Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 26M by daniel kirk

Year built	2004
Location of boat	Lake Pepin, Minnesota
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	2004
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes....I think so. This is the first boat we have ever owned so I don't have alot of experience with other boats. However, we've been impressed with the boat in many ways.
Gear that's been added	Yes. Rollerfurling, wind indicator, Radio/CD player, bimini, shorepower, ship/shore radio, extra cushions, electric stove, tachometer, toilet, etc.
Structural or complex improvements	Not complex improvements. Motormount was reinforced with sheetmetal when it was purchased. Added a topping lift and just had the bottom sealed with interlock and painted with antifouling(V17) as preventative maintenance. Intend to install a light at the top of the mast next winter. Had disc breaks added to the trailer.
The boat's best features	Very comfortable interior for two people to sleep on the boat. We like the openess of the cabin for lounging/reading. Nice looking boat. Is stable and handles well in wind/weather.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	This is the second season and we haven't had any major problems. However, it should have come with a topping lift as standard equipment. The front hatch should have been designed with a hinge that allows it to be kept in the partial open position.
Sailing characterisitcs	We have found it to be very responsive and easily self righting in highwinds. Of course, the ballast tank must be full for safety. We have a 25 horse Yamaha four speed motor that runs very well and adequate speed for our use. Double rudder and daggerboard with hull design make it extremely mobile. A friend who has a Magregor 26X in our marina has recounted how he was on a lake when a tornado came up...knocking his Macgregor on it's side in the water three times. A very scary experience but each time it popped right back up without a drop of water in the cabin. We have a family and it's very reassuring to know how many safety considerations went into the boats design.
Motoring characterisitcs	We often motor with a full balast and dagger board fully extended. It provides adequate speed for getting around.
Liveability	Very comfortable weekend living for two adults. Four adults is the maximum for comfort....assuming two in V berth/two in main berth. We added an electric toaster stove instead of propane unit. Also, a fan and bug neting is important as climate requires. Great place to hangout in nice weather.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I've talked with them several times and found them friendly and helpful. However, I didn't purchase directly from them.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Dealer I purchased the boat from was helpful but didn't specialize in the add-on equipment. As a result, I think I could have had better installs/equipment selection. He bought the cheapest extras and wasn't that experienced with wiring for accessories. If I'd known better at the time, I wouldn't have relied on his selections but purchased items myself and paid a little more money for quality ship/shore radio, battery charger, steering control system, etc. However, it all worked.
Other comments	Macgregor should include a topping lift with the standard package. Overall, we love our boat and we're have a wonderful time.

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