Circumnavigation in MacGregor 26

[gyspy]

I'm new to posting on this forum, although I've been reading for a long time (I do NOT want to get into discussions with the people on this forum). Just thought I would send an interesting link regarding this question:

Cruising Log of the Murrelet

This guy swears anything is possible on a Macgregor and gives articles to explain why. He gives 11 "myths of sailing" that tries to counter what most sailing community people believe. Whether he is right I don't have the experience to answer, but it is interesting to read. It never hurts to listen to all opinions (something I've noticed is not very popular on this forum but I'm putting it out there anyway) and decide for yourself what you think is right.

Again, I am not advocating this man's ideas, just putting them out there.

[Wavewacker]

When the 26X came out, I went down to our local dealer and looked. Now, I'm really a small power boat guy who has sailed a few times. I was impressed with the looks, (Dath Vader) the clean modern interior, the room compared to my larger cuddy, the idea of water balast and the motorsailor aspect with a 50 hp merc on the back! WOW, the possibilities!

I'm not one for an emotional purchase, unless it's a houseor a vehicle (cars, trucks and motorcycles), so I called the factory and asked an engineer some novice questions.

I asked if it was safe to take it off shore, say to the Bahamas, Hawaii or thrown the ICW. His reply was that it was designed as a day sailor, mainly for lakes or cruising under power. He said he would not go very far off shore with a 26X as it was not a blue water cruiser. He even suggested that I look at Flicka or other boats.

I asked another guy later about building up the boat and I was told that it wouldnot be worth trying to reengineer a glass boat.
So, I have forgotten about a 26X.

Other than that, I have no knowledge about the 26X.

[ArmyDaveNY]

Peter O had some excellent thoughts. I would add just a couple of items. First, a parachute sea anchor and some storm sails are very important. Tools also are critical along with the the appropriate references such as Nigel Calder's 900 page tome on boat repairs and others. Finally, identify those items that you want to entertain yourself. It's going to be a long trip and at some point you'll want something to take your mind off of where you are. This is especially important if you're traveling on a budget. Good luck.

Cheers,

Dave B.
Dufour 27

[Ianriley]

I have just returned from sailing my 26m from hong Kong to Vietnam 1500k. She performed perfect and we did encounter force 6 and 7 you have to sail them in a certain way, modify a few bits of the boat.

If anyone wants to know more details then let me know thanks.
Ian

[sabray]

Originally Posted by Ianriley

I have just returned from sailing my 26m from hong Kong to Vietnam 1500k. She performed perfect and we did encounter force 6 and 7 you have to sail them in a certain way, modify a few bits of the boat.

If anyone wants to know more details then let me know thanks.
Ian

Please do start a new thread and let us know of the trip. I'm curious

[Sabbatical II]

There's a couple of guys who canoed across the Tasman who nearly got killed doing that are about to set off to the Antarctic from Australia. I reckon it's a death wish and I'd rather do a circumnavigation in a Mac 26. There's another thread titled "will she tip" which has links to the capsize formula. I put the Mac 26 figures in and fully ballasted it cam out at 2.3, the worst figures I have seen for any boat. This formula makes no allowance for how far below the waterline the ballast might be and obviously because of hull design the Mac 26 ballast is not low down. Of course, then you'd need to add food, luggage stores and some spares which because of the design of the boat would all have to be above the waterline. Maybe the canoe trip to the South Pole is safer but, surely there's a MacGregor 26 salesman on here prepared to have a go and "prove" how good these boats are.

Greg

[stillbuilding]

Originally Posted by Ianriley

I have just returned from sailing my 26m from hong Kong to Vietnam 1500k. She performed perfect and we did encounter force 6 and 7 you have to sail them in a certain way, modify a few bits of the boat.

If anyone wants to know more details then let me know thanks.
Ian

Yes, Please start another thread cos I would be interested in your experience too.

[Kaivik]

I have been planning a solo, non stop circumnavigation in a Mac26 for the past 2 years. I look to leave this summer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

No major structural upgrades, upgraded deckplates, stays & rigging, reinforced windows/hatch, dodger, hardtop over cockpit (solar cell laminate @ 350W/h max), whisper 1700 water desalinator, 6 x 62amp drycell 12v batteries w/ 2 x 3000W inverter/charger balasts, radar, sat data/voice 256kb/s, depth finder/chartplotter, 1 year food supply from efoodsdirect.com, suzuki 110df outboard w/ 50 gal gas

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Kaivik

I have been planning a solo, non stop circumnavigation in a Mac26 for the past 2 years. I look to leave this summer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

No major structural upgrades, upgraded deckplates, stays & rigging, reinforced windows/hatch, dodger, hardtop over cockpit (solar cell laminate @ 350W/h max), whisper 1700 water desalinator, 6 x 62amp drycell 12v batteries w/ 2 x 3000W inverter/charger balasts, radar, sat data/voice 256kb/s, depth finder/chartplotter, 1 year food supply from efoodsdirect.com, suzuki 110df outboard w/ 50 gal gas

Hmm, what are the 2 x 3000w inverter/charger for then?

Do you have any photos of your yacht with all that lot fitted?

Pete

[LostAtSea2011]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Hmm, what are the 2 x 3000w inverter/charger for then?

Do you have any photos of your yacht with all that lot fitted?

Pete

Don't forget your water skis.

[Kaivik]

only one charger at a time

[rebel heart]

If your last name is Shackleton you might give it a whirl.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Kaivik

only one charger at a time

Oh, ok, so why do you need 3kw inverter on board a Mac 26 on a solo trans ocean voyage?

were do you store this btw:

suzuki 110df


Pete

[webejammin]

Good luck is all I can say on your cyrcumnavication in the MacGregor 26 you might carry extra rudder brackets as they crack under stress like big waves. A good harness and tether so when you roll you will stay with the boat. I would up grade the roller furrler and sails and add 3 reefs, no need for a storm jib, you don't want to be on deck in rough seas ever.

You should check out www.solotheamericas.org he is in a small boat also and is close to being done. Around north America thru the NW passage and around the Horn of South America.

[Kaivik]

Suzuki Marine - Product Lines - Outboard Motors - Products - DF115 - 2012 - DF115

my 110 is 4 years old replaced by the df115

i have also replaced the rudder brackets and have a replacement daggerboard and rudders