New Comer to McGregors Should I buy and older boat?

[cooper]

I am getting back into sailing and the new McGregor 26 intrigues me. I am going to check out a used 1985 model that has not been in the water for a while (minimum 3 years) and I am wondering besides sail and visible hull issues is there any thing in particulair I should be on the look out for in terms of damage, trouble areas, wear and tear or ? I am not looking for a long term project with intensive (and expensive)restoration efforts fraught with delays. The trailer is new but I don't think it was made by McGregor- is that an issue?
Would I be better off with the brand new boat or is there hope for going with the "antique?"

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I owned a 1992 Mac26C, and now a 1999 Mac26X. Both awesome boats, much more UP TO DATE than those 1970s and 1980s. I would STAY AWAY from lead-weighted KEELs...IM convenienced that the WATER BALLAST is the best for SAFETY, and ease of TRAILERING. THE LATER MODEL MACs FLOAT !!! Ive chosen the MAC-X for the interior, accomodations, comfort, and for MOTOR/SAILING abilities of this BOAT. TRY out the later MAC26, I'm glad I did !!! HAPPY SAILING !

[baldbaby2000]

I assume that year has a weighted keel? I had a 1985 Macgreggor 25 that sat on the trailer for quite a while before we got it and the bunks permanantly warped the hull so I would definitely look for that. The liner was also somewhat warped. The 25s have weighted keels that need to be let down onto the trailer when transporting or there is a lot of extra weight stressing the hull; the previous owner probably neglected to do this. I also had another 1985 25 that didn't have that problem. I think all the Macgreggors have positive flotation when swamped. I would also look at the keel for corrosion. Some have the keel encapsulated in a resin. If water gets under the resin it can start to corrode the keel. Our boats just had the keels painted so this wasn't a problem. If you see a lot of stress cracks in the gel coat I would be concerned. And then of course you want a good moter.

Having said all that that we had a lot of fun with those 2 boats before we got our 26M. I don't regret our decision to upgrade but the Mac 25 is a good boat and a little easier to handle in high winds than the water ballast 26M.

BB

[Zavala]

I think you can come out okay on either the new or vintage boats -- assuming you pick one that fits your needs well. We looked at the early 90's 26's and really liked them, but decided on the powersailer aspects of our 19 -- and planned to move to an X later on. Seven years later and we've never changed boats.

[argonaut]

Cooper-
You're in Florida, I have to assume you'll sail salt water.
IMHO, forget anything with a metal swing keel. Salt water and moving metal parts do not go well together, so steer clear of MAC 25s, Catalina 25s, Catalina 22s, etc, unless you enjoy battling the elements. Besides, with water ballast you leave the ballast at the ramp.
Ditto Louis's comments about the 1992 model. Good sailing vessel, fiberglass centerboard, water ballast, light to trailer. Do some more web searching to see the differences between the 26-S (swing) model, the 26-D (daggerboard) model, the 26-X (power sailer) and the current 26-M.
This site has lots of pictures and descriptions of various Macgregor models.

Also use the search feature here & use keywords "26S 26D differences".
As far as new, well that's up to you.
I'd favor as a starter boat something not brand new because of depreciation, but not so old it'll cost an arm and a leg and every weekend for the next year to get it running.
I looked for about three years before deciding in a 26X.