MacGregorSailors.com

Back in December, Mike Inmon at MacGregor, asked to use a 26D for some testing for a new boat they are building. I responded to their request and loaned them my 1988 MacGregor 26D, telling them I needed it back before HPCC 2012 in Feb. In return they said that they would fix the stress cracks and buff out the hull.
Well.....My boat now has a new Gelcoat Blue strip both top and bottom plus they were able to buff out most of the scratches on the hull.
But Wait.......Before I left, Mike took me into the shop and handed me all the parts to make my mast into a rotating mast.
And yet there is more....... I will be able to buy a new mast and sail at a near cost when I am ready. How about that Sport Fans!

Now when we have the "Show and Shine" at HPCC, "Andiamo" will be looking good!

Thanks again to Roger, Mike and the crew at MacGregors for a great experience,

Bob

Thats exciting! I wonder what it is they are going to be building?! Also excellent about the rotating mast...they didnt happen to mention anything about the parts kit for any other models...say the in particular? Cant wait to see some photos of your 26D all shined up!

Congrats man! But the "Rest of the Story" is what exactly are they doing?

Pictures please!!

I haven't been able to post pictures here. Check out my post here:

http://forums.macgregor.sailboatowners. ... p?t=137752

mastreb wrote:Congrats man! But the "Rest of the Story" is what exactly are they doing?

I believe that they are making a faster 75 sailboat. Right now the new M is there best selling model.
I was able to tour the factory with Mike. Very interesting place. The new 75 foot hull is still in the mold.

Mike will be at the LA Boat Show this week with a new M to show.

roril wrote:Right now the new M is there best selling model.

As far as I know, it's the ONLY model they are selling. There are no other "models" for sale.

If and when the 75 is built, it will probably not be a production model. Certainly Roger is earning his living from selling M's right now.

Glad to see your boat looking better than before. It's a great boat and you should enjoy your new shiny hull.

I would say it is the popularity of the smaller boats that is allowing roger to build his dream boat. Anyone who's ever bought a new Mac should get to have a ride on the 75
I can't emagine there would be enough of a market with this economy to go into full scale production of a 75 like he has with the 26.

Ixneigh

Ixneigh wrote:I would say it is the popularity of the smaller boats that is allowing roger to build his dream boat. Anyone who's ever bought a new Mac should get to have a ride on the 75
I can't emagine there would be enough of a market with this economy to go into full scale production of a 75 like he has with the 26.

Ixneigh

Very few of the 65' were built--nothing compared to the small boats. The market for boats that size is very small--few people could even afford the slip fees, much less the boat.

I think there is a limited market for the larger macs. Modern non-trailerable boats are beamy and the 65 certainly is not. I think the 65' has similar cubic feet of room inside to a beamy 40-something. With slip fees being by the foot, it gets expense and the people who don't care about $ are not buying a Mac of any size.

I've heard that Roger's daughter (who is slated to take over the company, when Roger "retires") and her husband want to develop a 22 foot model. I wonder if this is why they wanted to test a 26D? I didn't get the scoop on if it would be a powersailor or a sail only model.

RussMT - I was very lucky to find my 1988 MacGregor 26D on Craigslist. The PO had taken real good care of her and had to sell her because of a new baby coming. It was a sad day for him and a great for me.

The only mods that I have made are in the RudderCraft aftermarket rudder to improve the steering and a home built PVC Furler. Now, thanks to MacGregor, I am installing the rotating mast mod which will improve the overall sailing performance, not that I really need it but it will be nice to have it heal less for the comfort of the crew. She has always been a fast/safe boat. Now I can add highly polished.

I am a self taught single-handed sailor for the most part and have learned most of my skills from listening to all you guys.

Thanks again for all your help,

Bob

I am installing the rotating mast mod which will improve the overall sailing performance, not that I really need it but it will be nice to have it heal less for the comfort of the crew.

The rotating mast reduces heel?

I don't know about reduced heel but I doubt I'd have a boat this size without it, after having sailed the 26M.
If I had the 26 d I would def. retrofit.

Ixneigh