it happen once, and it is a bit disconcerting to loose control of the boat in gust. The owner stated that it is a known problem, and that some owners will replace the rudder with a deeper one. I know at one point they were hoping to replace their Mac with a Catalina.

Meriachee · Aug 5, 2016

Trim, Dave, trim. The boat isn't that slow, however, it can be tender, as will any water ballast boat. That first 10 degrees, is usually 'right now', and then it digs in. The rudder isn't too short, it's called a "feature", wherein the rudder will come out the further it heels to the point where you'll lose all steerage and the boat will round up, but by that time the tiller will be all the way over and you're way, way past being in control anyway. Nobody here with a Mac would disagree with that sentiment, we've all been there and learned to take action well before it got to that point.
The one thing I really liked about ours was the way that it would accelerate. Get in the right weather and force a tacking duel with a keelboat and you'll win every time. I wouldn't play that game in the Catalina - I'd lose.

Crazy Dave Condon · Aug 6, 2016

Karyon,
As a former dealer but now retired, I sold all of those boats and introduced the Hunters and Catalinas mentioned. Each boat has it own pros and cons of course with many good responses from everyone. You are correct on the Hunter 270 as it was a fixed leaded wing keel but many ramps will not accommodate that as it would take a longer ramp to launch but otherwise the supplied mast raise the same. If you want to discuss this with someone all too familiar, I will be glad to do so. sent you a private email but will be out working today in the yard and going to a play tonight. Call me Sunday PM but remember I am on eastern time zon.e

dave condon

Fred · Aug 6, 2016

One thing to consider is that H26/260 beam width are actually over the limit for trailering without a special permit. I suspect that the Mac ant Cat are narrower. Until now I have not obtained a permit for trailering but there is a risk of being stopped or having problems with insurance in case of an incident. We love the H26 for cruising. We just got back from a 3 week cruise in the North Channel of Georgian Bay ( Lake Huron)

Daveinet · Aug 6, 2016

Meriachee said:
The rudder isn't too short, it's called a "feature", wherein the rudder will come out the further it heels to the point where you'll lose all steerage and the boat will round up, but by that time the tiller will be all the way over and you're way, way past being in control anyway. Nobody here with a Mac would disagree with that sentiment, we've all been there and learned to take action well before it got to that point.

I understand the "feature" aspect, but this was premature. We had a quick gust, the boat healed, the skipper tried to turn into the wind, but lost the rudder, which forced us to wait till the boat rounded up on its own. If the rudder would not have come unglued from the water, we would have turned into the wind nicely, and overall would not have healed anywhere near as much. (No one was in position to grab the sheets) My previous boat had that feature, and it was about right. It would come unglued about the same time the rail hit the water. The Mac was premature. Not sure if all rudders were the same length, but the way he talked, it was not totally uncommon for Mac owners to replace the rudder. This was probably 20 years ago.
The skipper was pretty meticulous about sail trim. Maybe any boat with a PHRF over 200 will seem slow.

justsomeguy · Aug 6, 2016

Daveinet said:
No one was in position to grab the sheets.

Yeah, that could present a problem.

Crazy Dave Condon · Aug 8, 2016

Karyon;
As pointed out the Hunter 26 or 260 is 8' ll 1/4" wide at the widest point. Having been the top dealer for both of the two boats, the only time pulled over was for no tags going to and from shows all over the east coast. Even my customers who some were state troopers that purchased them stated was never an issue. Each of the boats you mentioned have there good and bad points but if you want to call me, you have my number. I do not disclose any information not event to my wife and once completed that number is erased. I am not selling boats but only trying to help or supply information that will help you make the right decision for yourself. God was good to me in my business so I give back to the community.

Chris & Lenore · Aug 9, 2016

Two other points about the Mac. Storage and towing. The "aft Queen berth" provides an insane amount of storage that few other boats can compare to. Towing a 26 S or D at 3500 lbs all up ready to cruise is easy and does not require more than a mini-van.
An after market rudder, newer sails and full width traveller - and it will perform very well.

But headroom is not a strong point... For that you need bigger, heavier, more expensive and usually a tow vehicle that costs twice what the boat does.

Sailing = compromise + personal choice.

Kermit · Aug 9, 2016

I found out yesterday just how stable the H 260 really is. A sailor friend and I took it out in what became whitecaps. He had the boat heeled over like I've never allowed it to heel. He was smiling and having the best time. I became comfortable when I realized how comfortable he was. He has a newer-style Macgregor 26 and said the H 260 is more stable and handles better. I can't vouch for that since I've never sailed on an M 26 of any variety. But I do know I can trust my water-ballast boat far more than I thought I could.

Justin_NSA · Aug 9, 2016

Kermit said:
I found out yesterday just how stable the H 260 really is. A sailor friend and I took it out in what became whitecaps. He had the boat heeled over like I've never allowed it to heel. He was smiling and having the best time. I became comfortable when I realized how comfortable he was. He has a newer-style Macgregor 26 and said the H 260 is more stable and handles better. I can't vouch for that since I've never sailed on an M 26 of any variety. But I do know I can trust my water-ballast boat far more than I thought I could.

I could see that. the 26M is a 'powersailer' and the hull shape is a compromise. Much different from a 26D or 26S.

Sailing characteristics between Hunter 26 , Catalina 250, or Mac 26d.

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