Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

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Agi
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Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by Agi »

Hi everybody,

Does anyone know which fuel tank I can buy from a company in Europe that fits perfectly for the MacGregor 26M with more than 30l?

And is there a company or someone in Europe who is producing a Launchpad for the 26M like this from America?

https://profusionmarine.com/


The problem is, that the shipping costs from America to Europe are very high :(.


Thank you all in advance
-Agi-
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dustoff
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by dustoff »

While I haven't heard of any European vendors making 26M specific accessories, my recommendation would be to take a photo of the swim platform to a nearby custom fiberglass fabricator and get a quote on how much he would charge to make you something similar. If it's less than what this guy charges plus transatlantic shipping, voila. This goes for the tanks as well. There are guaranteed to be aluminum fuel tank fabricators in most major coastal regions of Europe. Especially anywhere near any kind of marine building/repair industrial areas. Use the dimensions of the fuel tank compartment to see if someone will make you one. It's not much of a technical challenge for an aluminum fabricator, but it will most likely be a custom job as the dimensions are not close to any standard aluminum marine tank size I've ever seen. (and I've looked)

v/r
:macm:
Agi
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by Agi »

Hi!

Thank you so much for your answer and your information!
Do you maybe know the dimensions for the fuel tanks of the 26M ?

Thanks a lot
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NiceAft
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by NiceAft »

You should do a search for which portable fuel tanks are available in Europe, then determine which ones best fit in the fuel tank lockers on your :macm: The original red plastic tanks were 45.4L each. I still have the original tanks on my 2005 :macm: I replaced the gaskets years ago. The tanks are still good.
Ray ~~_/)~~
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kurz
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by kurz »

Hello Agi,
you live in Athen?
I loved to trailer with ferry to Greece and have wonderful sailing with my :macm:.
But I did not reach Athen yet...

Baut the lounchpad...
what is the shipping coast? I would order directly from the original builder. As he owns a :macm: he knows what to do. And don't think it will be cheaper to build locally.


Für fuel tanks.

Here is one of the best sorted shops I know.
you can choose plastic an even SS tanks.

I am not sure bring you of I come again to Greece für sailing...
https://www.segelladen.de/Inhalt-unterg ... reibst.htm
Agi
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by Agi »

Hallo lieber Kurz,

Vielen lieben Dank für Ihre Antwort!
Tatsächlich lebe ich in Athen und bin gerade dabei einen gebrauchten MacGregor 26M aus dem Jahre 2007 zu erwerben. Möchte allerdings noch einige Dinge daran verändern. Ich hoffe es ist die richtige Entscheidung, da ich auch einige ironische Kommentare von Seglern zu meiner Entscheidung bekommen habe, aber in den Foren habe ich eigentlich nur positive Erfahrungen von Besitzer über MacGregor lesen können.

Die Transportkosten für das Launchpad sind um die 800$ und dann würden noch Zollgebühren drauf kommen, was die Gesamtkosten auf über 2000$ steigen lassen würde. Daher wollte ich einmal hier im Forum nachfragen ob es einen Hersteller in Europa hierfür gibt. Ich werde das Launchpad dann hier in Griechenland custom made anfertigen lassen, was sicherlich dann günstiger sein wird.

Vielen Dank auch für den Link mit den Treibstofftanks, wissen Sie vielleicht welche Maße für 26M die richtigen wäre? Wobei ich allerdings auch hier überlege mir custom made Treibstofftanks in einer anderen Farbe als Rot anfertigen zu lassen :).

Vielen Dank
-Agi-
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NiceAft
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by NiceAft »

Agi,

After reading your reply to Kurz, I wanted to respond to this part.
aber in den Foren habe ich eigentlich nur positive Erfahrungen von Besitzer über MacGregor lesen können.
The reason is, those who have never been on a MacGregor, know nothing about it.

In truth, these boats are not blue water boats. Just as truthful, these are tough sailboats that can do more than the naysayers preach.

In 2004, when I was doing my research on MacGregor sailboats, I noticed that the sailors who owned the boats were very positive about them, and those who had negative feelings about MacGregor’s had never been on them. I am the original owner of a 2005 :macm: who has taken the helm of much larger, and expensive sailboats; I am happy that I bought my MacGregor..

Me at the helm of a 18.3m catamaran in the Caribbean.
Image

Me at the helm of a Beneteau off Barcelona.
Image

One last comment; I saw this yesterday. Might this be an option for a platform on the back of a Mac?


Image
Ray ~~_/)~~
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dlandersson
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by dlandersson »

I have one of those. Works nicely 8)
NiceAft wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 4:54 am Agi,

After reading your reply to Kurz, I wanted to respond to this part.
aber in den Foren habe ich eigentlich nur positive Erfahrungen von Besitzer über MacGregor lesen können.
The reason is, those who have never been on a MacGregor, know nothing about it.

In truth, these boats are not blue water boats. Just as truthful, these are tough sailboats that can do more than the naysayers preach.

In 2004, when I was doing my research on MacGregor sailboats, I noticed that the sailors who owned the boats were very positive about them, and those who had negative feelings about MacGregor’s had never been on them. I am the original owner of a 2005 :macm: who has taken the helm of much larger, and expensive sailboats; I am happy that I bought my MacGregor..

Me at the helm of a 18.3m catamaran in the Caribbean.
Image

Me at the helm of a Beneteau off Barcelona.
Image

One last comment; I saw this yesterday. Might this be an option for a platform on the back of a Mac?


Image
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kurz
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by kurz »

Hallo Agi
ich würde erst mal die :macm: kaufen und erst dann das Zubehör bestellen.
gerade bei den Tanks. Erst messen, dann kaufen.

Was für ein Motor ist am Boot?
Agi
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by Agi »

Thank you everybody for your reply,
what a nice energy in this platform.

@NiceAft -> Thank you for sharing these photos. Looks really amazing!!!
I noticed that too, that the owners are talking very positive about the MacGregor and people who only have heard about it are talking a little bit ironically about it. But I made my decision and will get one.:) Especially after your post I am convinced that it is the right decision.
Is it possible with the MacGregor to make even "longer" trips in the Aegean sea? Or is it more for shorter trips and more recommended for lakes?


@dlandersson -> Do you mean that you have such a platform? what kind of?


@kurz -> das Boot hat eine Evinrude E-tec 50hp (28 stunden gelaufen) -> habe den Motor von einem Techniker von Evinrude begutachten lassen und er hat mir dies bestätigt -> der Motor ist fast wie neu, das Boot war seit 2007/ 2008 insgesamt nur 1 Monat im Wasser und ist in einem super Zustand



Can you recommend me something else for the MacGregor 26M? What could or should I adjust?

The only thing that I can imagine that will be a little bit difficult: is to jump into the sea and go back on the boat from behind, if not having a launchpad/ platform. Thats why I am looking for a good solution to be able to step easily into the boat especially from the sea.


Thank you in advance

Best regards
-Agi-
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NiceAft
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by NiceAft »

Agi,

Mac’s can go where you want, within reason. I don’t know about crossing the Aegean. What is the distance you are referring too?

As Kurz has suggested, get the boat, then concern yourself with extras. There are many people here who can suggest ways for you to spend money. :D


P.S. it’s a shame I did not know of you earlier. We were in Athens last October; we could have had a more direct conversation.
Ray ~~_/)~~
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kurz
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by kurz »

Think about wind conditions...
is the Ägäis not known for very strong winds?

Is to say, very strong winds are not made for a :macm:, remember you don't have a keel bulb deep down under the boat.

Best extra... Autopilot...


And docking... Yes, dropping the anchor and the go backwards to the dock (römisch-katholisch) does not work. I go with the bow to the dock. Anchor from the stern.

Maybe a gangway would help?

This is not the best in a :macm:, you are right.
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dlandersson
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by dlandersson »

I have both the:

GOPLUS Floating Water Pad, 3 Layer Tear-Resistant XPE Foam, Bouncy and Durable Material, for Pool, Beach, Ocean, Lake

Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat, 114" X 84"

Top one doesn't need to be inflated, a tad easier, rolls up easily. 8)
Agi wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 3:24 pm Thank you everybody for your reply,
what a nice energy in this platform.

@NiceAft -> Thank you for sharing these photos. Looks really amazing!!!
I noticed that too, that the owners are talking very positive about the MacGregor and people who only have heard about it are talking a little bit ironically about it. But I made my decision and will get one.:) Especially after your post I am convinced that it is the right decision.
Is it possible with the MacGregor to make even "longer" trips in the Aegean sea? Or is it more for shorter trips and more recommended for lakes?


@dlandersson -> Do you mean that you have such a platform? what kind of?


@kurz -> das Boot hat eine Evinrude E-tec 50hp (28 stunden gelaufen) -> habe den Motor von einem Techniker von Evinrude begutachten lassen und er hat mir dies bestätigt -> der Motor ist fast wie neu, das Boot war seit 2007/ 2008 insgesamt nur 1 Monat im Wasser und ist in einem super Zustand



Can you recommend me something else for the MacGregor 26M? What could or should I adjust?

The only thing that I can imagine that will be a little bit difficult: is to jump into the sea and go back on the boat from behind, if not having a launchpad/ platform. Thats why I am looking for a good solution to be able to step easily into the boat especially from the sea.


Thank you in advance

Best regards
-Agi-
OverEasy
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by OverEasy »

Hi Agi!

You have a very interesting, beautiful and historic region to sail in the Aegean Sea!
Wow! (Yes, I’ll admit it, I’m envious! 8) 8) But in the nicest possible way!)

Distance and extended traveling in a 26 ft MacGregor is what you make of it.
It really depends upon you and your expectations… anyone can do nearly anything if they have a mind to, the knowledge, the skills and the diligence to carry it out.

A MacGregor is what you want/need it to be.
The ancient Greeks crisscrossed the Agean Sea regularly in similar sized vessels for centuries … mostly successfully.
It depends upon your skill, knowledge, preparations, & common sense mainly.
Don’t be overly confident, know your personal limits, know what your equipment is capable of, know where you are going and what’s along that route, plan for things to go awry, have mitigation scenarios already worked out, know the weather and currents, have multiple means of navigation with current information (GPS(s), paper maps, compasses, guidebooks), have alternative destinations and ‘safe harbors’ planned for in advance. VHF radio (and how to operate it, who to contact where, limitations of equipment capabilities and range), cell phone and it’s limitations, sat communications and its limitations (like sat phones or things like the Garmin In-Reach systems), Emergency beacons, emergency boat repair/mitigation supplies & knowledge of how to accomplish, there’s lots more but you get the general idea.

Could a MacGregor safely cross the Aegean and have fun doing it for an extended time?
Yes, it could … depending to a very large extent upon you!
More than anything else… upon you!

Best Regards,
Over Easy 8) 8)

Image

Image
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dlandersson
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Re: Fuel tank & Launchpad for MacGregor 26M in Europe?

Post by dlandersson »

Is this a Macgregor in Greece? 8)

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