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Old 20-05-2018, 18:15   #1
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Return from the dark side

I just sold my 47' trawler and am returning to the light. My girl friend just bought a house in a gated community that has a FREE marina. Unfortunatley there is a 26' limit on the size. I am thinking about a MacGregor 26. Any thoughts? I'm on Floridas west coast. BTW I bought the trawler after 6 years on a 34' Sloop.
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Old 20-05-2018, 19:27   #2
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Re: Return from the dark side

I'd only consider the MacGregor if trailering was important to you. I know it has legions of fans. I'm just not one of them. I wouldn't go offshore in one.

A Cape Dory 25, Bristol 26 or Island Packet 26 would be among the ones I'd look at with a full keel that would probably feel the most like your old sloop.

If you want something a bit more sporty, a 26ft J/80, C&C 26 or even Cal 25. These will sail rings around the McGregor and be much safer at sea.
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Old 20-05-2018, 19:34   #3
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Re: Return from the dark side

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I'd only consider the MacGregor if trailering was important to you. I know it has legions of fans. I'm just not one of them. I wouldn't go offshore in one.

A Cape Dory 25, Bristol 26 or Island Packet 26 would be among the ones I'd look at with a full keel that would probably feel the most like your old sloop.

If you want something a bit more sporty, a 26ft J/80, C&C 26 or even Cal 25. These will sail rings around the McGregor and be much safer at sea.
This ^^^^^^
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Old 21-05-2018, 05:40   #4
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Re: Return from the dark side

The Macs are still very much on the dark side, more power boat with sails, floating RV.

But snobbishness aside, easy and comfortable, if you don't need the approval of (those who consider themselves real) sailors, do what you like.
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Old 21-05-2018, 05:58   #5
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Re: Return from the dark side

Yeah, you might want to pass on the MacGregor and get a real sailboat.

Maybe a Contessa 26, Cape Dory 25 or if you want speed Capri 25, Merit 25 ......
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Old 21-05-2018, 06:15   #6
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Re: Return from the dark side

Just what I expected. But the needs are such that I am still considering it. Longest off shore I can think of is Marco Island to Key west, maybe Ft. Jefferson or the Bahamas. As far as it being an RV with sails, that is just what I am looking for. A small sailboat that I can spend a few days on, not a full time live aboard.

After the work I had to do on the trawler just to keep it going I want a turn-key boat. I didn't see one Island Packet, Bristol, or Cape dory that was younger than 35 years old and in need of some major work. I'm done with that. I've got a good kitty so I can be choosy.
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Old 21-05-2018, 07:57   #7
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Re: Return from the dark side

You can still build a Thunderbird inexpensively ... a great, tough little boat.
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Old 21-05-2018, 08:23   #8
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Re: Return from the dark side

What everybody else said, + with your definition of travel distance, a Catalina will do.

Have fun!
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Old 21-05-2018, 08:27   #9
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Re: Return from the dark side

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Originally Posted by Don1500 View Post
Just what I expected. But the needs are such that I am still considering it. Longest off shore I can think of is Marco Island to Key west, maybe Ft. Jefferson or the Bahamas. As far as it being an RV with sails, that is just what I am looking for. A small sailboat that I can spend a few days on, not a full time live aboard.

After the work I had to do on the trawler just to keep it going I want a turn-key boat. I didn't see one Island Packet, Bristol, or Cape dory that was younger than 35 years old and in need of some major work. I'm done with that. I've got a good kitty so I can be choosy.
I'm with ya, Don! Just did somewhat you did - bought a house in Homosassa and it looks like the Avanti 3685 is going to have to go (too far away and too many $$ to get her here) . . . I"m heading for the multihull version of what you're looking at . . lots of good stuff out there . . . want some fun for a while . . . ..
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Old 21-05-2018, 09:10   #10
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Re: Return from the dark side

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don1500 View Post
Just what I expected. But the needs are such that I am still considering it. Longest off shore I can think of is Marco Island to Key west, maybe Ft. Jefferson or the Bahamas. As far as it being an RV with sails, that is just what I am looking for. A small sailboat that I can spend a few days on, not a full time live aboard.

After the work I had to do on the trawler just to keep it going I want a turn-key boat. I didn't see one Island Packet, Bristol, or Cape dory that was younger than 35 years old and in need of some major work. I'm done with that. I've got a good kitty so I can be choosy.
I would not consider Marco Island to Key West in a Mac.
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Old 21-05-2018, 09:11   #11
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Re: Return from the dark side

I like the Macgregor 26 concept, but there must be some huge downside because at least 107% of all 26 foot sailboats for sale seem to be Macgregor 26's.
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Old 21-05-2018, 09:12   #12
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Re: Return from the dark side

You can get a macgregor 26x on plane and pull a tube. If you are looking for a powerboat with sails, that is it!
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Old 21-05-2018, 09:23   #13
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Re: Return from the dark side

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If you want something a bit more sporty, a 26ft J/80, C&C 26 or even Cal 25. These will sail rings around the McGregor and be much safer at sea.
The C&C26 was one of C&C's big mistakes. Not recommended.

The C&C25 on the other hand was one of their greatest hits. There are tons of these available in good condition at low prices. Its really a fabulous boat.

Another option would be to buy a C&C27 and just pretend its a C&C26, since just about no one would know the difference. Unlike a BeneHuntelina, the make and model does not appear on the hull in foot high graphics.

I'm personally fond of the old Paceship 26...and these usually sell quite cheap.

If you want to do some serious ocean passages, you can't go wrong with a Contessa 26.
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Old 21-05-2018, 09:34   #14
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Re: Return from the dark side

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I like the Macgregor 26 concept, but there must be some huge downside because at least 107% of all 26 foot sailboats for sale seem to be Macgregor 26's.
You think the only motivation to sell a boat is there's something wrong with it?

And don't take into account the volume sold?

Like saying Toyota can't be making decent cars because you see so many for sale.

Far more Macs were manufactured than the total output of hundreds of more respected makers and designers.

And again, not saying I like them myself. . .
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Old 21-05-2018, 09:36   #15
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Re: Return from the dark side

OP, have a look through this for some ideas

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-193354.html
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