Trailering a 26?

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B

Bob

I am intending to purchase a Pearson 26'. I want to store it in my yard during the off-season here in Maine. Would trailering it home(approx. 8 miles) and keeping it on-trailer over the entire winter or would I need to have a professional truck haul it and then put it on jackstands? If I can trailer it than can anyone direct me to somewhere I could get a cheap used trailer (like >1000)?
 
N

Nice N Easy

Trailering

A 26 is getting towards the upper end as far as size goes for towing. You will need a pretty healthy vehicle, and I doubt that any modern day auto is up to the job. You'll need a pickup, with a tow rating high enough for the weight of the boat, plus the trailer. Also, you have to be able to get that puppy up the ramp, and to stop it when necessary. As for a trailer, you might check out ebay. Sometimes there are some on there.
 
B

Bob

trailering

so not something i could pull off with a jeep wrangler? It pulled a Cape Dory Typhoon on a trailer for a while (2,000 lbs)
 
N

Nice N Easy

Not sure

I doubt that your wrangler would do very good with the 26. Not sure how much it weighs, but pretty sure it is well above the tow capacity of your vehicle. You should have the max tow weight somewhere in your vehicle info. Remember, you also have to stop that thing too, which might be a bigger deal than getting it moving.
 
B

bob

trailering

so i would have to have it hauled by a truck or rent one hell of a pickup?
 
B

Bob Fox

Towing A P26

I`ve got a P26W I got it stripped down pretty light. No table no head no water tank not a lot of extra stuff I dont need. It came with a homade trailer thats a monster. I could tow a 30 footer with it. I figure the trailer weights 1000 lbs My boat all up displaces maybe 5100 lbs I trail it back and forth from my driveway to the boat yard about 3 miles. Which includes going up a steep hill the truck is a dodge dakota 6 2 wheel dr rated for 6800lbs tow capacity. No problems for the past 4 years I just take it slow. Low gear up the hill. Ive got a friend who tows a old seafarer 25 long keel about 15 miles one way every season with a toyota pickup 4 cyl. He says no problems. says the boat displaces 5000. You could do it with an older full sized americam car. But even if the car is rated for less they give you some leeway. Keep the boat light dont load it up with a lot of extra gear or motor. Take it slow low gear on the inclines Bob Fox 1975 P26W #76 whitecap Marblehead MA
 
D

David

Don't recomend it.........

I was advised not to tow my P-26 for a couple of reasons. First, It's to big. The Pearson catalog rates it at 5400lbs. You need a big trailer and Ford F-350 V10. Second, you will need a crane to step the mast and a rigger to tune the stays properly. If you do put it on a trailer and you get stuck somewhere I'd hate to see your towing bill. Hire the proper truck and put it on jacks. You will rest easier and probably save money. David
 
G

Gail

Hire a hauler

Bob... sorry I came into this so late. I don't check the board often enough. Don't know if you've come to a resolution on this, but my suggestion it to make your life easier and just hire a hauler. Not sure what part of Maine you are in but we use Bucky at Dayton Marine out of (South?) Portland. Knows his stuff and he's a heck of a nice guy.
 
Jun 8, 2004
853
Pearson 26W Marblehead
More on trailering a P26

You can read my other post on this thread. I wouldnt hesitate to trailer my p26w 100 miles or more on my heavy duty homade trailer that came with the boat. Im using a dodge dakota 6 cyl rated for 6800 lbs. You might be able to find a good used trailer on e bay or one of the boating sights. A good used double axle trailer for a 26 footer is probably worth almost as much as the boat. One of the reasons I bought the boat was, it came with the trailer. Heres an Idea: You might be able to pick up a used equipment trailer and build a wood cradle and bolt it on the bed. In any case good luck Bob Fox
 
D

Danny

Bucky the hauler

Gail, does Bucky haul only local or will he pick-up and deliver from Fl to Ca (San Diego)?
 
B

bffatcat

P26 vs mac 26 continued

I agree with Gail. I had a Mac 26 moored next to my P26W for a short time last summer. I saw him out one choppy smoky southwest day trying to get back into the harbor which was to weather. All the boat did was bounce up and down without making much foreward progress to weather as I went by. He soon started a big outboard and powered by me. Comparing a P26 to a Mac 26 is not really a fair comparison. A pearson 26 is a well built solid performer. A mac 26 is a trailerable motorboat with a short stumpy mast. Bob
 

CalebD

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Jun 27, 2006
1,479
Tartan 27' 1967 Nyack, NY
Not sure what the Mac vs Pearson 26 have in common

But the Pearson would be my choice. I would tow it 8 miles with a standard transmission with a jeep wrangler or similar going safely slow. 8 miles is a very short trip. Stepping the mast is an issue but not insurmountable. You can tune the rigging yourself. People with Mac 26s do it so why not Pearsons? A friend bought an older Mac 26 model 'S' that I have sailed on (not the powerboat masquerading as a sailboat). It sails pretty well and I was surprised how fast it would go. It probably does not weigh over 3000 pounds though so is quite light compared to a P26. Happy trailering.
 
G

Gail

Pearson v Mac 26

My point exactly. The Pearson 26 and the Mac 26 have nothing in common. We're lucky enough to have access to a crane, so mast stepping was never an issue with the P26 and our current Pearson 30. In fact, we just completed mast unstepping on Sunday (sigh) -- did both our own boat and an Alberg 35. Beats having yard monkeys doing it!
 
Oct 17, 2007
105
- - Chesapeake/ Fairfax va
Buy a Macgregor 26C Classic its better than heavy P26

Go buy a Macgregor classic 26S its a pure sailboat if sailing is your only thing. It sails better than a pearson26 in light to med winds. I would never buy a Pearson 26 for the lack of diversity. I had an Irwin 23 great Boat! (Its a (med/heavy) displacement boat, had it for 5 years. Like the pearson 26, its not a trailerable type of boat. I got tired of sailing in the same body of water, I would move to a different marina to change the scenery a bit, but that also got boring. When I retire I plan to do an around the world expiditon, it is only then that I buy the heavy slugger (crusie 5 years or so) then when I am done, immidiatlly sell it and buy the next best thing, a trailable corsair F31 or F-36 I would also buy a used Mac 26M so when I plan to sail when the weather says chance of eve showers, I could get out of dodge. Captain E
 
Oct 17, 2007
105
- - Chesapeake/ Fairfax va
Buy a Macgregor 26C Classic its better than heavy P26

Go buy a Macgregor classic 26S its a pure sailboat if sailing is your only thing. It sails better than a pearson26 in light to med winds. I would never buy a Pearson 26 for the lack of diversity. I had an Irwin 23 great Boat! (Its a (med/heavy) displacement boat, had it for 5 years. Like the pearson 26, its not a trailerable type of boat. I got tired of sailing in the same body of water, I would move to a different marina to change the scenery a bit, but that also got boring. When I retire I plan to do an around the world expiditon, it is only then that I buy the heavy slugger (crusie 5 years or so) then when I am done, immidiatlly sell it and buy the next best thing, a trailable corsair F31 or F-36 I would also buy a used Mac 26M so when I plan to sail when the weather says chance of eve showers, I could get out of dodge. Captain E
 

Doug J

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May 2, 2005
1,192
Hunter 26 Oceanside, CA
Interesting Observation

This whole thing is rather amusing! Macgregor vs. Pearson... Macgregor has been revolutionizing in the boating world, and they ARE different! Which is why they get bashed so much. It's obvious so many try to find fault with them, in an attempt to justify to themselves the reason they spent so much more $$$ on their boats. They are jealous of the fact Macgreors are so portable, and can do so much. Naturally they want to identify the shortcomings of Mac's. But we all know, every boat has it's good and bad points. I myself, enjoy all boats. There are many boats of other manufacturer’s I'd love to own, and have respect for many, Pearson included. I own a MAC 26S, because it fits my budget, and does what I want it to do. I enjoy sailing on my friends Hunter 450 Passage, any chance I get. I also enjoy sailing my little Catalina 8' Sabot. What I'm trying to say is, I love getting on the water in just about any boat. I've never been one to attack the lack of merit of any boat. To quote Gail who made the statement "would not be caught dead anywhere on a Mac 26. They also sail like crap", and "The Mac 26 does not deserve to be considered a sailboat". How would they know, apparently they have never been on one. Not to mention, what an extreme statement this is! Why get so insulting? If you don't like Macgregors that's fine! You may not be aware that there have been several models built, not just the motor sailers. One of the points Batman(not his real name) made, was that Marbleheads boat, "Probably doesn't have it's own website with loyal fans". Well, Marbleheads boat is a Pearson. Here's what I find interesting. When I look at the Macgregorowners.com web site, under Boat Info/Model Information, and I look at all the various models, I see lots of entries under Owners Reviews, Directory of Owners, Photos from Owners. The site is rich with info from loyal happy owners, just read the reviews! Conversely, if I look for the same information on the Pearsonowners.com site, there's not much there. Even if you compare the two forums, the Macgregor forum is much more active, not to mention the Trailersailer.com forum, which is also very active. I think these observations speak volumes. Obviously Mac owners are happy with their boats, use them, and love to talk about them, which is what really matters right!
 

Doug J

.
May 2, 2005
1,192
Hunter 26 Oceanside, CA
Interesting Observation

This whole thing is rather amusing! Macgregor vs. Pearson... Macgregor has been revolutionizing in the boating world, and they ARE different! Which is why they get bashed so much. It's obvious so many try to find fault with them, in an attempt to justify to themselves the reason they spent so much more $$$ on their boats. They are jealous of the fact Macgreors are so portable, and can do so much. Naturally they want to identify the shortcomings of Mac's. But we all know, every boat has it's good and bad points. I myself, enjoy all boats. There are many boats of other manufacturer’s I'd love to own, and have respect for many, Pearson included. I own a MAC 26S, because it fits my budget, and does what I want it to do. I enjoy sailing on my friends Hunter 450 Passage, any chance I get. I also enjoy sailing my little Catalina 8' Sabot. What I'm trying to say is, I love getting on the water in just about any boat. I've never been one to attack the lack of merit of any boat. To quote Gail who made the statement "would not be caught dead anywhere on a Mac 26. They also sail like crap", and "The Mac 26 does not deserve to be considered a sailboat". How would they know, apparently they have never been on one. Not to mention, what an extreme statement this is! Why get so insulting? If you don't like Macgregors that's fine! You may not be aware that there have been several models built, not just the motor sailers. One of the points Batman(not his real name) made, was that Marbleheads boat, "Probably doesn't have it's own website with loyal fans". Well, Marbleheads boat is a Pearson. Here's what I find interesting. When I look at the Macgregorowners.com web site, under Boat Info/Model Information, and I look at all the various models, I see lots of entries under Owners Reviews, Directory of Owners, Photos from Owners. The site is rich with info from loyal happy owners, just read the reviews! Conversely, if I look for the same information on the Pearsonowners.com site, there's not much there. Even if you compare the two forums, the Macgregor forum is much more active, not to mention the Trailersailer.com forum, which is also very active. I think these observations speak volumes. Obviously Mac owners are happy with their boats, use them, and love to talk about them, which is what really matters right!
 

Doug J

.
May 2, 2005
1,192
Hunter 26 Oceanside, CA
Interesting Observation

This whole thing is rather amusing! Macgregor vs. Pearson... Macgregor has been revolutionizing in the boating world, and they ARE different! Which is why they get bashed so much. It's obvious so many try to find fault with them, in an attempt to justify to themselves the reason they spent so much more $$$ on their boats. They are jealous of the fact Macgreors are so portable, and can do so much. Naturally they want to identify the shortcomings of Mac's. But we all know, every boat has it's good and bad points. I myself, enjoy all boats. There are many boats of other manufacturer’s I'd love to own, and have respect for many, Pearson included. I own a MAC 26S, because it fits my budget, and does what I want it to do. I enjoy sailing on my friends Hunter 450 Passage, any chance I get. I also enjoy sailing my little Catalina 8' Sabot. What I'm trying to say is, I love getting on the water in just about any boat. I've never been one to attack the lack of merit of any boat. To quote Gail who made the statement "would not be caught dead anywhere on a Mac 26. They also sail like crap", and "The Mac 26 does not deserve to be considered a sailboat". How would they know, apparently they have never been on one. Not to mention, what an extreme statement this is! Why get so insulting? If you don't like Macgregors that's fine! You may not be aware that there have been several models built, not just the motor sailers. One of the points Batman(not his real name) made, was that Marbleheads boat, "Probably doesn't have it's own website with loyal fans". Well, Marbleheads boat is a Pearson. Here's what I find interesting. When I look at the Macgregorowners.com web site, under Boat Info/Model Information, and I look at all the various models, I see lots of entries under Owners Reviews, Directory of Owners, Photos from Owners. The site is rich with info from loyal happy owners, just read the reviews! Conversely, if I look for the same information on the Pearsonowners.com site, there's not much there. Even if you compare the two forums, the Macgregor forum is much more active, not to mention the Trailersailer.com forum, which is also very active. I think these observations speak volumes. Obviously Mac owners are happy with their boats, use them, and love to talk about them, which is what really matters right!
 

Doug J

.
May 2, 2005
1,192
Hunter 26 Oceanside, CA
Interesting Observation

This whole thing is rather amusing! Macgregor vs. Pearson... Macgregor has been revolutionizing in the boating world, and they ARE different! Which is why they get bashed so much. It's obvious so many try to find fault with them, in an attempt to justify to themselves the reason they spent so much more $$$ on their boats. They are jealous of the fact Macgreors are so portable, and can do so much. Naturally they want to identify the shortcomings of Mac's. But we all know, every boat has it's good and bad points. I myself, enjoy all boats. There are many boats of other manufacturer’s I'd love to own, and have respect for many, Pearson included. I own a MAC 26S, because it fits my budget, and does what I want it to do. I enjoy sailing on my friends Hunter 450 Passage, any chance I get. I also enjoy sailing my little Catalina 8' Sabot. What I'm trying to say is, I love getting on the water in just about any boat. I've never been one to attack the lack of merit of any boat. To quote Gail who made the statement "would not be caught dead anywhere on a Mac 26. They also sail like crap", and "The Mac 26 does not deserve to be considered a sailboat". How would they know, apparently they have never been on one. Not to mention, what an extreme statement this is! Why get so insulting? If you don't like Macgregors that's fine! You may not be aware that there have been several models built, not just the motor sailers. One of the points Batman(not his real name) made, was that Marbleheads boat, "Probably doesn't have it's own website with loyal fans". Well, Marbleheads boat is a Pearson. Here's what I find interesting. When I look at the Macgregorowners.com web site, under Boat Info/Model Information, and I look at all the various models, I see lots of entries under Owners Reviews, Directory of Owners, Photos from Owners. The site is rich with info from loyal happy owners, just read the reviews! Conversely, if I look for the same information on the Pearsonowners.com site, there's not much there. Even if you compare the two forums, the Macgregor forum is much more active, not to mention the Trailersailer.com forum, which is also very active. I think these observations speak volumes. Obviously Mac owners are happy with their boats, use them, and love to talk about them, which is what really matters right!
 
C

ClownPilot

Mac 26 S vs Pearson 26

Who says you can't sail a Mac 26S in 25 knt winds and 6 foot seas?... Its the captain's experience that makes a difference. I have sailed a stock Mac 26S in 25 knots winds single handed (no Problem). I actually enjoy higher winds, as it is more a challenge. Captain E
 
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