Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 25 by Colin

Year built	1985
Location of boat	N.E. Oklahoma
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
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	2006
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutely! These are a great value for the money on the used boat market! In my opinion, I think the Mac 25's are under-valued.
Gear that's been added	Previous owner had added a mid-cockpit main sheet, omni-directional TV and stereo antenna, shore power, cockpit cushions. I've added a new IdaSailor tiller. I will likely add roller furling on the jib in the future, a new motor mount, Bimini top, IdaSailor rudder, and plexi-glass companionway.
Structural or complex improvements	None
The boat's best features	The shallow draft with the keel up allows me to go places other boats don't dare go. This is my first large sailboat with all prior experience being on Sunfish or Lazers. The cabin lay-out is great as it is, but it leaves plenty of room for modifications if you want a larger galley or want to change berths around. There is plenty of room in the cockpit.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Mast raising is a little tough the first couple of times, I'd recommend purchasing a mast raising system. The factory motor raising and rudder outhaul system could use some work to make getting them up and down easier and more reliable.We had bought the boat to keep on the trailer in dry storage and after two weeks elected to find a slip as the flat bottom makes it hard to hit the trailer straight.
Sailing characterisitcs	Easy to sail, the boat has very good "manners" in the water and is a true joy to handle.The boat sails extremely well close-hauled, and is instantly responsive to input from sail and rudder. I feel like it is a very safe boat for a beginner.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motors very well, this one is equipped with a 6HP 2 stroke Merc. Location of the motor does put a lot of pressure on the tiller when under power. The boat wants to turn to port if you don't keep good pressure on the tiller.
Liveability	I have not tried sleeping over on it yet. It has the older style cushions in the cabin which are not overly comfortable. You could use a sleeping bag for a "mattress" and I think it will be comfortable. I've laid down to rest a few times and it is comfortable. The head is a little awkward for a 6', 200# man. Overall though, it's just as comfortable, if not moreso than some RV's I've been in.
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	These are a wonderful boat if you are considering buying your first cabin-class sailboat. For the money, you will get more space and utility than a Catalina 22. I'm not unhappy with anything that is indigenous to the MAC. Trailer sailing is a lot of work, no matter what you buy. Don't let anyone else try to convince you that it's lighter weight means it is inferior. This is a very well-built boat.

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