McGeagor - were we all wrong

[JeremyF]

This month's ST came thudding through the door this morning. Not a bad review of the McGregor 26. But, the final para said it all - switch on the optional 50hp motor if winds above f4 are predicted. I didnt appreciate how few they build each year - 800, and only 50 come to the UK. Looking at the classifieds, at least 4 are on the market at any one time.

I still dont want one, but at the price, I think I can see the sense in coastal waters. Lets form a friends-of-McGregor club! Fun, cheap, fast, and a bit of sailing in the right conditions. If it gets windy, switch on the 50 hp and you'll be back home in 15 mins.

<font color=blue>Jeremy Flynn/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif
Dawn Chorus</font color=blue>

 

[Guest]

Having always been a fan of Peter Rabbit, I'm always a little cautious of anything with McGregor in the name.

 

[dickh]

Yes, I saw this article as well and it was interesting but not for me. I can see the attraction though for coastal cruising in good weather.
I was surprised at your comment on the yearly production - only 800 - good production I say, what European manufacturer produces 800 x 26' trailer sailers a year?

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[JeremyF]

Re: McGregor - why so cheap?

You are right - 800 is a lot for a single model, but if you read the publicity material, I had perceived them churning them out in the thousands.

It does beg the question why are they so cheap? If they are not making '000's of them, why is their design inherently cheaper to make. Is it the lack of a keel? Or the one-piece interior moulding, with no bulkheads? Or, given their rather sad presentation at the boat shows, a lack of marketing budget

<font color=blue>Jeremy Flynn/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif
Dawn Chorus</font color=blue>

 

[graham]

Pay your money take your choice.Personally I would spend the same money on a good quality second hand "real"yacht.

 

[tcm]

UK south coast isn't a great place for these, imho. But south coast of france certainly is: the winds are only occassionally "too much"- and too mch for everyone. But on good days, especially in the summer, the onshore breeze builds slowly to give a couple of hours in the afternoon, always variable, with fairly flat seas. So all morning and all evening, sailboats trudge around with engines on- so the macgregor bombing along looked an absolute hoot. I'd love to have a go, tho perhaps not actually own one.

 

[DepSol]

perfect for C I.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[Guest]

Re: McGregor - why so cheap?

Gotta be honest, I see lack of promotional expenditure as a good, no, a Great thing. Having sailed in one of these a few times I'd say value for money is exceptional...... Summer at sea, winter on the lakes with the posibility of canals and rivers thrown in; they are unbeleivable.

I have a young family and would love to have the money to trade my current boat for one of these... Incidentally I was embaressed a couple of weeks ago staying on my mooring in what I thought of as uncomfortable conditions when a tiny trailer sailor braved the sea. The Macgregor will take FAR more than I should ever expose my family to.