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Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/03/2003 : 23:38:57

MacGregor has come out with a new 2003 design
the MacGregor 26m (Millenium Edition)

<img src="http://www.theanchorage.com/photos/mac/26m.jpg" border=0>

The new MacGregor 26m combines the best features
of the following previous models...
MacGregor 19
MacGregor 26 classic models - 26s, 26c, 26d
MacGregor 26x

New Features...
2 hull colors to choose from - blue or white
Rotating mast
Double windows
Raised helm seat
New rudder system
New interior style
Daggerboard

LOA 25'10"
LWL 23'
Beam 7'10"
Draft
Board Up 11"
Board Down 5'8"
Engine Capacity 5 hp to 50 hp
Speed with 50 hp 22 mph
Fuel Capacity 24 gallons
Ballast Approx. 1,400 lbs.
Boat Weight Empty Approx. 2,500 lbs.
Trailer Weight Approx. 780 lbs.
Trailering Weight Approx. 3,280 lbs.
Sail Area
Main 170 sq. ft.
Jib (100%) 130 sq. ft.
Genoa (150%) 206 sq. ft.
Cruising Spinnaker 350 sq. ft.
Mast Height 30'
Cabin Headroom 5'11"

<img src="http://www.theanchorage.com/photos/mac/pic609.jpg" border=0>

New raised helm for better visibility.
More leg room in cockpit due to new style binnacle.
More fuel capacity due to larger fuel lockers.

<img src="http://www.theanchorage.com/photos/mac/pic611.jpg" border=0>

The new interior is larger, brighter and has a warmer feel to it.

Does anyone want to give up their c25 or c250 for this<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 00:42:33

Well Bryan, since you ask, not much...

I seem to remember a story, something about a camel is a horse designed by a committee. If I got the story right, that's kind of what I feel about the MacGregor models I've seen, including this new one. There's one two slips down from me at the marina.

They used to say about the Phantom F4, that you could make anything fly if you stuck enough engine on it. A 50hp engine on a sailboat??? Please.

Yeah, I know folks buy'em. So, I wish them well. I'll stick with Hey Jude, my 9.9 outboard and 6.5kts hull speed when the wind and trim is right.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
Half Moon Bay, CA

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 01:49:03

Being a former Venture/MacGregor 25 owner(back when they were still primarily a sailboat) I can certainly agree that the modern ones are...shall we say...different! Last summer while out on the lake, I encountered a MacGregor with sails furled yet this thing was moving like a speedboat bouncing from wave to wave in total contradiction to logic. This was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen!

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2984 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 08:42:04

A couple of years back at the Lake Texoma Rendevouz, Frank Butler made the comment that they had a motor sailor on the drawing boards. He didn't elaborate. Was it a traditional motor sailor as in trawler/sailor or a sail/power boat ala Roger MacGregor?

My guess is the latter, and with big boats selling well, it may stay on the drawing board ready to pick up any slack if the market should turn. Actually, it would be interesting to see what a more quality design would be like. From the picture, it can be noted that the Mac principle of lightness is certainly evident from looking at the trailer.

That trailer will haul a 50 hp motor? One of the big issues with the 26x was the trailer frame was downsized aft of the single axle...so much so that there wasn't enough frame aft to provide a support for a motor brace.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
R&R N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 09:16:24

Great South Bay, N.Y. has a rascal with a Mac 26X, a diamond plate(aluminum) transom support and a Tohatsu 120 h.p. fixed there. Dons mention of the Mac bouncing from wave to wave recalled to me the time I watched this fellow towing four water skiiers. Now that's a head turner.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT

Val Bisagni

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 09:47:40

Different strokes for different folks I guess.. IMHO the styling looks like a mini version of all those 'wedding cake' mega yachts.

MPFRV = Multi Purpose Floating Recreatonal Vehicle.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1774 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 11:12:07

I have the same fascination with boats that I have with airplanes ... I might not want to fly/sail a particular model, but I appreciate it for what it can do.

We all have a bit of fun at MacGregor's expense from time to time, but, the fact is, we will NEVER pull four skiers behind our Catalinas! Personally, that doesn't interest me ... but to some people, that just might make their day. I can't fault someone who wants a boat that can "do it all" ... whether or not it does everything well is a moot point.

I admire anyone who takes pride in his/her boat, gives it some TLC, and enjoys it. I look at the sailboats for sale on eBay every day ... it's really sad to see how some boat owners have let their boats go down the drain.

So, if the new MacGregor is what you want, knock yourself out ... I'm sticking with my C-25. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 12:06:16

YOU! GEE! ELL! WHY?

<img src="http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/usflagwav.gif" border=0>
Mark-
'Impulse'
C25 #533 DINN/FIN ~_/)~
Bakersfield, CA.

Edited by - Mark Maxwell on 02/04/2003 12:09:53

Edited by - on

jellyfish
Navigator

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USA
171 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 12:31:16

Im sure for the price tag on that sucker, I could find me a nice used C30 and be alot happier! but different strokes for different folks, that's way they still make a 2banger and a 4banger and everyone here continue to have different opinions on the subject!

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 12:52:32

Hey--I'll bet the babes'll climb right out of a Cigarette to go out on that puppy! <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle> You should see the 26X in our harbor rock-n-rolling on its mooring--looks like it'd throw you out of the cockpit! I often wonder if its ballast tanks are empty.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 13:01:24

They sell a lot of these things, but I have also noticed a heck of a lot of them in the classifieds only a few years old. Its kind of like the roller furler, okay in all conditions, excellent in none. To each his own I guess.

dw

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 15:26:31

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Its kind of like the roller furler, okay in all conditions, excellent in none.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Hey, I take offense to having my wonderful roller furlor compared to a Mac!

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 15:34:06

<h2>IT SUCKS!</h2>
Just like the Mac 26x. They've got nerve even calling it a sailboat.

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 16:05:41

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
<h2>IT SUCKS!</h2>
Just like the Mac 26x. They've got nerve even calling it a sailboat.

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Don't hold back John, tell us how you really feel

<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

D. Wolff - "The Flying Wasp" #401 sr/sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 National Assn.
<img src="http://www.flags.com/dreamimages/Flags/measurer.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

Shelby
Navigator

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USA
155 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 17:52:02

I agree....still sucks

Shelby
'82 C25 "Third S", #3208, SKSR, Honda 9.9, Lake Pleasant, AZ

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 18:08:01

Not quite a chlorox bottle - but close!
Derek

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 18:30:56

It’s easy to be smug. We own the best coastal cruiser on the water (maybe the Dana 24 but who can afford it). Before buying Peregrine a 1985 FK #4762, I looked at a Hunter 26’. What a piece of …..! And the MacGregor is a huge step down. I think MacGregor is making the worst watercraft on the market and selling them to rubes. The look of that monster is sleek like big motorsailors but it has a planning hull and sails like a toy. IMO they are dangerous.
We get a lot of newbies on the forum. Take the time to answer their questions, just think, if we don’t they could end up with a MacGregor. 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
 John G- "PEREGRINE" C25-#4762 FK

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 19:51:32

Now, now guys...play nice! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Firstly, there must be a market for these boats or MacGregor would not be selling them. Secondly, even though some may not appreciate the design, the owners of these boats probably do. I'm sure owners of Island Packets, Swans, Hylas', and even Cape Dory's probably have opinions regarding our Catalina's that may not be favorable either.

I, myself, have to thank Macgregor, for if it weren't for them(first boat was a Venture 25), I wouldn't be here now talking to you. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - dlucier on 02/04/2003 21:07:56

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 21:19:26

If only they would add two or three more deck levels; I would consider buying one of these babies.

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 22:16:41

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I, myself, have to thank Macgregor, for if it weren't for them(first boat was a Venture 25), I wouldn't be here now talking to you.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

If everyone that bought a MacGregor did what you did and stepped up to a Catalina Frank Butler would be a VERY happy person.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2003 : 20:01:41

I have to agree with John G. The Macgregors, even if not dangerous, are at least going to turn a lot of people away from sailing.

I can see people who don't know anything about sailing, other than having thoughts of idyllically floating along with the wind, getting a Mac with the thought of having a boat they can power around in while learning to sail. Then they try to sail the thing and their vision of sailing changes to frustration as they try to make it do what it really can't do well, sail. Then they have a life long view of sailing as something that's not at all what one would imagine it would be. There's another would be sailor lost to the sport.

Why do you see so many of them for sale? Almost every one I see in the marinas has a for sale sign on it.

I count myself lucky at finding this website and deciding to buy a Catalina 25. I've heard it said that the first boat a person buys isn't usually the right boat for them. But that Catalina is.

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

goodone
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
48 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2003 : 20:16:48

Well, like most Macgregors.....it'll have virtually NO resale,it's
constructed WAY too light, it won't sail worth a damn,and it's ugly as hell.50 hp on a sail boat???? WHY????????????/

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2003 : 21:13:29

Question - What does a Valiant 40, Pacific Seacraft 37, Catalina 22, Bermuda 40, and a Macgregor 25 all have in common?

Answer - They are all in the Sail America Hall of Fame.

<img src="http://www.macgregor26.com/halloffamerm.jpg" border=0>

"Well, like most Macgregors.....it'll have virtually NO resale,it's
constructed WAY too light, it won't sail worth a damn,and it's ugly as hell."

The following was said back in 1973 when the 25 was introduced,

"While its functional lines, lightweight design and minimal use of wood both above and below decks may not have won the approval of some sailing purists when it debuted in 1973, the flexible, go-anywhere boat proved to be extremely successful. It was easy to rig-one person could step the mast-and sail and was especially popular with first-time sailboat owners.

Even though the design was looked down upon by many, they went on to sell over 7,000 of these boats.

"IMO they are dangerous."

They can't be too dangerous if they can do this!

<img src="http://www.macgregorsailboats.com/images/sunk_small.jpg" border=0>

Macgregor's are designed to be virtually unsinkable.

"The Macgregors, even if not dangerous, are at least going to turn a lot of people away from sailing."

On the contrary, the Macgregor sailboat company opened up sailing to a whole new segment by introducing an affordable trailerable sailboat. Besides affordability, Macgregor also introduced several innovations that were copied by numerous sailboat manufacturers. These include both swing keels and water ballast.

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2003 : 23:12:58

Don,

The MacGregor that is in the hall of fame was the model before it was designed to have a 50hp outboard. Back then it was truly a sailboat. I think you said you had a 26d or some model close to it. IMHO I don’t think you can honestly say that 26x sails as good or is as nice of a boat as the one you had or even the one you have now.

It sounds like you are trying to sell these boats Whats up!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2003 : 00:28:43

I don’t think you can honestly say that 26x sails as good or is as nice of a boat as the one you had or even the one you have now.

Yes, you are right, it would be ridiculus to compare the Macgregor 26X to my current boat, because that would be like comparing apples to oranges. It would be like trying to compare a Hinckley to a C250 water ballast or a Valiant 40 to a C25. Two different animals.

"I think you said you had a 26d or some model close to it."

Actually a 1978 Venture 25.
<img src="http://pstr-m01.ygpweb.aol.com/data2/00A/03/EC/60/7A/wX2RyFvDkuacDNb4RSu32fFHUvK4MpZP0180.jpg" border=0>

"It sounds like you are trying to sell these boats, Whats up!"

No, I'm not trying to sell the current Macgregor's, nor am I throwing my nose up in the air and putting these boats down either. In my marina, there are several people I know who have both the older Mac's and the newer ones and, to me, talking bad about someone's boat is the same as talking bad about someone's loved ones. Just ain't right!

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2003 : 01:41:05

Don L
I agree with you whole heartedly. Sailing is sailing wheather you do it in a 65 foot ketch or an 8 foot bull ship. It is like Spainyada (sp) use to be and bartles and james are now to the wine industry. "True" wine drinkers wouldn't be caught dead with a bottle of the stuff, but it is where most sales are to be found. In fact cheap fluff wines are what have brought most people to wine.
that being said any boat is always beautiful to the person that sails it. I'll tell you what, the admrial sure likes the interior of the 26x, toss the kids in there and let em roll around.

Matt/Brigitte Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

Edited by - on

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