new boat advice

[impinnacr]

I just joined this board and am pretty excited about it. I owned an 87 Mac 26D that I purchased brand new. I sold it reluctantly in the early 90s due to a combo of economic downturns, kids going to college, etc, etc.
Now I am ready to get back into the Mac world and I really miss my old boat. Now that I have some time and can look at all the used boats out there, I am considering either a Mac 25 with the heavy keel or another mac 26 D or S. I really love the hull design and overall looks as well as the sailing characteristics of that vintage macs. My question is I have never sailed a 25. I would love some advice from those who have sailed either and can give me advice on what to go for. Trouble spots, etc, etc.
I would really appreciate it.

[baldbaby2000]

I've owned a couple Mac 25's. I think they're good boats. Easy to setup and tow. Also sails fine. If you get to looking at one, check the hull for warping. If it has been towed and stored without the center board lowered so it rests on the trailer, the boat can be stressed a bit. Also the trailer bunks are not always adequate to support the boat properly. Make sure the bulkhead (where the keel winch is) under the companionway is in good shape. This piece is an important part of the structure. Also look at the condition of the swing keel. Some are encapsulated in resin, others are just painted. If it has the resin, make sure it's intact and doesn't have a coroded keel under the resin. If the keel needs to be removed that's a lot of work. Mine were just painted so I was able to get at 3/4 of it while it was on the trailer if I needed to scape and paint it.

BB

[AWKIII]

My family purchased a new MacGregor 25 many moons ago. At the time, we lived in Newport, R.I. The boat was great in Narragansett Bay and there were many trips to Block Island; which was about 20 miles off the Rhode Island coast. As with most Macs, the 25 is a little weak sailing upwind but fine on all other points. When the wind picks up she does have a bit of weather helm but it isn't anything too disconcerting. I have sailed on all iterations of the 26 and in terms of pure sailing ability I would have to say the Mac 25 is the best. Best of luck in your search.

[Nevadacitybob]

My wife and I camp on our '84 Mac 25 and I really long for the aft berth of the 26. She sails fine (well, considering we are using the original main), but it is a bit crowded in the v berth.

[impinnacr]

Thanks for the input thus far, I really appreciate the advice.
Nevada city bob: yeah, I know what you mean about the aft berth. I have three kids and when they were little, my wife and I used the foreberth and all 3 kids piled into the aft berth of my 26D, what great fun that was.
Chris