Macgregor Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Macgregor 26S by Darrell Beckham

Year built	1994
Location of boat	Casper, Wyoming
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?	Probably. There are some things I would change about this boat if I could but all in all it is a well built boat which is stable and easy to sail. I set out to buy a completely different boat (a rare Kirby 23) which, in my mind, was sturdier, faster and it came with a lot more equipment at a lower price. However, as my SO pointed out it was a cramped cabin and the Mac was so much larger. Not one to argue overmuch with the other person who would be sharing the boat we purchased the Mac. I liked the larger cabin, the lack of sandwiched construction and the trailerability. What I didn't like was only one layer of woven roving in areas I thought demanded more sturdy construction. Also the fact that the boat was not rigged for a spinnaker was irritating as it will cost more money to accomplish that (sometime in the future). I think that some thicker fiberglass in key areas would make me think a whole lot better about this boat. I am considering some ocean voyages in the future but don't seriously think this boat is up to it, but for inland lakes, coastal sailing, and short trips you can't ask for a nicer boat for the price.
Gear that's been added	I am planning to add more deck hardware and rigging to make it easier to sail singlehanded. This will be helpful not only to me but also my SO who might be asked to take over while I attend to something else (like a nap). Will also be adding spinnaker gear when money is available. I intend to renovate the cabin to make it more liveable by adding electricity and appliances. I intend to use a small wind generator and battery bank instead of a gas-powered generator. This will be much lighter and supply more than enough power for whatever I need. I will also add more lighting, better mainsail controls, electronics, and better cushions. The nice thing about Macs is they are built for modifying.
Structural or complex improvements	I am currently changing all the shroud connections from stay adjusters to turnbuckles. I don't care what MacGregor says, turnbuckles are just easier to use. After dropping clevis pins in the water while trying to adjust a shroud I was cursing the designer who thought this was "safer". May be but definitely not easier. Also in the process of moving the control line for the centerboard aft to the cockpit. Costs more this way but much easier for the single-handed sailor.
The boat's best features	In my very limited experience with the Mac I would say the best features are: construction, ease of use, and price.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	As mentioned before, having the centerboard control in the cockpit would be enormously helpful. Mast raising has given me problems due to the forestay being a little shorter than it should be. Don't like the stay adjusters or lack of sail controls (I understand the bare bones principle) but it seems more could have gone into the basic boat. Carpeting should have a rubberized bottom. Current type too slippery. Cushions should be standard in cockpit and trailer needs work.
Sailing characterisitcs	Only sailed it twice in light winds but it seems to handle well and cruises nicely. Could live aboard if I had to with few complaints.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motoring is easy when the motor works. Little space for one as is and have to steer with the boat's rudder.
Liveability	All in all, can't complain. Boat doesn't come with anything to complain about.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	So far, not impressed. Sent a question weeks ago and have yet hear a reply.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought from a broker in Salt Lake City. Experience was not to be repeated as broker knew nothing about sailboats (had four on the lot) and was no help at all.
Other comments	I would probably buy another if speed was not of essence and cruising was all I did. All in all I like the boat.

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