Macgregor Owner Reviews

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Review of the Macgregor 22 by Duane Beaver

Year built 1971  
Location of boat Long Beach  
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, It fits my needs and is big enough to take out to Catalina ane other offshore islands. With the midifications to make it safer and easier to sail short-handed it fits my need very well.  
Gear that's been added GPS, hand held radio, Gennaker with pole, topping lift, down-haul, self-tailing winches (2), new keel winch, safety harness, throw ring, fog horn, 31/2 gallon extra gas tank, fish finder/depth gage, 12 volt battery charger, small electric heater, 12V TO 110V transformer,1,500,000 candle power flash light, chart books, extra life vests, new rudder and tiller, and many more small items. Lifelines along rear quarter of boat and jack lines from cockpit to bow.  
Structural or complex improvements none  
The boat's best features Easy to handle short handed, fast in downwind conditions (surfs easily), looks much richer than cost. It came with 7 sails, have sold two and now using the other five including spinnaker that I had re-cut to a Gennaker. Bought sock for Gennaker, not yet tried but have used Gennakers before.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I am going to change mainsail sheeting system to new location and add purchase power.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails beautifully and easilly in calm to moderate seas and winds (up to 10-12kts.) Surfs well in 10-15kts. Fast in calmer waters with winds above 10kts (blow away many larger boats when small jib used.)  
Motoring characterisitcs This is a sore point, the 6 HP outboard is connected to boat starboard of center in a cut-out and interfeers with rudder in rough seas. Also poor control of motor when making rapid turns. Am thinking od installing a stainless steel adjustable motor mount to get motor away from stern and able to control direction of boat using motor only.  
Liveability Adequate for two for short periods of 1-3 nights. Beyond that I,like being tied-up to a dock where I can easily use shore facilities and restaurants.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent, especially when visiting the factory (about 100 miles from my home.) Be prepared to pay cash or possibly by check, as they don't accept credit cards.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any bought on e-bay.  
Other comments May possibly up-grade to an older 25' Macgregor with swing keel. Have friend interested in 25' or 26' in good condition and with trailer.  

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