Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 26C by Louis B. Holub

Year built	1992
Location of boat	Needville, Texas
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
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	2005
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	YES. The MAC is a great design with safety and stability.
Gear that's been added	Mast Solar Anchor light, updated anchor system, strenghtened fiberglass details on the keel hoisting system.
Structural or complex improvements	The keel "pin" pulled through the fiberglass, apparently by the former owner. This was redone, strenghtened, and refiberglassed. A local Boat dealer allowed me to use his overhead hoisting system which is a real need in order to pull the keel, and do the job easily.No other work was necessary for the boat, since it is in such GREAT SHAPE. It was stored from years 2000 to 2005.
The boat's best features	The Boat trailerability is outstanding. The water ballast system, built in floatation, stability, mast raising system, and stainless steel hardware are GREAT. The Boat is comfortable, with all necessary features for ease of sailing.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The "pin" hoisting system seemed fragile for this KEEL, which was broken at the time of purchase. Ive repaired it, and strenghtened this unit.The trailer was totally redone and aluminum wheels added by the former owner. I feel that MAC shouldve upgraded their TRAILERs at little more...possibly using Galvanized Trailers.
Sailing characterisitcs	First day of use was QUITE windy, and I reefed the Mainsail (remembering how my former boat "CYCLONE" would tip so easily). But as one would IMAGINE...my SON says...lets put up all the sail. I was surprised at the stability of this boat, tacking and running with absolute ease. Stability is awesome. The water Ballast system,shallow kick up keel & rudder are awesome designs. The first day of sailing this boat was surprising at features of stability, speed, directional pointing, etc. My son and I had a GREAT TIME...
Motoring characterisitcs	My 8 H.P. Merc. long shaft works great. Its a little on the slow side when trying to "BACK UP" the boat. OH WELL...who needs to go backwards ??
Liveability	Havent lived on the boat, but it would be comfortable for a few days or even using at a roadside "campsite" when enroute to water sites, or waiting to launch. Its comfy -- rain or shine.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I dealt with a DEALER, as noted below. HOWEVER, Ive had occasions to call the MAC HOME OFFICE, and found them helpful. They provided some printed material about my 26-C as requested..."FREE".
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought the boat from SAILVENTURE, Inc., BAYTOWN, TEXAS. The owner, MR LANCE BEAUCHAMP, CPA, was great to deal with. He has been available for "AFTER THE SALE" follow ups and questions -- always with solutions and help which are rare with many DEALERS. If your buying a MAC...This is the PLACE...without a doubt. The buying experience was GREAT.
Other comments	A great sized boat. Trailerable, easily launched, usable, livable, and without a doubt, FUN. Why buy a "weighted" KEEL with all the inconvenience, when a MAC 26 is available with its WATER BALLAST system ?? Its nice to bring the boat home for cosmetic work, and return it to the "Dry Dock Marina" in Kemah, Texas << all with EASE.

Contact
About
Terms of Use