MacGregor 26 not good? Water-ballast in general??

[rockstar1234]

I've heard a few people say negative things about the MacGregor 26 and was wondering why?

I'm looking to buy a 24-28 ft sailboat and would like to stay with a "traditional" sailboat and not a cross between sail and motor. Some are trying to convince me that MacGregors are REAL sailboats but I beg to differ.

Thoughts on MacGregor 26 or water-ballast boats in general?

 

[colingr]

Might be better on Scuttlebut. Boats with flappy bits are generally not approved of in here

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Might be better on Scuttlebut. Boats with flappy bits are generally not approved of in here

As it has fifty horses on the back, it is also a MOBO.

 

[rwoofer]

or water-ballast boats in general?

I really like the idea of waterballast and surprised it has not been explored further in small boats. The best examples I've seen are made by Swallow boats:

http://www.swallowboats.co.uk/

 

[Searush]

The out & out AZAB minitransat racers use water ballast a great deal. Nowt wrong with it as long as you remember when it's in & when it's not!

Mac 26 is a compromise, it is not a good MoBo or a good saily boat - but it is OK as either. If you like to sail when the weather suits, but run for cover if it starts to look dodgy it may suit you fine. They are also trailable if you want to vary your cruising ground or reduce mooring costs. Don't try sailing it with the keel up & ballast out - it will fall over!

I wouldn't buy one, it doesn't meet my needs but I do like to see them at speed with mast & boom, it is a novel & amusing sight.

 

[colingr]

As it has fifty horses on the back, it is also a MOBO.

Does it also pass the criteria of raising enough wake to annoy the raggies?

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Does it also pass the criteria of raising enough wake to annoy the raggies?

It tends to confuse them.

Which is not a bad thing.

 

[sailorman]

I've heard a few people say negative things about the MacGregor 26 and was wondering why?

I'm looking to buy a 24-28 ft sailboat and would like to stay with a "traditional" sailboat and not a cross between sail and motor. Some are trying to convince me that MacGregors are REAL sailboats but I beg to differ.

Thoughts on MacGregor 26 or water-ballast boats in general?

M 26s dont sail thats why they have a 40hp motor strapped on the stern

 

[AndieMac]

Its a clever design for a niche market. Good amount of internal volume, well fitted out and easy to tow. The rig is easy to set up being light and simple, and you can use the engine boat speed for fun or necessity.

Purist yachties are never going to be sold on the idea, as the boat doesn't point to windward very well, and some say the rigging is too light for much above 20 knots (windspeed).
It still reaches and runs fine, and why would you want to beat to windward with all that horsepower on the stern anyway?

It crosses into both worlds, so its going to attract more than its share of criticism, particuarly from the yachties.
They only seem to like speed if it doesn't cost them anything.......;-)

 

[macsail]

It's a trailerable costal cruiser which sails as well as its captain

It sails ok for me but I use to man the wheel of a HMCS destroyer so it might not sail as well for everyone. It might be a bit tender for regular sail boat guys but it rounds up and is steady as she goes. I got one because I trailer it a lot...6000 kilometers this year with the Florida trip and such. Love the Winnebago type interior and the very low maintenance costs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSV1NpFn8Uc

I haul it with my old Buick.

Looks wrong but it works