MacGregor 26M Experiences: Please share Your Adventures and Tips

[JK41]

Hello to all sailors and MacGregor enthusiasts !

I'm currently considering the purchase of a MacGregor 26M, and I would like to hear your experiences with this particular model. I'd love to know about your adventures, your impressions of sailing, the features you appreciate the most, and any advice you have to offer to a potential future owner.
Have you used the MacGregor 26M for cruising, coastal sailing, or shorter getaways? How does it perform in different weather conditions? Are there any modifications or improvements you would recommend for this model?

Furthermore, while conducting online research about the MacGregor 26M, I've noticed "Sail Racing UK" coming up frequently. I'd like to learn more about it. Can someone explain what it is and how it relates to the MacGregor 26M?

Your stories and advice will be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to gathering your valuable experiences to help me make an informed decision. Thank you in advance!

PS : I'm from the UK, but I travel a lot. Next summer, I'll be spending much more time on my "potential new boat".

Jimmy. K

[NiceAft]

I am the original owner of my 2005 M. The vast majority of my use has been day sails on river and lakes. Occasionally I used it for day sailing on the Atlantic about 5 miles. (8km) off shore.

We have taken a twelve day cruise on the Chesapeake Bay. Each night living on the boat at different marinas. It was quite comfortable for two. If you had more living onboard, I suggest they be close family members or very, very close friends.

Some of the travel between marinas were lengthy. A large enough motor which is capable of pushing the Mac at 6 - 9 knots and not being anywhere near redline is important.

We have not done a huge amount of modifications, but important ones for us. A double burner gas range, shore power connector, electrical socket to power coffee maker and things, 30 gallon water bladder,electric pump for the bladder, and a small air conditioner to fit in the companionway opening for hot, humid nights, two opening ports; one starboard side, one port side, and one hammock.

Does a roller furling 150 Genoa count as a mod?


















I forgot to add, welcome

[dlandersson]

I would urge you to consider the Macgregor 26X also.

I'm currently considering the purchase of a MacGregor 26M, and I would like to hear your experiences with this particular model.
Jimmy. K

[NiceAft]

I would urge you to consider the Macgregor 26X also.

I'm currently considering the purchase of a MacGregor 26M, and I would like to hear your experiences with this particular model.
Jimmy. K

A very good point is made here.

The owners of both boats, & have very strong opinions of why they prefer the boat they have. It is a very personal opinion, and one style may be more appealing than the other to you.

I went to the Annapolis boat show in October of 2001to look at the ; not to purchase, just to look, and I liked it. When I went back in October of 2002, the boat shown was the new , and I did not like the interior. In 2003 my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, so no looking for a boat that year. In 2004 we looked again and saw the new 2005 , we really liked what we saw (a better designed interior, our opinion) and purchased one. I liked it much better than the previous model year and better than the we saw. but that's us, you may feel different. We now have had the Mac for 19 seasons, and have never regretted it.

Check out the ; you may or may not like it better. Then go purchase the more pleasing boat, or don't if you just like the , you won't regret it either way.