Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 22 by Chase Kincannon

Year built	1976
Location of boat	Central 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	1976
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Actually, my parents bought this boat new in '76 at the Ft. Worth boat show. It was a custom order that had been turned down upon delivery, so they got a good price. I'm 19, and Dad lets me take it out with my buddies whenever I feel like becuase he can hardly ever talk my mother into going to the lake!
Gear that's been added	Dad added running lights, a radio, some teak decking, and a 15 horse Evinrude. I've added lots and lots of TLC to get this boat back into the water after a 15 year hiatus.
Structural or complex improvements	None.
The boat's best features	I have been able to take what little knowledge of sailing I learned from a book and the advice of my Dad onto the lake for many safe, fun-filled weekends. The boat is easy to handle, easy to trailer, and VERY easy to maneuver with the 15 horse engine. I can easily manage the boat by myself and feel confident in my abilities with this boat; it is not intimidating and it is quick to respond when the weather suddenly turns nasty and I find I'm in over my head. For a day sailer, the layout is nice enough, I can't find much use for the forward "bunk" other than holding the jenny when not in use. Great for what I like to do. It doesn't claim to be more, and I don't ask it to be.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	It developed a small leak around the hinge pin of the centerboard, which was fixed with a home fiberglass kit. The sails that came with the boat 26 years ago are in excellent condition with little to no wear. Lines are also in good condition. The bow eye is getting a little loose, and I am waiting until the season starts up before I give it any attention. Rudder is poorly designed, but it is a custom job so I can't really blame MacGregor. The starboard spreader bar is wearing at it's hinge to the mast, so I'm sure it will either have to be mended or replaced. Other than that, the boat is really quite fit.
Sailing characterisitcs	Point-and-go. The boat handles well, although it does drift excessively when not under way. I'm not competent enough to enjoy sailing under more than a 15 or 20 degree list, but I remember sailing with my father in choppy waters with the galley window underwater, so I know the boat is sturdy, even if getting where you want takes several tacks. Under very light conditions, even under Genoa power, it still tends to drift. Under a good 10 knots, it is very maneuverable but I would not take it out without an engine to back me up.
Motoring characterisitcs	Very responsive. Light boat handles well and doesn't use fuel very fast at all. Couldn't complain.
Liveability	My friends and I usually sleep 3 for one or two nights, tops. Keep in mind we're in college and don't mind being crammed in like sardines. Wouldn't want to spend any more nights in it than I have to.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Wasn't around until '82, so I can't tell you.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	Great boat for beginners, can't imagine enjoying a sail boat any more. Its no Hobie Cat, but for the peaceful day sail, it is perfect. The age of the boat is not an issue. This boat is great for what I want to do and I hope I continue to enjoy it for many more years to come.

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