Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 26C by Carter Taylor

Year built	1993
Location of boat	Houston, Texas
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1992
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	yes, I would buy this boat again. I have had so much fun my only regret is that I waited so long to buy this boat. I thought a decent boat would be too expensive. I've been plowing all my money into my business, but when I found that I could buy a 26 foot boat for less than $20 thousand I jumped at it. My Children showed me the add and we began researching the boat. Four months later, we bought the Macgregor from our local dealer, Sail Venture (Frank Grizzaffi) and have never regretted doing so. The boat is very forgiving, easier to sail than my Sunfish ( I don't get wet on the Macgregor smile). I made some foolish mistakes early on but the boat is so forgiving that it made me look good.
Gear that's been added	I have added such things as a traveler and tracks and cars to make the boat go faster since I occasionaly race the boat. I've also added two-way radio, Loran, Gps, Depth finder, etc.I bought a stainless steel rear rail with folding ladder when I bought the boat. It made the boat look fancy and complete (for a minimal fee).
Structural or complex improvements	The only structural improvement i've made is a stronger bolt on the rudder. Not sure if it was necessary, but I did it anyways.
The boat's best features	The best features of the Macgregor 26 c (classic) is its sailability. For a trailerable sailboat, it is fast and predictable. It goes where I point it and it goes pretty fast. I can sail circles around many cruising boats of similar size and have yet to find a trailerable sailboat that can keep up with me. The Hunter 23 that was coming out when I purchased my boat is like a slug compared to my boat. The Macgregor is good in light and medium air but is not intended to be a heavy air boat. I try not to be in winds of greater than 20 knots although I've survived 30 knots plus winds on Matagorda bay. We had no real problems with a sudden storm on Galveston Bay that knocked down some fairly big boats. It made me realize how good this boat really is.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The only problem I've found with the design of this Macgregor is the interior space. After a while I get tired of not being able to stand up with the "pop-top" down. Although the head is adequate and is private (sort of), It is a little cramped and no way one can close the door while using it.I keep a close watch on the rudder cable because after a while it wears and will break. I keep a spare cable which is easy to change out if one is on hand.The "pop-top" cover on my boat became cracked in the middle after about two years and Macgregor replaced it with a new one with no questions. I believe that it was defective and not representative of the average "pop-top". I certainly was please with the way The Macgregor Company handled the problem. The new top was shiped with the next shipment of boats to my local dealer and immediatly installed.
Sailing characterisitcs	The boat points well for a trailerable sailboat. It goes where I point it and it does it in a predictable way. Properly reefed mainsail allows one ot sail in 20 to 25 knot winds. I've sailed in 35 knot plus winds and although we went very fast, It got pretty tiresome after awhile. The boat handled the wind fine, the problem was with me getting tired handling the tiller and surfing the waves and trying not to broach but I believe that would be true of any boat under those conditions.I feel the boat is very safe and sails with good control and predictability.When I trailered to Florida to the Keys, I found the boat to be easy to pull. The Water ballast allows the boat to trailer like a light boat and to sail like a heavy boat.
Motoring characterisitcs	I have a 9.9 Tohatsu outboard. I find the motor most satisfying and it powers the boat well. When i've needed to get to port fast to avoid a storm it has always done the job. I can reach hull speed with it (about 7 knots) but generally it gives me about 4 to 6 knots. The boat handles well under power manuevering well to go over wakes, etc as needed.
Liveability	I have spent weekends on the boat and it is quite comfortable. The queen sized bed in the stern is large and adequate. The vee berth is plenty roomy for a couple of 6 foot persons. The bench on the port side is about 8 feet long and has been fine for an adult although I've never slept long on it...seems a little narrow to me. The Cockpit is comfortable for two persons but in my area it is usually too "mosquito" bound for me except on rare occasions.I've known one person who lived on his boat and he did ok, but it seems a little tight to me for long term living.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I've only dealt thru the local Macgregor dealer here in the Houston area and it has been most enjoyable. If I've had any questions or problems, they've been handled fast and friendly.The only real problem I've had was a cracked "pop-top" which Macgregor replaced as fast as they could get one from the factory to the dealer. There were no real questions other than "what is the problem" and "how can we fix it."The local dealer here is Sail Venture and the proprietor is Frank Grizzaffi. His experience, advice, and expertise has been most valuable and helpful. Always honest answers - no bull.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought the boat new from the dealer and it was a most pleasant experience. I don't know what could have been done to make the experience better other than maybe to give me the boat free (chuckle). I did get lots of free information and advice.When the boat was delivered we were given a free "get familiar" sail and Mr Grizzaffi showed us how to rig the boat, hank the sails, launch the boat, sail the boat, etc. Basically everything we needed to know to handle the boat safely. The time on the water (experience) we just had to get ourselves.
Other comments	My experience with the boat has been great. I just wish I had purchased one long ago. The 25 was a great boat and a great buy. The 21 and the 22 are both great sailing boats and were great bargains. Any of these would have been good buys and fun to sail.The only advice I can give is GET ONE and get sailing. We only have limited time in this life and sailing is FUN!New or used, the boats sail great.The boat trailers easily and I've taken it to the Florida Keys for a two week sail. Loads of fun. It's ideal for the key area especially in the shallow areas. It handled the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf Stream fine.Do I like the boat? You bet I do grin.

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