I'm looking to buy a 24-26' TRAILERABLE sailboat. I've seen some older MacGregor's for sale. Does anyone know if the 1982 -ish vintage used WATER BALLAST? If so, what are your opinions of water ballast in general and of that era of MacGregor 25's ? What are some reccommendations for a good 24-26' trailerable boat? I'd like to do some low key racing and family weekend sailing. Opinions? Thanks, Paul
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I have sailed on a Mac 26S water ballast
boat and it performs nicely and can be pretty fast and fun. I would not want to be on one for too long in bad weather as I dont think that it is built very heavily in the hull or standing rigging. We took this boat 50 miles from Fire Island Inlet to NY harbor outside (on the Atlantic) in light weather with no problems. It is a good boat so I bet it's sister boats are similarly constructed. They can be fairly easily TRAILER sailed. Advice is cheap but a survey costs money.
boat and it performs nicely and can be pretty fast and fun. I would not want to be on one for too long in bad weather as I dont think that it is built very heavily in the hull or standing rigging. We took this boat 50 miles from Fire Island Inlet to NY harbor outside (on the Atlantic) in light weather with no problems. It is a good boat so I bet it's sister boats are similarly constructed. They can be fairly easily TRAILER sailed. Advice is cheap but a survey costs money.
I moved up to a Mac 26S from my kayak
It seemed pretty big and beefy to me at the time. I kept it for about two year and moved up to a Hunter 30 and now a Catalina 350. I still have warm fuzzy feeling for my old mac sloop "starter boat". I do not understand why they stopped making them and went on to the present 50 hp ski/sail boat. I think it was a great boat to start in. It is not the boat to be in during a strong blow with but can handle moderate conditions quite nicely. IMHO
It seemed pretty big and beefy to me at the time. I kept it for about two year and moved up to a Hunter 30 and now a Catalina 350. I still have warm fuzzy feeling for my old mac sloop "starter boat". I do not understand why they stopped making them and went on to the present 50 hp ski/sail boat. I think it was a great boat to start in. It is not the boat to be in during a strong blow with but can handle moderate conditions quite nicely. IMHO
Chrysler
Made a nice trailer-sailor. 22 & 26 footers. I had a 22 for a couple of years. It had a nice rig for mast-up/down... 26' is a lot of boat too. Well built and affordable... Inboard rudder with centre mounted motor, swing-keel, good features.
Made a nice trailer-sailor. 22 & 26 footers. I had a 22 for a couple of years. It had a nice rig for mast-up/down... 26' is a lot of boat too. Well built and affordable... Inboard rudder with centre mounted motor, swing-keel, good features.
Mac 26 good for trailering
Mine was a 1990 model and performed much better than I expected. The boat has zero snob appeal!!! But if you want a pretty cheap boat that is easy to trailer and launch it is a good boat. I towed mine with a little Chevy S10 with a 4.3l automatic with no problems except getting up a wet ramp. Then I towed it with my Toyota Tacoma 2.8 l 4 cylinder. The tacoma is 4 wheel drive and had no problems towing and in 4 wheel low it just idled up the ramp no smoking the tires. Unless I was trailering I wouldn't consider the Mac 26. As to sailing it can sail circles around a Catalina 22. It is very fast off the wind with the board up. I out ran everything until the wind got to about 15kts. At higher winds it just wasn't able to stand up as well as some heavier boats.
Mine was a 1990 model and performed much better than I expected. The boat has zero snob appeal!!! But if you want a pretty cheap boat that is easy to trailer and launch it is a good boat. I towed mine with a little Chevy S10 with a 4.3l automatic with no problems except getting up a wet ramp. Then I towed it with my Toyota Tacoma 2.8 l 4 cylinder. The tacoma is 4 wheel drive and had no problems towing and in 4 wheel low it just idled up the ramp no smoking the tires. Unless I was trailering I wouldn't consider the Mac 26. As to sailing it can sail circles around a Catalina 22. It is very fast off the wind with the board up. I out ran everything until the wind got to about 15kts. At higher winds it just wasn't able to stand up as well as some heavier boats.
Trailerable Water Ballast Boat
The Mac has a large following but you might want to check this link before you make up your mind http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html
The Mac has a large following but you might want to check this link before you make up your mind http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html
C250
Go snoop around at the Catalina 25 Association. There's a lot of info about the C250 Water Ballast.
Go snoop around at the Catalina 25 Association. There's a lot of info about the C250 Water Ballast.
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for your input. I'm sold on the idea of trailering and would like the largest manageable boat BUT I sailed a full keel, heavily constructed boat for many years in the Virgin Islands and I'm a little leery of anything flimsy like the MacGregor is reported to be. I might just go smaller and more solid. 26 ' would be nice but water ballast and light construction might just be something to avoid. Paul
Thanks for your input. I'm sold on the idea of trailering and would like the largest manageable boat BUT I sailed a full keel, heavily constructed boat for many years in the Virgin Islands and I'm a little leery of anything flimsy like the MacGregor is reported to be. I might just go smaller and more solid. 26 ' would be nice but water ballast and light construction might just be something to avoid. Paul
Trailerable Boat
If you are looking for a real stout boat and your tow vehicle is big enough you might want to look at The 24' Pacific Seacraft Dana or Hake Yacht's Seward 26RK. They are the right size, have that classic look, and can take rough weather. Blue water voyages in these boats are not uncommon.
If you are looking for a real stout boat and your tow vehicle is big enough you might want to look at The 24' Pacific Seacraft Dana or Hake Yacht's Seward 26RK. They are the right size, have that classic look, and can take rough weather. Blue water voyages in these boats are not uncommon.
Trailerable Boat
If you are looking for a real stout boat and your tow vehicle is big enough you might want to look at The 24' Pacific Seacraft Dana or Hake Yacht's Seward 26RK. They are the right size, have that classic look, and can take rough weather. Blue water voyages in these boats are not uncommon.
If you are looking for a real stout boat and your tow vehicle is big enough you might want to look at The 24' Pacific Seacraft Dana or Hake Yacht's Seward 26RK. They are the right size, have that classic look, and can take rough weather. Blue water voyages in these boats are not uncommon.
Unless you go offshore...
Odds are I'll outsail you with my "flimsy" 8,000 dollar macgregor 26s...and I will spend half of what you do on gas! They are not built to the same standard as more expensive boats...but they are not flimsy. I have been out (just offshore, I wouldn't go too far from protected waters) in 6 foot seas and 25 knot winds sailing well (with a reef and sail adjustments). Anything more and I will be in protective waters directly, as I would rather be sipping a beer dockside anyhow. I have found many sailors feel the same way. I have headed out when others on catalina's and cals stayed tied to the dock. Would I like a more expensive, durable boat...of course...but until then I will enjoy outsailing more expensive boats in my relatively tough 26s...
Odds are I'll outsail you with my "flimsy" 8,000 dollar macgregor 26s...and I will spend half of what you do on gas! They are not built to the same standard as more expensive boats...but they are not flimsy. I have been out (just offshore, I wouldn't go too far from protected waters) in 6 foot seas and 25 knot winds sailing well (with a reef and sail adjustments). Anything more and I will be in protective waters directly, as I would rather be sipping a beer dockside anyhow. I have found many sailors feel the same way. I have headed out when others on catalina's and cals stayed tied to the dock. Would I like a more expensive, durable boat...of course...but until then I will enjoy outsailing more expensive boats in my relatively tough 26s...
Unless you go offshore...
Odds are I'll outsail you with my "flimsy" 8,000 dollar macgregor 26s...and I will spend half of what you do on gas! They are not built to the same standard as more expensive boats...but they are not flimsy. I have been out (just offshore, I wouldn't go too far from protected waters) in 6 foot seas and 25 knot winds sailing well (with a reef and sail adjustments). Anything more and I will be in protective waters directly, as I would rather be sipping a beer dockside anyhow. I have found many sailors feel the same way. I have headed out when others on catalina's and cals stayed tied to the dock. Would I like a more expensive, durable boat...of course...but until then I will enjoy outsailing more expensive boats in my relatively tough 26s...
Odds are I'll outsail you with my "flimsy" 8,000 dollar macgregor 26s...and I will spend half of what you do on gas! They are not built to the same standard as more expensive boats...but they are not flimsy. I have been out (just offshore, I wouldn't go too far from protected waters) in 6 foot seas and 25 knot winds sailing well (with a reef and sail adjustments). Anything more and I will be in protective waters directly, as I would rather be sipping a beer dockside anyhow. I have found many sailors feel the same way. I have headed out when others on catalina's and cals stayed tied to the dock. Would I like a more expensive, durable boat...of course...but until then I will enjoy outsailing more expensive boats in my relatively tough 26s...
Trade offs
Light weight is a big advantage when trailering. Especially when trying to stop!!!! Probably the danger of towing a heavy boat far outweighs any additional safety at sea. Going 65 and trying to do an emergency stop is scarey towing a Mac 26. A sailer towed his Pacific Seacraft 25 to Panama City from North Carolina. He brought it down for a month or so to Watson's Bayou Marina. But it takes a large tow vehicle. Getting an 8000# boat on and off a trailer is also different than getting a 2000# boat on and off. But if you want to buy the much heavier tow truck and pay for the gas and wrestle it on and off the trailer ...go for it. But when it costs that much and is that difficult to trailer many choose just to rent a slip. There is also a legal requirement that anything over 8' wide is a wide load and requires an escort vehicle in some states.
Light weight is a big advantage when trailering. Especially when trying to stop!!!! Probably the danger of towing a heavy boat far outweighs any additional safety at sea. Going 65 and trying to do an emergency stop is scarey towing a Mac 26. A sailer towed his Pacific Seacraft 25 to Panama City from North Carolina. He brought it down for a month or so to Watson's Bayou Marina. But it takes a large tow vehicle. Getting an 8000# boat on and off a trailer is also different than getting a 2000# boat on and off. But if you want to buy the much heavier tow truck and pay for the gas and wrestle it on and off the trailer ...go for it. But when it costs that much and is that difficult to trailer many choose just to rent a slip. There is also a legal requirement that anything over 8' wide is a wide load and requires an escort vehicle in some states.
Trade offs
Light weight is a big advantage when trailering. Especially when trying to stop!!!! Probably the danger of towing a heavy boat far outweighs any additional safety at sea. Going 65 and trying to do an emergency stop is scarey towing a Mac 26. A sailer towed his Pacific Seacraft 25 to Panama City from North Carolina. He brought it down for a month or so to Watson's Bayou Marina. But it takes a large tow vehicle. Getting an 8000# boat on and off a trailer is also different than getting a 2000# boat on and off. But if you want to buy the much heavier tow truck and pay for the gas and wrestle it on and off the trailer ...go for it. But when it costs that much and is that difficult to trailer many choose just to rent a slip. There is also a legal requirement that anything over 8' wide is a wide load and requires an escort vehicle in some states.
Light weight is a big advantage when trailering. Especially when trying to stop!!!! Probably the danger of towing a heavy boat far outweighs any additional safety at sea. Going 65 and trying to do an emergency stop is scarey towing a Mac 26. A sailer towed his Pacific Seacraft 25 to Panama City from North Carolina. He brought it down for a month or so to Watson's Bayou Marina. But it takes a large tow vehicle. Getting an 8000# boat on and off a trailer is also different than getting a 2000# boat on and off. But if you want to buy the much heavier tow truck and pay for the gas and wrestle it on and off the trailer ...go for it. But when it costs that much and is that difficult to trailer many choose just to rent a slip. There is also a legal requirement that anything over 8' wide is a wide load and requires an escort vehicle in some states.
No Offense intended
I meant no offense using the word "flimsy". It's just in relation to my previous boats the Mac 26 seems to be lightly built. I agree that trailering a heavy boat would be no fun at all, and I'll be using a Totyota T-100 4x4 pickup. Not a heavy duty tow vehicle by any means. I do realize the trade offs and I really appreciate the great input that I've gotten on this forum. I am *really* anxious to get back on the water again after years away from it. I'm experienced enough to know that being "really anxious" can lead to making a bad choice, which is why I'm seeking input from folks like you all. I love the opinions, keep 'em coming! To the guy who said he'd sail circles around me or whatever it was ..yeah, let's race! I like a challenge! Help me find a good boat first and I'll be a gracious loser or winner. Someone mentioned a Chrysler 22. there's one for sale nearby. Does anyone have an opinion of their quality and performance? I'd like to hear more from Mac 26 folks, too. There's one ofr sale on e-Bay that I'm eyeing up. Thanks again, Paul
I meant no offense using the word "flimsy". It's just in relation to my previous boats the Mac 26 seems to be lightly built. I agree that trailering a heavy boat would be no fun at all, and I'll be using a Totyota T-100 4x4 pickup. Not a heavy duty tow vehicle by any means. I do realize the trade offs and I really appreciate the great input that I've gotten on this forum. I am *really* anxious to get back on the water again after years away from it. I'm experienced enough to know that being "really anxious" can lead to making a bad choice, which is why I'm seeking input from folks like you all. I love the opinions, keep 'em coming! To the guy who said he'd sail circles around me or whatever it was ..yeah, let's race! I like a challenge! Help me find a good boat first and I'll be a gracious loser or winner. Someone mentioned a Chrysler 22. there's one for sale nearby. Does anyone have an opinion of their quality and performance? I'd like to hear more from Mac 26 folks, too. There's one ofr sale on e-Bay that I'm eyeing up. Thanks again, Paul
No Offense intended
I meant no offense using the word "flimsy". It's just in relation to my previous boats the Mac 26 seems to be lightly built. I agree that trailering a heavy boat would be no fun at all, and I'll be using a Totyota T-100 4x4 pickup. Not a heavy duty tow vehicle by any means. I do realize the trade offs and I really appreciate the great input that I've gotten on this forum. I am *really* anxious to get back on the water again after years away from it. I'm experienced enough to know that being "really anxious" can lead to making a bad choice, which is why I'm seeking input from folks like you all. I love the opinions, keep 'em coming! To the guy who said he'd sail circles around me or whatever it was ..yeah, let's race! I like a challenge! Help me find a good boat first and I'll be a gracious loser or winner. Someone mentioned a Chrysler 22. there's one for sale nearby. Does anyone have an opinion of their quality and performance? I'd like to hear more from Mac 26 folks, too. There's one ofr sale on e-Bay that I'm eyeing up. Thanks again, Paul
I meant no offense using the word "flimsy". It's just in relation to my previous boats the Mac 26 seems to be lightly built. I agree that trailering a heavy boat would be no fun at all, and I'll be using a Totyota T-100 4x4 pickup. Not a heavy duty tow vehicle by any means. I do realize the trade offs and I really appreciate the great input that I've gotten on this forum. I am *really* anxious to get back on the water again after years away from it. I'm experienced enough to know that being "really anxious" can lead to making a bad choice, which is why I'm seeking input from folks like you all. I love the opinions, keep 'em coming! To the guy who said he'd sail circles around me or whatever it was ..yeah, let's race! I like a challenge! Help me find a good boat first and I'll be a gracious loser or winner. Someone mentioned a Chrysler 22. there's one for sale nearby. Does anyone have an opinion of their quality and performance? I'd like to hear more from Mac 26 folks, too. There's one ofr sale on e-Bay that I'm eyeing up. Thanks again, Paul
Mac 25..great boat!
My first sailboat was a 1985 Mac 25. It was a swing keel not water ballast and it was a great boat. It was very easy to launch by my self and even easier to sail. The boat is extremely safe. I have seen pictures of a test they did on the boat by drilling 5" holes below the waterline and the boat did not sink! It pulls very easy with a small truck or SUV. Getting it back on the trailer is simple as the swing keel had a slot it fits into on the trailer so it lines itself right up. It has a very practicle layout inside but the lack of head room might get to you. I am not sure if any trailer sailor has a great amount of head room though. The swing keel version is a very stable boat. I have been out in some very hard blows with no problems. We tried to tip the boat a couple times to see what she would do and couldn't get it past 45 degrees. They are great boats, they are safe, fun and fast. I wish I still had mine. If you shop around you can find a pretty decent one for around $3500.
My first sailboat was a 1985 Mac 25. It was a swing keel not water ballast and it was a great boat. It was very easy to launch by my self and even easier to sail. The boat is extremely safe. I have seen pictures of a test they did on the boat by drilling 5" holes below the waterline and the boat did not sink! It pulls very easy with a small truck or SUV. Getting it back on the trailer is simple as the swing keel had a slot it fits into on the trailer so it lines itself right up. It has a very practicle layout inside but the lack of head room might get to you. I am not sure if any trailer sailor has a great amount of head room though. The swing keel version is a very stable boat. I have been out in some very hard blows with no problems. We tried to tip the boat a couple times to see what she would do and couldn't get it past 45 degrees. They are great boats, they are safe, fun and fast. I wish I still had mine. If you shop around you can find a pretty decent one for around $3500.
Mac 25..great boat!
My first sailboat was a 1985 Mac 25. It was a swing keel not water ballast and it was a great boat. It was very easy to launch by my self and even easier to sail. The boat is extremely safe. I have seen pictures of a test they did on the boat by drilling 5" holes below the waterline and the boat did not sink! It pulls very easy with a small truck or SUV. Getting it back on the trailer is simple as the swing keel had a slot it fits into on the trailer so it lines itself right up. It has a very practicle layout inside but the lack of head room might get to you. I am not sure if any trailer sailor has a great amount of head room though. The swing keel version is a very stable boat. I have been out in some very hard blows with no problems. We tried to tip the boat a couple times to see what she would do and couldn't get it past 45 degrees. They are great boats, they are safe, fun and fast. I wish I still had mine. If you shop around you can find a pretty decent one for around $3500.
My first sailboat was a 1985 Mac 25. It was a swing keel not water ballast and it was a great boat. It was very easy to launch by my self and even easier to sail. The boat is extremely safe. I have seen pictures of a test they did on the boat by drilling 5" holes below the waterline and the boat did not sink! It pulls very easy with a small truck or SUV. Getting it back on the trailer is simple as the swing keel had a slot it fits into on the trailer so it lines itself right up. It has a very practicle layout inside but the lack of head room might get to you. I am not sure if any trailer sailor has a great amount of head room though. The swing keel version is a very stable boat. I have been out in some very hard blows with no problems. We tried to tip the boat a couple times to see what she would do and couldn't get it past 45 degrees. They are great boats, they are safe, fun and fast. I wish I still had mine. If you shop around you can find a pretty decent one for around $3500.
Small Boat Choice
Take a look at the Catalina 22, over 15,000 built and still counting. Must be something there worth considering. Go to: http://www.catalina22.org/
Take a look at the Catalina 22, over 15,000 built and still counting. Must be something there worth considering. Go to: http://www.catalina22.org/
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