Is A MacGregor the right boat for me?

[dlandersson]

Since they are not paying they get what they get and like it

[Seth08321]

OK quick question to all who have commented so far, I have many questions, do I keep tossing them out in this thread or start new one ? First question I assume for my needs a 26 S with a tiller. since that's what I think all S came with ( feel free to correct me) , the 94 I saw for sale is sold and thanks ok but would have loved to at least see it. Any Mac 26 owners in metro NY looking to take someone on a sail for beer ( I am pretty useless but I bring good beer ) TIA

[Russ]

Lake Michigan sunset

Wow!

Is this your boat? Can we use this image on the main site home page?

[dlandersson]

Complete disclosure, it's a pic from my boat of another X based at Michigan City.

Lake Michigan sunset

Wow!

Is this your boat? Can we use this image on the main site home page?

[Mannyc]

OK quick question to all who have commented so far, I have many questions, do I keep tossing them out in this thread or start new one ? First question I assume for my needs a 26 S with a tiller. since that's what I think all S came with ( feel free to correct me) , the 94 I saw for sale is sold and thanks ok but would have loved to at least see it. Any Mac 26 owners in metro NY looking to take someone on a sail for beer ( I am pretty useless but I bring good beer ) TIA

probably best to pour all your questions here.

There seems to be nice 1993 26S for sale in lewes DE on Facebook marketplace, well taken care of by the limited pictures provided.

[DragonflyMac25]

Just to toss another idea out there. Have you looked at or considered the Macgregor 25?
They pop up for sale here and there and are usually a bit less $$ than the 26S or D.

They are light, shallow capable but the keel does not fully retract into the hull.
Bit less roomy layout than the 26 but can be functional.

They are a bit older so condition on ones for sale can vary but I have seen several in the mid atlantic area on craigslist in the past year or so that SEEM good around the $5k mark.

Just a thought for the pondering.

[dlandersson]

Nice point. The 25 was "Boat of the Year" in 1975.

https://www.boats.com/reviews/macgregor ... at-review/

[Seth08321]

I have not ,really think I would need the keel to fully retract since one of the reasons I think a Mac would work is I am in very shallow water and love the idea of beaching the boat right on the beach , but I could be wrong. Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into it.

Just to toss another idea out there. Have you looked at or considered the Macgregor 25?
They pop up for sale here and there and are usually a bit less $$ than the 26S or D.

They are light, shallow capable but the keel does not fully retract into the hull.
Bit less roomy layout than the 26 but can be functional.

They are a bit older so condition on ones for sale can vary but I have seen several in the mid atlantic area on craigslist in the past year or so that SEEM good around the $5k mark.

Just a thought for the pondering.

[Seth08321]

Ok Next question, how old is to old ( for the boat not the person) , I am already going for an older boat since I want an S, BC I think it would work best for me and budget as well so I think the gets me to 1995 ish. I understand condition trumps a newer year but all things being equal, is a boat for say 1988 different from a 1995. Would a fresh water boat be better , but more of a PITA to get to NJ, than a local boat? TIA.

[OverEasy]

Hi!

One suggestion we can give is to follow your dream.
Don’t over think it.
A Mac26X Mac26M Mac26S Mac25….are all suitable boats for your area.
Go for it!!!

They all have water ballast, removable keels, shallow draft, outboard engines, usable cabins and space for a head.
(I don’t know about others but having a portapotty is REALLY nice option when you really need one… whether out on the water or at the boat ramp. Beats some of the alternatives and a lot of other sailboats don’t give you the option to begin with

Time is a one way commodity…. Don’t waste it …. Get out on the water!
Get a good GPS chart plotter and depth sonar ENSURING you get the detail charts for your area from the get go.
It will provide you with just about all the navigational information you’ll need to have a great time on the water and stay away from known hazards. The Active Track function allows you to keep track of where you started, where you are and how to get back to where you started.
(Kind of nice feature when you think about it.) It also gives you a pretty good idea of exactly where the channels, rocks, wrecks, pilings etc are so you can avoid them with minimal stress.

Yeah the Delaware Bay is wide and long. Lots of room to have a wonderful time on.
Yes there are tides and currents but nothing to fret over if you plan for it and stay aware.
Yes there can be weather but you smart phone has the ability to get a good weather app to give you real time updating weather and tracking radar anytime you want it. Just avoid going out when the weather doesn’t look good. (It’s no fun getting battered and soaked anyway). The Delaware Bay also provides the opportunities for long uninterrupted tacks. There’s generally more than enough wind to sail. Having an engine option gives you the opportunity to sail out and motor back or viceversa. Calm days ashore can often have good breezes offshore. It’s always cooler on the water so don’t let the summer shoreside heat put you off… get out and enjoy!

Go for it!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[MactheKnight]

Hi you Mac lovers, greetings from a newbie from Belgium,

Have to confess, three weeks ago I didn't know your favourite boat brand existed.
I was looking for a liveable boat that was stationed in Uruguay (long story) and found there's a gorgeous Mac 65 for sale in Uruguay. But that's too much boat for me.
Started googling and found the Mac26 concept facinating: love the sailor-motor-trailer hybrid combination close to ideal.
Since then I found one for sale very close to where I live now and I'm about to visit the broker a second time - and it will probably be parked in my street before the end of this month

Its a 2005 26M in rather good original condition. Todd from BWY was already very helpfull with tips.

The only thing that could change my mind is if I find an Imexus in the meantime. I've also been in touch with the manufacturer and got a price quote for a new 28: its 5 times the budget of the 2005 Mac... Strangely enough they also sent me a distributor contract for my region. If I really like the Mac28 I can imagine visiting them in Poland later to discuss the posibilities. But I think its safer to start with a Mac before breaking the bank. Anyway, love reading all the threads here and looking forward to adding a few stories later. Cheers, from the land of beer and choclates
Joeri.

[Russ]

Welcome Mactheknight!

The Imexus looks like a fine boat, although I've never seen one in person. You are correct, they are 5 times more expensive.

MacGregor built thousands of boats and was able to sell them because the price point was affordable. These boats came bare and the finish quality may not be the same as more expensive brands, but most owners have easily customized them into well-fitted boats.

Look around this forum. There are over 15 years of experience to tap into and a great base of members eager to offer help and suggestions.

If you spoke with Todd at BWY, then you already have spoken with an excellent resource. I may be biased, but I don't think there is any boat for the money with as much flexibility, cabin space, and safety record as the Macgregor.

Oh, BTW, generally the new member of the forum buys pizza. But in this case maybe some of that great Belgian beer.

[OverEasy]

The Admirals like the chocolates idea……..

[NiceAft]

Yes, welcome MactheKnight!

As the original, and still owner of my 2005 , I will testify that the boat is versatile. You can purchase a much more expensive boat, but for the money difference, you won’t get a significantly superior craft.

We day sail with it, as well as having spent twelve days cruising and living aboard.

[MactheKnight]

Mmmm, pizza...

Issue is that i can't compare - its the only one for sale over here... dagger and rudders were recently replaced. New coating on the bottom... maybe they're hiding something? Boat has been sitting on its trailer in a Dutch marina for quite some time now. Looks great on pictures and from a distance but a bit scruffy I you examin it closer. Hull is painted dark blue. Black paint and windows show its been stored outside all the time. Price is OK compared with US boats. Anything I should definintely check in peculiar?

This is the Google translated original advert for this 26M:
Beautiful, neat and very complete Macgregor 26M with a young Vlemmix tandem axle trailer (2017) and a young engine (Yamaha 40 hp 2018). This sailing yacht was delivered new in Belgium and has been on a trailer a lot every winter. Many extras such as the hull received professional gray gelcoat (De IJssel) in 2020. In 2020, two new rudders and a new keel from the USA were also reinstalled. Neat sails including furling genoa (2020) with UV band and mainsail (2018) with hood, Raymarine i40 log and depth sounder, bulkhead compass, mast lowering system, anchor in anchor box with chain and line, Bimini top, stainless steel swimming ladder, water pressure system, kitchen with sink and running water, chemical toilet.

Fyi: originally I was looking for a boat to convert to electric propulsion. It won't work with the Mac because weight is an issue. The Imexus with inboard would be an option but again it becomes an issue to trailer it within EU weight restrictions. Even now drivers born after 72 need a special drivers licence to trailer a Mac or heavier. No problem for me. Getting old...