Power Sailer

[dsimond]

I am interested in getting into protected water sailing up to one week at a time with a trailerable boat. The MacGregor 26 seems ideal but I don't know what she sails like. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Simo

[GrowleyMonster]

Originally Posted by dsimond

I am interested in getting into protected water sailing up to one week at a time with a trailerable boat. The MacGregor 26 seems ideal but I don't know what she sails like. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Simo

I considered getting a new MacGregor 26 several years ago. Most of my sailing is in the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Pontchartrain. It is fairly roomy for a 26 footer, since it has no engine. Not so much of a sea boat but perfectly adequate for protected waters. Pushes easy with an outboard. Not a difficult boat to sail, for a beginner, I am thinking... looks like a good learner boat. I am told it will steer itself fairly well on a reach but performance to windward is somewhat uninspiring. Water ballast system which is one of several reasons it would not be a great sea boat but that gives you at least a little stiffness in a boat that can be trailered. I think you could do worse for what your needs are, and they are certainly cheap. Only hitch is you say you want to sail for a week at a time. Not much of a galley on that boat, so you will want to make some mods and maybe some compromises. And Spam sandwiches! I really think of this boat as more of a weekender, myself. Oh, you will need a porta-potty!

Since you are thinking specifically about the MacGregor, you might try to find an owner's group, maybe introduce yourself and try to finagle a crew slot for a race or a day sail. At such a low price point it might be tempting to just write the check, but I say no... get some hands on before buying. I think you will be okay with the boat's minor limitations and drawbacks in return for the flexibility it presents, but know for sure so you aren't stuck with something that you are disappointed with.

One cool thing about a centerboarder... being able to beach it, or navigate extremely shallow water. Can't do that with my keel boat!

[dsimond]

Thanks for those comments. It has ample room for a Marine toilet. I have seen a battery operated hot water system as well and a cockpit shower can be an option. Then a descent plug in fridge would make the galley complete. It seems OK.

[Tallswede]

If you look around there are folks who take this boat across to Bimini and the Bahamas from Florida all the time. You need a good weather window but otherwise is doable.

Kevin

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Simo.