What Features to Look For

[boaterjen]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum.

I'm interested in learning what features might be more desirable in a 26M. I realize it's dependent upon the person, intended use, experience, etc., but I think it's also possible to learn from others with more experience with a model.

I've never owned a MacGregor. I've sailed for many years. I'm based in the Los Angeles area. I'd sail it primarily just offshore, here, and out to Catalina now and then, etc. I'd sometimes single-hand, and I do angle for conservative go/no-go decisions, to stay out of harsh weather.

I've been thinking It'd be good to have a roller-furling jib. I also like the quarter rail seat add-ons, a clean bottom (no bottom paint there), the blue gel side coloring (if found), and I also like the ease of the roller-furling main.

But I've never owned a 26M, so there is like likely a LOT some of you could tell me about what to look out for, what is great to have, what is not so great to have, etc., and I value the experience of others.

So here I am, and that's what I'm interested in learning about.

Thank you

Jen

[Russ]

That is a wide open question with lots of answers.

I do no like the foredeck when it's bouncing around, so a roller furling headsail is a must. Those stern seats are very nice. The roller furling main would be nice, but the one I've seen on the boom looks weird.

I would pay attention to the motor. Higher HP and 4 stroke quiet is what I'd look for.

Are you planning on hauling it every time? Then you could get away without bottom paint. Otherwise, you'll need it.

--Russ

[boaterjen]

Hi Russ

Yes. I'd haul it every time

Thanks for your input. I agree all. And I think a furling mains'l is not needed, but I do like them. Don't want to spend much, though.

I'm considering going to the factory soon to look at the 26Ms. And I'll also look around for a good used one.

What do you think about the blue siding?

[Johnacuda]

If you are hauling, my advice would be to make sure your boat has the mast raising kit. If it doesn't then it is a worthwhile investment.

[Russ]

Mike's "sales at the factory" dealership seems to have a lot of fans. You might find a used boat saves you a lot of money in addition to lots of cool additions.

Hull color is a vanity thing. I have a blue hull and think it looks snappy, but it is harder to maintain. It is not paint, it's blue pigment embedded into the gelcoat surface. Scratches will show more easily etc., but when shined up it looks so nice. Since you are hauling each time, cleaning might be easier. Otherwise you have to consider salt water spots on the blue. Oh and the blue hull is slightly faster.

There are some options that I think are a must. (not in any particular order)

Boarding ladder
Sail covers of course
Topping lift
Anchor and rode
Fenders
Roller furling jib
Trailer brakes
Bimini
Mast Raising system (absolute must)
at least a 60hp motor
VHF radio
Cockpit cushions

Some nice options
Aft seats
Magma BBQ grill
stereo

[boaterjen]

Thanks for all the info and options.

I am taking notes.

I've talked to Mike, and he seems good. I may drive down and see him next week. He said he'd take me sailing.

Hmmmmm. Blue siding. It does look better. But I do hear it's harder to maintain.

[Québec 1]

don't forget the sail slugs ! That is a must.
Q1

[Catigale]

Jen..

If you are solo the main is easy to handle on these boats, but the foresail isn't....I believe the wind around LA would make a jib better than the Genoa ( bigger sail)

Without being rude solo launching takes a reasonable amount of upper body strength , and the mast raising system is a must. That being said solo sailors of any gender who are personable don't have trouble getting someone to help launch at the critical points of the launch and retrieve process.

My 15 year old 6 foot model figure never lacks for help, it seems....

The Mac is tender for the first 15-20 degrees of heel...if you used to keel boats, this takes some adjust...if you've dinghy sailed.....perfect......

Used boat? You are actually making three purchases..

Hull and accessories

Trailer

Motor

And you need to independently assess (with help) all three

[yukonbob]

Go to Blue water yachts and check out their packages (not that you have to buy from them) but look at what they offer. They have a lot of options in the coastal cruising package that you may not think of.

[dlandersson]

That's interesting...when I solo I tend to use JUST the foller furling Genoa - it's the easiest to handle.

Jen..

If you are solo the main is easy to handle on these boats, but the foresail isn't....I believe the wind around LA would make a jib better than the Genoa ( bigger sail)

[Catigale]

Yeah I blew that one.

I meant to say solo sailing strongly suggests a furler with jib or genny....I believe for SoCAl weather a furler with jib is the right sail for the front

[robbarnes1965]

That's interesting...when I solo I tend to use JUST the foller furling Genoa - it's the easiest to handle.

Jen..

If you are solo the main is easy to handle on these boats, but the foresail isn't....I believe the wind around LA would make a jib better than the Genoa ( bigger sail)

I have RF main also so either one is easy but now that I learned to heave-to with the foresail, I find dealing with non RF mains on boats that I race on is almost as easy. That said, if I could do it all over again I would get a regular main with a Dutchman system instead. The name escapes me but I have seen a jib haul-down system that you can make yourself. It was explained in Lin and Larry Pardey's Self Sufficient Sailor.

As for add ons, I like the earlier comments. My only add would be to find a good use Mac. You will save a small fortune. Worst thing I ever did was buy a new boat.

[vizwhiz]

so there is like likely a LOT some of you could tell me about what to look out for

Look out for other boaters who don't care about sailboats.

Look out for beer and wine sales...it really helps the boating experience!

Look out for Q1's other pictures on this forum and his posts showing his beee-yoootiful blue hull. Simply inspiring.

Look out for white-hulled M's trailing in your wake.

[Hardcrab]

I sail from MDR in LA, where do you plan to put in at?
Some of my thoughts to confuse you further:

MDR summer winds 12-15 kts max average, perfect for roller genny IMHO.
(Pull some genny in for greater winds - always an option).
Winter winds, less than 5-8 kts average, perfect for roller genny IMHO.

Do be fully aware that So Cal sun is death for the blue hulls from what I witness.
Yes, very nice looking when new and shiny, but tons of hard work to keep that way.
Just cruise through the mast up storage lot at MDR an see for yourself what happens to some blue hulls.
Granted, nothing has been done to some of them accounting for the very sad results you will see.

It's bad enough just trying to keep up with the black gel coat window stripes from going a chalky grey.
Both whites and blues enjoy that challenge.
Lordy help those who add an entire hull to the list.
On purpose no less.

Head trumps heart--- IMHO and YMMV based on your elbow grease reserves.

[boaterjen]

HI guys,

It's so good to get your input.

Okay, I'll tell you what I did:

I bought a 26M that is barely equipped enough to make it run, light, yet it has what seems to be nice:

white-sided one, as, though I think the blue is prettier, I think the white will be a lot easier to keep nice.

genoa, because I can take it in easier than I can add on. LIght wind is nice to capture, sometimes, and I am not a racer.

furling mains'l.

60 horse e-tec, a few other goodies like mast raising, etc.

Aluminum trailer.

I'll sail it around Los Angeles/Southern California/Catalina area.

How did I do?