Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 17 by Michael

Year built	1970
Location of boat	Texas
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	2008
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes.
Gear that's been added	I purchased the boat as a fixer upper in 08 and did not get around to doing anything with her till this year. Currently i have only daysailed her twice in 10 mph winds.
Structural or complex improvements	I evacuated the inside, and still need to repaint the insides and put the cushions back in. The keel winch was old and not even attached as the wood had rotted. I replaced with a 2x8 treated, and installed a new brake winch from northern tool. The rudder was disassembled, sanded, revarnished and reassembled. Still need to do the exterior wood around the hatch. Added two new wheels and tires. Replaced all running rigging. considering painting everything above the waterline.
The boat's best features	Very easy to trailer, tow, and set up. I was impressed at how it sailed. My only other experience with this small of a boat was a compac 16 which sailed like a rock compared to the mac 17.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The hole for the keel winch is the only hole in the cockpit.... So, when sailing and also when on the trailer it does NOT drain the cockpit. The hole is rt behind the hatch and in a chop water pulses in with no where to go but collect in the cockpit. In cold weather this is really aggravating. Also, I must keep the boat covered or the cockpit will collect enough water to set back with the trailer pointing to the sky. The biggest imrovement i could make to this boat would make the cockpit self draining, and unless I sell her Im sure i will before long.
Sailing characterisitcs	Surprised me in being a nice little sailor. Only size comparison ive sailed in a compac 16 and she blows that boat away on speed and sailing characteristics.
Motoring characterisitcs	Only engine Ive had available to put on her is a nissan 6 hp 4 stroke... Wayy wayyy too much engine. Half throttle and you are planing. Im guessing a 2hp or 3hp would be about perfect.
Liveability	Oh im too big to do much overnighting in this 17 but a young couple would probably enjoy weekending in it.
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	Ive sailed several mac 25's and this boat is a cute example of just a miniature version of them. Again, I have been impressed with its sailing characteristics for a 17 ft boat.

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