Macgregor 26X

[Mannyc]

Hello all,

I am hoping to get this forum group expertise on the matter as I came across a Macgregor being sold in US (I am in Canada). It is listed as a Macgregor 26 and from the photos I would think it is safe to assume it is a Macgregor 26 . The point of confusion I am having is the seller is claiming it is a 1989 model, which seems off since the Macgregor starts at 1995.

Am I missing something here?

[C Buchs]

That is an and you are correct they were manufactured from 1995-2002. If you go look at the boat or have the owner take some pictures for you, there are HIN (hull identification number) tags on the back of the boat under the rub rail on the starboard side (I'm pretty sure that's the correct side) and another one inside next to the hatch to the battery box just aft of the galley on the port side. With that number, you can figure out the actual year of the boat.

Jeff

[pitchpolehobie]

These boats have been around long enough that some of their owners may not have the memory they once did. The 26X cockpit steps leading down are the easiest way to tell if its an earlier or later model 26x. The later models have a different step and air inlet for the water ballast.
If u can get a good interior pic of the steps we could help you tell which it is.

The later models aso. Used a rigid fiberglass foam core and no balsa core on the deck or cockpit making them slightly less heavy. I believe the water ballast inlet on the external side was repositioned over the years too but i dont know if that can tell you ŵhich year.

[Macwanted84]

I talked to this guy today since he’s just down the road. 8k for boat, no motor or controls. Don’t know why he would put it that way… Advised him on his Year problem. Looks like it’s coming out of a shop on a farm. Could be a real barn find!

Motor brand new.

[Mannyc]

I talked to this guy today since he’s just down the road. 8k for boat, no motor or controls. Don’t know why he would put it that way… Advised him on his Year problem. Looks like it’s coming out of a shop on a farm. Could be a real barn find!

Motor brand new.

Yea, I am thinking about taking it without the motor. It might be less paperwork when crossing the border.

There is also another 8K Macgregor in Florida but issue is the front tow hook is bad, I don't know if I would want to risk 1550 mile journey with it.

on a side note I am starting to get real frustrated that all the good Macgregor deals seem to be over the border, practically all the ones up north are running 23K plus.

[Macwanted84]

Yeah the “deals” have just started appearing. Most down here had been running almost NADA to the penny. I just purchased my own and at the time it was the best deal I found across several platforms, websites etc. here’s hoping my good luck holds out. The tires on the trailer I’m going to go get LOOK immaculate but may in fact be original. I’m pooping tacks debating on whether to try the 7 hour drive home or pony up for new hubs and rubber on the way up.
For want of a nail after all…

[Be Free]

Seven hours is a long time to be pulling a trailer that you don't know is in good condition. Please be careful!

If

• the tires are more than 5 years old

• there are cracks in the sidewall

• there are cracks between the tread and the sidewall

Then replace the tires. Don't take a chance on them. A blown tire at best is a dangerous delay, at worst it can cause total loss of the towed vehicle and possibly the towing vehicle (or others behind you). Two (or four) new tires are cheap considering the potential loss if one or more fail.

If the hubs have not been serviced in the last year, service them before you put the trailer on the road.
If the hubs have not been serviced in more than a year consider replacing them.

Jack up each wheel and spin the tire. If there is any rumbling or squeaking, if there is any resistance, if the wheel does not spin freely then replace the hubs.

Don't forget to check the suspension on the trailer. Springs, hangers, and axles along with the associated hardware all eventually need to be replaced. Make sure they are up to the trip.

Once you hook that trailer to your vehicle you are legally and morally responsible for what it does.

[Macwanted84]

Thank you for the solid advice! I will be sure to do all of these things… I did buy two new ST 225/75 space D 15 e rated tires, and I’m stopping in Cincinnati to pick up a transom buddy/saver. If I am in anyway uncomfortable with the state of affairs… I will spend Saturday night Sunday into Monday most likely until I get a clean bill of health from somebody that knows more than me. As they say, bring on another thousand.

[rsvpasap]

Based on experience, you might like to take a look at the condition of the trailers u-bolts and their retainer plates. If the boat is on the trailer, you will need to crawl underneath to accomplish this.

[Macwanted84]

Oh I’ll be under there for sure. If this becomes a 2-3 day haul, so be it.

[Be Free]

I look forward to hearing about you safe and uneventful trip home.

[baldnober]

A MacGregor 26X is like a Ford or Chevy; it's made to tinker with. Read this forum; somebody is. modifying something on their boat. whatever you
want to do; someone on this site has done it; and can and can show you pictures and tell you how to do it. I don't like power boats, too much like driving a car.

[dlandersson]

Ditto

Seven hours is a long time to be pulling a trailer that you don't know is in good condition. Please be careful!

If

• the tires are more than 5 years old

• there are cracks in the sidewall

• there are cracks between the tread and the sidewall

Then replace the tires. Don't take a chance on them. A blown tire at best is a dangerous delay, at worst it can cause total loss of the towed vehicle and possibly the towing vehicle (or others behind you). Two (or four) new tires are cheap considering the potential loss if one or more fail.

If the hubs have not been serviced in the last year, service them before you put the trailer on the road.
If the hubs have not been serviced in more than a year consider replacing them.

Jack up each wheel and spin the tire. If there is any rumbling or squeaking, if there is any resistance, if the wheel does not spin freely then replace the hubs.

Don't forget to check the suspension on the trailer. Springs, hangers, and axles along with the associated hardware all eventually need to be replaced. Make sure they are up to the trip.

Once you hook that trailer to your vehicle you are legally and morally responsible for what it does.