Several years ago I saw a picture of a 65 ft MacGregor. I fell in love with it right away. I am a social worker by trade. I work with foster children and the families who care for them. My wife and I are also foster parents, have been for 30 years. For recreation we have sailed a 22 ft Catalina. However, we have in the interim, adopted 10 children and are in the process of adopting 5 more little ones as the older ones graduate. The Catalina is too small for our family. My dream is to one day own a 65 ft MacGregor. I think that the experience of sailing would be a therapeutic one for our foster children who have been through a lot of abuse, neglect and suffering in their short lifetimes. But, I heard somewhere that some folks feel that they are not a safe boat for off shore or trans-oceanic travel. What is the scoop? Why did MacGregor take the 65 footer off of the market? Has any one here sailed in one in heavy seas and what was it like? Someone else told me that rather then quitting the manufacture of big boats, MacGregor is coming out with an even bigger one then the 65 footer? Do you recommend the boat to others?
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Kick Some Tires
IF my recollection is correct, this was one of two attempts to move into the performance market. The other was a cat. I remember an author in one of the boat mags who likened the 65 Mac as an in-your-face response to Mac critics. It raced everywhere the other sleds race, and did pretty well. I saw a result last year where a modified one did well in some southeastern race. The boat is pretty plain inside, as you likely suspect. There was a second generation designed as a fast cruiser that would charter well. It had a cutter rig and extra living space. Very innovative was my recollection. As for seaworthyness, I have no idea except that it was designed for offshore. Now, as to owning one: you can probably pick one up for well under $200K (first generation). Thats a lot of value. However, you have to factor in the cost of maintaining a 65' craft, which is A LOT as is mooring, etc. Also, you would likely face refurbishing. The few I know of do not reflect good care. I do think the boat would be excellent for training, youth programs, etc. I remember the Navy in Long Beach had one in their sailing program. Rick D.
IF my recollection is correct, this was one of two attempts to move into the performance market. The other was a cat. I remember an author in one of the boat mags who likened the 65 Mac as an in-your-face response to Mac critics. It raced everywhere the other sleds race, and did pretty well. I saw a result last year where a modified one did well in some southeastern race. The boat is pretty plain inside, as you likely suspect. There was a second generation designed as a fast cruiser that would charter well. It had a cutter rig and extra living space. Very innovative was my recollection. As for seaworthyness, I have no idea except that it was designed for offshore. Now, as to owning one: you can probably pick one up for well under $200K (first generation). Thats a lot of value. However, you have to factor in the cost of maintaining a 65' craft, which is A LOT as is mooring, etc. Also, you would likely face refurbishing. The few I know of do not reflect good care. I do think the boat would be excellent for training, youth programs, etc. I remember the Navy in Long Beach had one in their sailing program. Rick D.
Check out this web site
Check out this web site http://www.webworldinc.com/macgregor/mac1024.htm. It is the mac 65 owners web site. Also I notice that at least one of the Mac 70's is for sale. Around $350K. Sounds like there are two versions of the 65. One without a pilot house for racing and one with a pilot house for cruising. Also here is a some owner discussions http://www.bwsailing.com/cgi-bin/amb/data/board1/97.shtml
Check out this web site http://www.webworldinc.com/macgregor/mac1024.htm. It is the mac 65 owners web site. Also I notice that at least one of the Mac 70's is for sale. Around $350K. Sounds like there are two versions of the 65. One without a pilot house for racing and one with a pilot house for cruising. Also here is a some owner discussions http://www.bwsailing.com/cgi-bin/amb/data/board1/97.shtml
Check PS Archives
I seem to recall a review by Practical Sailor on the McG65. You can buy back issues and articles through their website, attached. If my memory serves me they were considered good value for the money. Very fast, but spartan interior, and a lot less room aboard then the overall length would indicate. Probably owing to their narrow beam. I think you may have a hard time sleeping and supporting that number aboard given the relatively small storage. As Rick mentions be prepared for very deep pockets to maintain it. Don
I seem to recall a review by Practical Sailor on the McG65. You can buy back issues and articles through their website, attached. If my memory serves me they were considered good value for the money. Very fast, but spartan interior, and a lot less room aboard then the overall length would indicate. Probably owing to their narrow beam. I think you may have a hard time sleeping and supporting that number aboard given the relatively small storage. As Rick mentions be prepared for very deep pockets to maintain it. Don
Clyde, I found a great site where there has been a
discussion of Mac 65's. With a lot of people that own one giving their perspective. The link is below Very interesting, sounds like a decent and fast boat. And most all experts agree "Long and Skinny" are great attribute for a blue-water cruising boat. (Dashew style, but even Calder agree's if "ya got the money". But of course it can be expensive relative to the actual space attained) ps....you can always take a look at www.macgregor65.com for more info.
discussion of Mac 65's. With a lot of people that own one giving their perspective. The link is below Very interesting, sounds like a decent and fast boat. And most all experts agree "Long and Skinny" are great attribute for a blue-water cruising boat. (Dashew style, but even Calder agree's if "ya got the money". But of course it can be expensive relative to the actual space attained) ps....you can always take a look at www.macgregor65.com for more info.
Looks Like a space inside!
I am sure it's a great boat. The peice looks good for a 65 footer too. Good Luck, Jim
I am sure it's a great boat. The peice looks good for a 65 footer too. Good Luck, Jim
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