1983 Macgregor 25 Sailing capabilities?

[jollyroger47]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum, and a new boat owner. I just recently purchased a 1983 Macgregor 25 that seems to be in overall good condition. The boat will need to be rewired so that the running lights and radio will work but otherwise I have taken it out myself and the boat sails pretty well. I am concerned however after having a marine survey completed to keep the boat in the marina it is in (San Francisco), I was told by the Marine surveyor that he does not recommend the boat be taken coastal sailing.

I am wondering, does anyone have experience taking a Macgregor 25 coastal cruising? When I purchased the boat I had the idea in mind that it would be perfect for cruising south to central America (with all of the necessary precautions). I have since been told this would NOT be a good idea by both the marine surveyor, and an Uncle of mine.

Is costal cruising in a Macgregor 25 something not worth doing? Or is it something that is doable with the right provisions and necessary safety precautions? I am ideally looking to speak with someone who has been costal cruising on a Macgregor 25 themselves.

Thanks,

jollyroger47

[Catigale]

That boat doesn't belong outside the Gate, in short.

Coastal sailing on the west coast is very different than the east, but I would agree with the assessment in a general way.

It's much more about the skipper than the boat.

This can be an emotional thread topic, but the short answer to the " can my Mac make this trip?"

Is

If you are asking here, no.

[Bilgemaster]

(...snip!) This can be an emotional thread topic, but the short answer to the " can my Mac make this trip?" Is

If you are asking here, no.

That's about the wisest possible assessment of the matter right there, even if one were to disregard the advice of the surveyor and one's presumably knowledgeable nautical uncle. The good news is that you've got a superb boat to sharpen your chops on the Bay, and just being around your marina and others you're BOUND to find that nice tidy old bluewater sailer owned by that couple in Sausalito now getting on in years who just don't get out there that much anymore that'll get you down to Costa Rica without needing to sensibly update your will. She's their pride and joy and they're just looking for the right owner who'll take good care of her like they have...

[sailboatmike]

Trailer boats in general just are not designed for real blue water sailing, thats not a Mac thing, thats trailer boats in general.

That being said there are many old salts and a few naive sailors that have made safe blue water trips in them without any issues.

Would I do an extended blue water trip in mine, No way, not with the conditions that can blow up in my sailing area within a couple of hours, even the blue water boys plan their trips very carefully in my waters, in other more settled waters with bigger, slower and more predictable weather patterns it may be feasible.

We really dont have the speed in sailing mode to make long, safe passages in the big blue

[grady]

When you ask is the boat capable then yes it is. However unless you are in the top 10 most experienced sailors in the world than the boat skipper combination is not capable. We are always the limiting factor. We have a saying in aviation, Airplanes do not kill Pilots, Pilots kill Pilots. The same would be true in Sailing.

[Obelix]

@jollyroger47,

We sailed our 26M several years on San Francisco Bay, out of San Raffael and later out of Ballena Bay.
The SFB is a great venue to get your feet wet in the Mac and build your own confidence and experiences.
We sail now on the Florida West Coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, island hopping along the coast.
Back than, 9 years ago, I didn't want to cross the bar at SFB even if it looks easy in perfect weather.

Good luck and welcome to the group

Obelix

[Signaleer]

That boat doesn't belong outside the Gate, in short.

I don't know if I would take a Mac 25 across The Slot let alone out The Gate...

(kinda) kidding... but not really.

[Freedom77]

My beloved wife and first mate installed a plaque in the cabin that says, "Bless us O' Lord, Thy sea is so great and my boat is so small." Northern California (North of San Luis Obispo) and Southern California are two different oceans. I have sailed SF bay and believe it has some of the most challenging conditions there are. NO I would not set off a long ocean voyage in a Venture/MAC 25. The great part of owning a trailerable boat is that you can hook up and head anywhere. I have taken Freedom as far south as Ensenada Mexico and north to British Columbia and points in between. That being said, I have sailed/raced from Newport to Ensenada Mexico, approx. 120 miles, and other medium distances including harbor hopping from Ventura to San Diego. Many new owners get what is commonly known as Island fever. They have visions of sailing from Los Angeles to Hawaii and such. If you are 1 degree off you will miss the whole thing. Also there are thing to consider like provisions, engine failure, dismasting, hull breach, etc. And the fact that a 25 foot boat can get very small very quickly. Get same more experience and then decide.

[jollyroger47]

Thank you for all the thoughtful responses. It helps to hear from other people familiar with this type of vessel. I will be sure to appreciate my Macgregor 25 for what she is, and stay focused on learning more about sailing while saving up for a decent blue water sailor.

[ramirezpm]

Thanks for the information. I also was dreaming about taking taking my Venture 25 out to the coast. I will learn on the Kansas lakes, then see if I want to continue on the coast with something bigger.

Paul

[kadet]

If you are asking here, no.

Never a truer word said, I often read on other forums this similar question "can I do X in my boat" if you have to ask then no as you don't have the experience yes youtube shows a lot of inexperienced sailors making substantial crossings with limited experience in ill prepared boats. But the ocean is unforgiving place and you only have to run out of luck once. Sailboat deaths annually are relative small compared to stink boats so I guess luck is on our side

Get some experience then answer your own question.