What can you tell me about the 26D?

[AnthonyOhio]

Hello Everyone,

I've had my 26X for about 8 years now and it is time for a change. After several 'fun' family discussions we have arrived at a decision. Rather that purchase a larger boat to accomodate my family of 6 (4 boys) we are going to sell the 26X and buy 2 26Ds.

My sons are old enough for their own boat and my wife has also taken the boat out without me , so I have no concerns about their safety and abilities.

So...to my questions for the experienced 26D owners.

Every MacGregor has room for improvements.
What should I look for when buying a D?

What should I expect to upgrade for better performance?

Any problems with the hull or deck that I need to watch for?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank You

Anthony

[markaram]

The 26D is an excellent trailer sailor.
I had a chance to buy a 86 for about 5k
without the motor and had to cancel that
plan. My tow vehicle is maxed out at 2000 pounds
and my driveway is too narrow. It would fit but the
neighbour would have something to say about
encroachment.
too bad it would have been nice.
anyways, check for leaks in the water ballast tank.
that would be important.
the daggerboard well is strong and should be ok
but have a look at it as well.
the board itself can be repaired or replaced if its
got chips, cracks etc.
its a fast boat and I have seen one with a full battened
mainsail that goes like stink.
one of the better Macgregor sailboats.

Markaram
M21
Toronto

[epennewell]

I have a 1988 D that has been a blast to sail. I sail my home waters 90 percent of the time which is Lake Mead NV. Very Gusty and wind direction WILL change at anytime. One hand on tiller, one on main at all times. Have had no major problems so far. My rigging ,forestay ,backstay ,shrouds , have run out of adjustment holes. They were adjusted down about halfway when i bought the boat and are now in need of replacement. That and Cushions are geting thiner (or am getting fatter) are my only problems. I think it's a great idea two 26-D's in one family maybe, paint one blue and put a end to this terrible rumor that blue Mac's are faster.What is the saying "old age and trechery......???????Just Do It!!!!!Back to one of your questions Ida-sailor rudder was a big improvment and rigging a adjusable backstay. Good quaility sails are what i wish i had bought to begin with. It is so disheartening to see your sail reduced to shreds with only 18 months on them.One more thing Buy a "US SAILING" rule book you will need IT.My prediction by end of summer Boy's 10 ,Mom and Pop 2

[dvideohd]

If you introduce the boys to "modding"... the boat... they will go nuts with it...

--jr

[smithrandall]

I bought my first boat (1986 26D) 3 years ago when I got home from Iraq. Have absolutely loved it. Trailers well, fast and forgiving boat. I've been able to do most repairs on my own. Daggerboard is very sturdy. I agree with improving the rudder if you can. I'm still using the original but it would be a nice improvement. Mine came with roller furling 150 genoa. Used but good quality mylar sails. I'll start replacing after another season. Main is in great shape still. Only improvements I have made have been looks interior and comfort. The ladder rungs were very narrow and painful so I added padding. I do wish I had a anchor locker up front so I'm not lugging it forward. I never use my mast raising system. Takes more time than its worth. I am very fit and need my wife's assistance raising the mast by hand when stepping up from the cockpit to the cabin roof. She helps hold while I step up. Other than that she keeps the shrouds out of the way. I modified cover for when the top is up so there are screens to get more airflow. Plenty of room for 2 people and more so for 2 boats travelling together.

[Newell]

Smithrandel,

I think it's a great idea on several levels, sailing, racing, family involvement. Are you thinking a X is worth 2 Ds in price? You might be surprised at how much you will pay for a D and how hard they are to find.

Newell
Fast Sunday 96X

[patsjoy]

In my 26D I cut a hole in the top deck near the bow so I can keep my achor on the deck, but keep my rope from the sun in side. My boat has a layer between the deck and the v-berth. I have over 200' of rope +'s 20' of chain in that space, with room to spare.

[Sumner]

In my 26D I cut a hole in the top deck near the bow so I can keep my achor on the deck, but keep my rope from the sun in side. My boat has a layer between the deck and the v-berth. I have over 200' of rope +'s 20' of chain in that space, with room to spare.

Was there any flotation in that area? We have an S, can the same be done to it?

Thanks,

Sum

[patsjoy]

There wasn't any floatation in my boat in the bow . Afraid I can't attest to the the S model. You can crawl into the V-berth and take a look for yourself my rope container isn't hook to the deck. I could look into the container and check out the inside . I mounted a black piece of plastic on the deck that has a place for the rope goes through and I keep the anchors tied to the rope. you can buy that part at West Marine. I have 2 anchors upfront and keep them both tied with the rope feed through the deck. I put 2 4" plastic pipes tied to the front rails, one on portside and one on starboard side. I put my achors in those holders, that makes them real easy to thow out the hooks when I ancher out, when I sail by my self.

[Steve K]

Haven't been on the site in awhile.

Sold my X a few years back. Bought a D boat.
It's paid for,
it's fast,
it's a light tow......

I LOVE IT!
GREAT BOAT!
did I mention FAST!

With a rubber drain plug, you can use the cockpit for a bathtub too.

[argonaut]

What he said.
I tried one out, the deck was a little springier than I liked, there was no anchor compartment, I didn´t like the head arrangement as much as the X, some people complain about the laz, you´ĺl find all that stuff here. I´m not fond of the big mirror galley, getting 4 around a table is not as nice as the X/M.

But... I -still- want one! The C model lets you tune the boat a little more than the D (shifting CLR by varying angle of swing board) but they are both REALLY fast, and point well, particularly the D.
I tried to race one and he sailed away from my X like I was dragging anchor. I think the PHRF is in the 214 range, with the X maybe 60 seconds behind.
Also it´s easy to single hand launch, sail, and retrieve. I knew a guy that did that on a lake.
I actually liked the poptop, less resistance sailing and better view, headroom when you need it.

And... it´s an honest to gosh sailboat with a kicker, so the big ticket transom ornament on the X/M becomes something you could throw in your truck to get fixed if it came to that. So the cost to buy and maintain your propulsion goes way down (say, $2200 versus $6000 to buy, $80 versus $300 for a carb rebuild, don´t get me started on fuel injector fouling costs.)
And it´s just as fast as an X or M on the interstate.
They are lightly built compared to the X/M, the hulls aft of center oilcan. So did my V17. If that doesn´t bug ya have a blast!

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Anthony...I owned a 92-S prior to my X. The "S" only difference is a swing centerboard. Anyway, we liked the "S" very much, easy to tow, set up, and the 8 HP Merc. moved the boat quite well. Only reason/s we moved to an X, was for the cabin space and design. Some claim the "D" is a little faster than the "S", but I would tend to bet the difference is too close to measure. The "D" and "S" are faster than the "X" and "M".

There is a laz. "storage" compartment in the rear of the "D" (& "S" as well), and I felt it was somewhat inconvenient -- sorta like having a deep hole to climb down into to retrieve stuff. I did a lot of organizing in the "laz", but it didnt help much -- just too cramped. The laz. serves its purpose well -- it just gets cramped if you pack too much within, and that was somwhat a problem for me. Nevertheless, it's a fine boat in my opinion.

The "D" and "S" prices Ive seen recently have held their values well ... I saw one sell at $8500 recently, and as recalled, it was an early 90s model.

Good Luck.

[smithrandall]

I totally concur with the comment on the lazarette. Part of the reason I've been looking for a solution to having to keep the anchor in there. Pain to dig out, especially if we are motoring and need the rudder, and then carry it forward. I did just buy and install the bracket so I can store my danforth on the bowpulpit. Very handy.

[technicalman]

I've also got a 92-S boat. Very similar in design to the D boat. What can I say? I love it. Daughter loves it. Still trying to get the wife past sea sickness (but that's another issue). They sail OK. Supposedly better than the X and M, but that also depends on who's at the tiller. (S and D are tiller, not wheel) Enjoy!

[SPC Paul]

What should I expect to upgrade for better performance?

Any problems with the hull or deck that I need to watch for?

I own a 1991 S model and agree with the others that the D/S models are great boats. The laz is huge,
but it's depth can be a bit of a problem, making it hard to reach stuff at the bottom. On the other hand, I can easily
fit my entire 6'2" body inside the laz when making repairs or mods, so there's a lot of room to work with
if you get creative with shelving, hooks, etc.

As for upgrades and common problem areas, the only thing I'm aware of on the D model is the rudder bracket
has a tendency to twist, adding to excessive weather helm. Many owners have easily and cheaply corrected
this by adding a block of wood or metal plate to the bracket. Also, the windows like to leak on the D/S boats, but
it only took me 20 min with a screwdriver and tube of silicone to fix mine.

Jared