Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 26S by Debbie Salituro

Year built	1993
Location of boat	Salem Oregon
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2001
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	With out a doubt! She has been the best boat to learn on. With a mast raising system, she's easy to rig and with just a bit of practice you can be sailing in about 20 minutes! The roller furling keeps us all in the cockpit as all lines are led there. The water ballast makes her light for towing and she's easy to trailor, we just walk her on and off.
Gear that's been added	We added a new 150% genoa and fixed the furler, which we knew we would have to (we bought her used and it was obvious). New batteries, had the impeller replaced and the compression checked on the motor. We re-did some of the wiring and replaced the panel box. We also added a new AM/FM, CD player and replaced a couple of the speakers.
Structural or complex improvements	No.
The boat's best features	The ease of trailering, rigging and sailing. The first time we rigged her it was with the book in hand. The first time we sailed her it too was..book in hand. She's just the best boat to learn the art of sailing on! When you have such an easy boat to sail it is just pure pleasure! At anchor the pop top makes all the difference.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Gee, everything has worked so well on her I can't think of a thing! She's just been a joy.
Sailing characterisitcs	In very light air she still moves, even when other boats are sitting still waiting. When you are new to sailing it can be pretty scary when she heels but once you are accustomed to that, it's tons of fun. When the wind really kicks up you just shorten sail and enjoy the ride! One day really stands out in my mind. Blue skies, a fresh wind, small white caps and we were sailing along with the spray coming lightly over the bow, and our 10 year old daughter at the helm. What a great day!
Motoring characterisitcs	The first time we motored we learn a valuable lesson for all new sailors...be sure to open the gas tank vent. If you don't, the engine quits, as you develope a vacuum and the gas doesn't flow. Other than that we've had ease in motoring. She's very maneuverable and easy to bring into a slip. Once we were out and the wind really kicked up and as we were so new to sailing that time, we dropped sail and motored in. Everything worked just fine.
Liveability	Due to work,our longest trip as been 4 days. There are 3 of us and she's very comfortable.Coffee is made with a french press coffee maker and the day just doesn't start better than blue skies, sunshine and in the cockpit with a hot cup of joe! We have a single burner portable propane cook top and I've turned out some mean breakfast burritos. Lunch is deli style sandwiches and soup if it's chilly, amazing how wonderful tomato soup is on board. Dinner is B-B-Q off the stern rail.Evenings in the slip or on the hook are fabulous. We set up the table and play cards or board games and listen to music. We snack to our hearts content and have the best family time you can imagine! (Even in the pouring rain.)The port-a-potty and sink supply all the comforts of home. Bed time is relaxed and we all have plenty of room. The best night sleep any of us have is on the boat.(Men, remember your wife isn't a galley slave! Be sure to help set up perminent galley ware...plates, pot and pans etc. There's plenty of storage.)
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	We've had no need to contact for information or help.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	This boat was a test for us to see how we felt about sailing, as we have dreams of blue water crusing. She's been such a joy, our entire family loves sailing. Our daughter wrote a wonderful story about a daysail and entered it in a sailing magizine contest. If you are looking for a family adventure and bonding experience you can't go wrong with a MacGregor. This has been one of the best investments we've ever made! While we are now looking for a blue water sailboat, we continue to enjoy the one we have.

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