New owner of 26M

[wsgambler]

Yesterday I purchased a 2005 Macgregor 26M in fairly good condition and I have a lot of questions:

1) Is there a specific blue color name of the blue on the side of the boat in case I order items of that color?

2) Is there a video/advice for the 26M that will steer me to making this blue on the side and the black on the top of the boat look newer?

3) Do they make a custom cover for the boat for storage? (mast up) The previous owner used a blue tarp but the winds in CA tore it up in less than a year.

4) I noticed that some Macgregors have dual white corner elevated seats in the cockpit area. What are they called and where can I buy them? Hard to install?

5) I notice that some sailers have customized the sinks in the 26M. I do not have equipment/area/experience to make this. Do anyone make a modified piece to fit over this?

6) Has anyone mounted a TV in the 26M? If so, how big and where did they put it?

7). The boat came with a small jib and because the boat sits outside all year, it is worn. Where can I buy a 150 Genoa or if it will take one, a 180 Genoa with blue tips on the end to help against the sun? How hard to swap these out?

Is there a Macgregor store online?

Thank you very much. I'm sure that I will have more questions.

[NiceAft]

First: Welcome to our forum. Friendliest one out there. We have lots of answers for your questions.

Second: Blue Water Yachts is a terrific source for the parts you mentioned, and Todd is extremely knowledgeable.

http://www.bwyachts.com/

https://shop.bwyachts.com/Default.asp

Email: accessories@bwyachts.com

[dlandersson]

Did you attend the seller ceremony?
It would have looked a bit like this:

Yesterday I purchased a 2005 Macgregor 26M in fairly good condition

[dlandersson]

1) - can't answer this. You be be aware that blue hull are a tad slower than white hulls. Something to do with heat and friction.

2) - I will defer to others on this site

3) Ditto 2. I will note that mast up means water traveling down the mast while stored which may lead to water in your cabin, etc.

4) Stern rail seats. Several places. I recommend Blue Water Yachts.

5) Ditto 2

6) Lots of people have mounted TV's (I use a laltop). Popular place is starboard wall facing the table.

7) Lots of places will sell you a 155 Genora with a UV strip. One is Blue Water Yachts. You can also detrmine your measurements and shop around. I foun d some brand new Hunter 22 (out of productions) sails on ebay for chumpt change. Same size that I wanted

Blue Water Yachts is the single best Macgregor sailboat site

[kingtoros]

Congratulations on what I hope if a lifetime purchase for you! But no need to sell you on the boat, you already have it.

For what it's worth, don't let the white hulls confuse you, when Roger mixed the blue formula into the hull, it created an envy coefficient that you can still feel sometimes when you listen to the wind...

I'll skip around to answer the ones I may know anything about:

3) I store mast down which makes a tenting affect on the boat and use a heavy vinyl tarp that's incredibly heavy to put on.



4) BWYachts, it was the first major change I made, best seat in the house: https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/6308-1m0.htm

7) Lots of places will sell you a 155 Genora with a UV strip. One is Blue Water Yachts. You can also detrmine your measurements and shop around. I foun d some brand new Hunter 22 (out of productions) sails on ebay for chumpt change. Same size that I wanted

7) This, lots of nice sail lofts out there from national brands to local shops with equally varying prices. I would only add BWYachts makes a sock you can add to cover the sail, uv strip or not.

[Strange]

2). First, let me say that you’ll get as many answers to this question as there are fiberglass boats afloat.

What you seem to be referring to is the gelcoat oxidation on a boat that has been left out in the sun. The issue is that this layer must actually be removed. And that depends on how bad it is. If it is very light, you could get away with an orbital buffer and some one-step polish/wax. If it is very heavy, it can get quite complicated and include a cutting compound and wet sanding.

There are hundreds of videos detailing how to freshen up old gelcoat. Many will tell you they have found some miraculous new product that makes it look easy. I haven’t found one yet that makes it as easy as they make it look. They make it look easy because they are pros.

So, if you have the time, muscle, and energy, watch some videos, buy some tools and products and get to polishing.

I am currently working to bring back life after neglecting my (white ) for over a decade. In my spare time, I’m hitting mine hard with a one-step a little at a time, just trying to get it to look a little more presentable while I get everything sorted out. Then I’ll take it to a professional boat detailer. I believe they’ll charge $30-40 per foot based on boat length.

[Strange]

Forgot one important detail. The gelcoat on a 26M is a little thinner than most fiberglass boats. So, the best advice is get it clean. And then keep it that way. Covering or storing indoors and an occasional one-step polish and wax will keep it looking great.

[NiceAft]

wsgambler,

I should have added in my original post that I have had my 2005 for twenty one years, and am not ready to give her up.

Don’t forget to purchase this wonderful option. The hammock


It’s not just for the dock.

[wsgambler]

I love it! Thank you!

[dlandersson]

Kudos to you, and I thought my 15 was good.

I should have added in my original post that I have had my 2005 for twenty one years, and am not ready to give her up.