Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 25 by Steve Zweigart

Year built	1984
Location of boat	Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 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?	Absolutely. I bought the boat as a first-timer's fix-it-upper, and a family activity boat. It has been most educational and forgiving in my educational process of learning everything from marine wiring to fiberglass repair. The boat is a wonderful platform for daysailing, camping on board, sailing instruction, and more.
Gear that's been added	Integrated VHF marine radio with DSC, remote mike at helm, and mast-top antenna. All new nav lights including steaming. Deck light and "Mega-light" anchor light. Solar battery charger. All new battery switch and electrical pannel. NMEA repeater and distribution system. Auto-tiller (my favorite addition). In-hull depth sounder. Magma grill.
Structural or complex improvements	Have replaced about every through-deck fitting with most complex being additional strengthening lumber in the transom behind the motor mount to decrease flexing of the hull.
The boat's best features	Size of cabin area, user-friendly construction, ease of use for single-handed sailing, and trailerability.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Some of the hardware which I assume to be original is starting to wear out. Keeping in mind that the vessel is 20 years old, I believe this is probably not out of line. I'm replacing most blocks at this time, as well as much through-deck hardware, most of which has needed to be reseated in order to prevent leaking. Wiring had inadequate insulation and has been completely replaced.
Sailing characterisitcs	Not a racer. A bit sluggish with a reactive weather helm that may be improved with a replacement rudder. Very forgiving, however, in strong or gusty winds. Heads up well since the bottom and keel were cleaned. Very easy to single hand. Prefer 135% genoa most of the time.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motors consistently at 6.5 - 6.7 mph with a Mariner 9.9 hp 2-cycle kicker on the back. Turns on a dime if the motor is turned in conjunction with the rudder to steer. Motor-sailing is very nice in low or sporadic winds.
Liveability	Have stayed on the boat for entire weekends comfortably with one adult and one child. V-berth not suitable for adult couples...not us anyway. Prefer the dinette converted to a bed. Kids like to sleep anywhere. Head area is a bit small, but usable. PLENTY of storage area.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	N/A
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	N/A
Other comments	This is a great first-boat, trailerable family boat, "camper", and day sailer. I intend to use it someday for light cruising. It's easily custamizable, looks good, and sails well. It has held up remarkably well through the years, still sporting most of its original equipment and upholstry. I intend to enjoy it for years to come.

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