MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

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massnspace
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:42 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Seattle

MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by massnspace »

Hello

About to buy a 26S and will be putting a new engine on it.

What SHAFT LENGTH works with the 26s?

Thanks,

David
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NiceAft
Admiral
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Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:28 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Upper Dublin,PA, USA: 2005M 50hp.Honda4strk.,1979 Phantom Sport Sailboat, 9'Achilles 6HP Merc 4strk

Re: MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by NiceAft »

Go to this thread and send either an e-mail, or a PM to chumpy36 (he has an S) and ask your question. He may be the one who can answer :?:

https://macgregorsailors.com/forum/view ... hp?t=29334
Ray ~~_/)~~
Chumpy36
Engineer
Posts: 197
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2022 7:54 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Atlanta

Re: MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by Chumpy36 »

You need the long shaft version of whatever motor you get. Generally speaking, long shafts are about 20 inches long. Extra long are 25 while short shaft is around 15 inches.

I can measure both of them on mine if you would like. I haven't actually had either in the water with the boat but previous owner said he used both.

J
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kenfyoozed
First Officer
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Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2021 5:19 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26D
Location: Mobile, AL

Re: MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by kenfyoozed »

I haven't had mine in the water either but in my research I found the 25" is what I needed with my 26D.
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Stickinthemud57
Captain
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Grapevine, Texas
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Re: MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

25" shaft, for sure.

This thread reminds me of the time that I had to use a 20" outboard on my 26S (Tohatsu M8B was in the shop) to get it around from the launch ramp to my slip. I and the Admiral had to stand on the transom just to keep the prop in the water!
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
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BillyBobV
Just Enlisted
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Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:52 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Willows, CA

Re: MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by BillyBobV »

I put a Mercury 5hp Sail Power outboard on my 26S last year and had no problems with it. It's a 20 inch shaft. Works fine moving the boat around comfortably. A little slower than the 10 hp, now dead 1996 Evinrude but still okay. If you're in a big hurry get a 26x or m.

https://onlineoutboards.com/products/20 ... oard-motor

Not promoting the seller, just showing the technical information.
Bill V
Areion
1991 26S
KingRichard
Deckhand
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Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2022 4:48 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Reno, NV

Re: MacGregor 26S motor leg length?

Post by KingRichard »

I have a 91S, do not get an engine that isn't an extra long shaft (25"), assuming your using the original transom mounting. Mine came with an 8hp Johnson Sailmaster, it's a 25". On really rough seas it would come out of the water, I can't imagine a 20" would work but for maybe motoring around a calm marina. With a 20" the water wouldn't move past the hull right in reverse either, total mess for getting off a beach. I just got a 4-stroke, so the original engine is for sale, actually runs great, just can't use a 2-stroke on Tahoe.
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