Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 23 by Ken Googe

Year built	1975
Location of boat	Skeleton Key Marina
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1999
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes.
Gear that's been added	New VHFDepthTiller minder4 stroke 8 HP long shaftextra anchor locker in the bowfanlightdeck lightredirected halyards to cockpitnew compass
Structural or complex improvements	no, but I had to change out the wood superstructure (decorative) because of dry rot.
The boat's best features	The size is good for one handling, the cockpit is roomy for size of boatIt has a good sail ratio that came with the boat.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	It is difficult to go on the bow to hank on, raise, lower, free or change sails. Same for letting out the anchor.It is difficult to lower the mast single handed (without making baby stays to keep it from falling to one side, I needed 3 people to lower it)The decorative wood work rottedThe fiberglass mounting for the pop top broke.It is difficult to get into the lazarette to service the cleats.The head dosn't work (the valves on the through hulls broke)The v berth is difficult to get into, and is used for storage only.The swing keel is inconvenient to lower.etc.
Sailing characterisitcs	It seems to have a bit of a weather helm, but falls off easily.It is hard to see all the sails for convenient trimming.It feels stable healed to 20 + degrees.It is sluggish in light air.
Motoring characterisitcs	Since the motor is off set to port, it makes handling awkward. It is hard to control the motoring characteristics by tiller. Since the motor swings down so far, the motor handle is angled up, making it awkward to steer by motor. and since the motor is to port, it is difficult to adjust the throttle, forward and reverse engine, and steer with your hand behind your back. If there were parallel rudders on either side of a centered motor, or if the rudder was in front of the motor, it would be less combersome.
Liveability	It is very spartan. Limited standing room, good weather only, and with the pop top up. No facilities for cooking, or washing. But then, that comes with the size I suppose.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I joined a MacGregor chat room managed by some marine outlet, but while some of the members were very nice, many were insulting, arrogant and derisive. I quit and have no interest in going back.I have never been able to contact MacGregor directly either by phone or by e-mailIs this one of these avenues?
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought it from a private person, and generally, I was quite happy. I feel like I got what I paid for.
Other comments	Sure would be nice to have some tech support by e-mail from MacGregor.

Contact
About
Terms of Use