Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 23 by Suzan Wallace

Year built	1980
Location of boat	coastal, NC
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	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2003
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, I would buy this boat again, she is perfect for the shallow waters I sail in.
Gear that's been added	She had a roller furler when I bought her, that's great! The previous owner brought all lines, sheets and halyards back to the cockpit with elaborate cams and brakes...great for solo.
Structural or complex improvements	Not yet....considering taking her to the next level and rigging her with a gaff to be a true 'pilot boat' style.
The boat's best features	The swing keel is great, kick up rudder and her nimble style....she's a very sweet boat to handle.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Not crazy about the built ins down below, she's very small and hard to move around.She should have been designed with an anchor rode pipe and some form of anchoring device and anchor rode compartment.
Sailing characterisitcs	She's pretty tender on the wind. She takes off on a beam or broad reach. Helm does not always respond well through the tacks. She handles seas very well.
Motoring characterisitcs	My long shaft does great. I had some great difficulty with the fuel line valve getting broken off by the bracket handle, so I had my mechanic re-rig the fuel line connector beyond the bracket. My engine runs like a charm and propels her well through all tides. She cannot motorsail because the fuel tank does not work properly when she heels.
Liveability	This is her downfall. The down below is poorly layed out and the first step down is a doosey. I like the v-berth! It's nice to have a roomey head on this small of a boat.She is bearable with the pop-top. She did not come with much storage area...I did not care for the sink attachment thing. I will spend the next couple years building in some custom interior.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Have not.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Did not, probably would not.
Other comments	I think she's a GREAT little boat for my needs. I sail in an area with many sand bars, strong currents and marshes....she is made for this area. Because of her attributes I can sail her anywhere around and know I'll not have a problem. She rides on her trailer like a charm.She is a very easy boat to own...she's a sweetheart...she has a lot of room for dressing up in Bristol Fashion too!

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