Thought I'd share my own little story of how I first discovered MacGregor sailboats. This is about 5 years ago... we had a 17' runabout at the time, and I frequently read the rec.boats.* Usenet posts. One day, I came across a post (for the sake of nostagia, I searched through Google and found the actual post... this post is what triggered the chain of events that eventually led to us buying a 26X about a year and a half ago).
The comments made about MacGregors were not exactly complimentary (the post was a sarcastic response to a sarcastic post about the seaworthiness of Bayliners). But out of curiosity, I clicked on the link in that post to MacGregor's website, and instantly recognized the boat from the pictures on the site. This was the boat that I saw often on the way to work (on mornings when I didn't feel like sticking to the Interstate, and took the "back way" along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain).
The dealer, Trail 'n' Sail (no longer in existence, since the owner passed away several years ago), always had 2 or 3 26X's in the lot, in various stages of commissioning, and the boat always caught my eye as I drove past. In fact, I often thought to myself that if I ever bought a sailboat, this would be the one I'd like to have. But I assumed that it was probably FAR more expensive than we'd ever be able to afford. Soon after reading about it on the website, I stopped in to take a look and learn more. The price was reasonable, the features of the boat were compelling, and there was a LONG waiting list. Didn't really matter anyway, as we were not in a position to buy a new boat anytime soon.
It took over 4 years after that to finally realize the dream and buy our own MacGregor.
So, what's your story?
--Mike
How were you introduced to MacGregors?
-
mark,97x
Back in 95' we had a mirage 5.5 and was looking for something larger,thought from ad's that we wanted an nimble kodiak,so we went to sail expo in st. pete fla.,and after looking at hunter 26,cat 25, seward25 and the nimble's (plus everything else at the show) it was the mac26 
that we decided on,more room,and verstility than the others,and that is the rest of the story 
that we decided on,more room,and verstility than the others,and that is the rest of the story 
searching specs
Many years ago (mid-80's?) I saw a sailboat on the Severn River in MD, during the Annapolis Boat Show weekend, on a plane and moving about 20? knots. I remember at the time thinking it was both the silliest thing I ever saw (I was on the sail racing team at the time), but also that it was kind of neat, and why shouldn't a sailboat be able to go fast under power?? In retrospect, I believe that boat was some form or precursor to the Mac powersailors - maybe a Mac 19??
Fast forward 15 years and I am looking for a boat, and I know I don't want a stinkpot. I work pretty methodically, so I read a book on boat buying, and sat down to realistically set out my requirements.
- Trailerable (I am on active duty and move around a lot)
- Forgiving (I had not seriously sailed for more than ten years)
- Singlehand-capable
- "Pocket Cruiser" - easily able to go for a long weekend
- Affordable by my standards
- Safe (as possible in a trailersailor)
Armed with those requirements, I started seriously researching my options, by reading magazines, trolling the web, and going to boat shows. My choices pretty quickly narrowed to the Hunter 26/260, Catalina 25, or the Mac 26X.
I test sailed a Hunter 260 in 2001 but was not very impressed with the interior layout or the boxy feel, and the thing was a monster on the trailer.
I looked at a few Catalina's but neither of them was in good enough shape to warrant a test sail. New ones were too expensive.
I looked at several 26X's and test sailed one. I would have bought a 26X in 2002 except the owner would not come down to a reasonable price (the boat was in excellent shape but had very few mods and he wanted $25K firm - it was a 1998 hull).
Finally in 2003 the 26M came out - I saw it at a boat show and "boom" - my mind was made up. I was in the process of buying a 2003 M when the Navy abruptly decided that I needed to spend 6 months away from home, so I had to put off buying.
Everything came together the following spring, and I got my 2004 26M in April '04, after a solid 3 years of "shopping".
-AndyS
Fast forward 15 years and I am looking for a boat, and I know I don't want a stinkpot. I work pretty methodically, so I read a book on boat buying, and sat down to realistically set out my requirements.
- Trailerable (I am on active duty and move around a lot)
- Forgiving (I had not seriously sailed for more than ten years)
- Singlehand-capable
- "Pocket Cruiser" - easily able to go for a long weekend
- Affordable by my standards
- Safe (as possible in a trailersailor)
Armed with those requirements, I started seriously researching my options, by reading magazines, trolling the web, and going to boat shows. My choices pretty quickly narrowed to the Hunter 26/260, Catalina 25, or the Mac 26X.
I test sailed a Hunter 260 in 2001 but was not very impressed with the interior layout or the boxy feel, and the thing was a monster on the trailer.
I looked at a few Catalina's but neither of them was in good enough shape to warrant a test sail. New ones were too expensive.
I looked at several 26X's and test sailed one. I would have bought a 26X in 2002 except the owner would not come down to a reasonable price (the boat was in excellent shape but had very few mods and he wanted $25K firm - it was a 1998 hull).
Finally in 2003 the 26M came out - I saw it at a boat show and "boom" - my mind was made up. I was in the process of buying a 2003 M when the Navy abruptly decided that I needed to spend 6 months away from home, so I had to put off buying.
Everything came together the following spring, and I got my 2004 26M in April '04, after a solid 3 years of "shopping".
-AndyS
-
vkmaynard
- Admiral
- Posts: 1011
- Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2005 7:02 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Apex, NC - 2001 26X "Compromise" w/ 2010 Suzuki DF90A
- Contact:
Saw our first Mac 2.5 weeks previous while driving to look at a friend's Chrysler 22. It was on the side of the road in Edenton, NC.
I knew nothing about the product and noticed the 50 hp Honda motor and thought that is a great idea. We need some HP to get back to our intercostal lot when the current is running 5+ knots, plus we wanted to pull the kids (80+ lbs) on a wake board, plus we mostly wanted a sail boat.
Three days later after lots of research, we decided to take a chance and buy the boat. Low $$ risk at $19K for an excellent condition fully loaded 2001 26X.
Two weeks after finding the Mac it went for a sail. Definitely not the boat (Gemini 105Mc) we will buy in the next 5 years, but good enough to test if our family will stick with boating. So far, so fun.
Victor
I knew nothing about the product and noticed the 50 hp Honda motor and thought that is a great idea. We need some HP to get back to our intercostal lot when the current is running 5+ knots, plus we wanted to pull the kids (80+ lbs) on a wake board, plus we mostly wanted a sail boat.
Three days later after lots of research, we decided to take a chance and buy the boat. Low $$ risk at $19K for an excellent condition fully loaded 2001 26X.
Two weeks after finding the Mac it went for a sail. Definitely not the boat (Gemini 105Mc) we will buy in the next 5 years, but good enough to test if our family will stick with boating. So far, so fun.
Victor
-
Graham Carr
- First Officer
- Posts: 258
- Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:19 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Sedro-Woolley WA, 2002 26X , Mercury 50hp 4 Stroke Bigfoot "Pauka2"
Copied from one of my earlier post:
"I am a carpenter and woodworker and for years I had planned on building a sailboat. I purchased the plans and about half of the materials, but I never had time to even get started. So finally three years ago Paula said you are going to be dead by the time you get around to building that boat. I said thats depressing, she said lets go buy one, I said thats exciting! She said I dont want an old one, but new. I fell over! I spent the next 6 months in the hospital from a split face, because I smiled to hard and hit my head when I jumped for joy!!!!!! Just kidding about the hospital part. So the plans are collecting dust and Ill build a ding to satisfy me desire to build a boat."
We spent about a year looking after my wife said lets buy a boat. I had spent the better part of the winter researching different boats on the internet as well as reading different magazines. We also toured a ton of boats, while visiting the family in the San Juan Island area during the summer of 02. There is a large (I mean huge) used boat dealer In the Everett WA area next to I-5. We spent hours crawling in and out of boats. At that time we were considering both power and sail. While searching for trailerable boats on the internet, I came across the Mac. When I found out that a dealer (The Anchorage in Lyons, Colorado) was only 15 minutes from my house I rushed down to check it out. I spent two hours sitting in the boat and asking questions. I took the video home, watched that 4 times. Then I found this site and I joined (when it was the old board). I was sold! So I bought the boat that I sat in. They had not started the rigging because it had just arrived from the factory. It only took a couple of weeks to complete the work after I closed on the loan. I have this site to thank for buying my boat, because the information found here was not sales.
"I am a carpenter and woodworker and for years I had planned on building a sailboat. I purchased the plans and about half of the materials, but I never had time to even get started. So finally three years ago Paula said you are going to be dead by the time you get around to building that boat. I said thats depressing, she said lets go buy one, I said thats exciting! She said I dont want an old one, but new. I fell over! I spent the next 6 months in the hospital from a split face, because I smiled to hard and hit my head when I jumped for joy!!!!!! Just kidding about the hospital part. So the plans are collecting dust and Ill build a ding to satisfy me desire to build a boat."
We spent about a year looking after my wife said lets buy a boat. I had spent the better part of the winter researching different boats on the internet as well as reading different magazines. We also toured a ton of boats, while visiting the family in the San Juan Island area during the summer of 02. There is a large (I mean huge) used boat dealer In the Everett WA area next to I-5. We spent hours crawling in and out of boats. At that time we were considering both power and sail. While searching for trailerable boats on the internet, I came across the Mac. When I found out that a dealer (The Anchorage in Lyons, Colorado) was only 15 minutes from my house I rushed down to check it out. I spent two hours sitting in the boat and asking questions. I took the video home, watched that 4 times. Then I found this site and I joined (when it was the old board). I was sold! So I bought the boat that I sat in. They had not started the rigging because it had just arrived from the factory. It only took a couple of weeks to complete the work after I closed on the loan. I have this site to thank for buying my boat, because the information found here was not sales.
-
Mark Prouty
- Admiral
- Posts: 1723
- Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:52 am
- Location: Madison, WI Former MacGregor 26X Owner
2 years ago I saw an X on our local lake. My son and I were in our 20' pocket cruiser. We had never heard of a Mac 26X before and were curious about the 50hp motor. Was the owner nuts? I did a little research on the boat.
We sailed our pocket cruiser on Lake Superior and there were days when the wind wasn't working for us or there was no wind at all. Places we wanted to go to were out of reach at displacement hull speed. That's when we decided on the MacGregor. I was "contract in hand" close to buying an M from a very good dealer here in Wisconsin - Bill at Boats 4 sail; however, I wanted to go with a big motor and found a very nice relatively inexpensive '96 26X with a usless Force Motor. I traded in the motor for the larger one I have now and the rest is history. I am very happy with my decision even though I had some install problems with the bigger motor.
We sailed our pocket cruiser on Lake Superior and there were days when the wind wasn't working for us or there was no wind at all. Places we wanted to go to were out of reach at displacement hull speed. That's when we decided on the MacGregor. I was "contract in hand" close to buying an M from a very good dealer here in Wisconsin - Bill at Boats 4 sail; however, I wanted to go with a big motor and found a very nice relatively inexpensive '96 26X with a usless Force Motor. I traded in the motor for the larger one I have now and the rest is history. I am very happy with my decision even though I had some install problems with the bigger motor.
-
Don T
- Admiral
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 7:13 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: 95 2600 "SS OTTER" - Portland OR - Tohatsu 50 - Hull#64 (May 95)
Hello:
I had always wanted a sailboat to share with a lady. I was single at the time and had looked at a 19 macgregor at the boat show. It was too small and I had no lady to share it with. When I met Lynn in 94 we discovered that we both love to sail. We went to the boat show in Jan of 95 and saw a flyer for the new 2600 of which there was none on display. We signed up for a test sail 2 weeks later on hull #5. Put our money down and waited until May to take delivery of hull #64. I snuck a Friday off and drove to Seattle to take care of the purchase and plastered the boat with signs like "Will You Marry Me" and "Is This Official Enough." I drove back to Portland and came home like I had just returned from work. On Saturday Lynn and I drove to BWY as planned and you should have seen the look on her face! I had her running the camcorder to document our first look so it captured the whole affair. Her answer, "as many times as you wish" she said calmly.
Still Married.........still sailing.
I had always wanted a sailboat to share with a lady. I was single at the time and had looked at a 19 macgregor at the boat show. It was too small and I had no lady to share it with. When I met Lynn in 94 we discovered that we both love to sail. We went to the boat show in Jan of 95 and saw a flyer for the new 2600 of which there was none on display. We signed up for a test sail 2 weeks later on hull #5. Put our money down and waited until May to take delivery of hull #64. I snuck a Friday off and drove to Seattle to take care of the purchase and plastered the boat with signs like "Will You Marry Me" and "Is This Official Enough." I drove back to Portland and came home like I had just returned from work. On Saturday Lynn and I drove to BWY as planned and you should have seen the look on her face! I had her running the camcorder to document our first look so it captured the whole affair. Her answer, "as many times as you wish" she said calmly.
Still Married.........still sailing.
-
Tom Root
- Captain
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:39 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Annville, PA. s/v-Great White, MacX4787A202,'09 Suzuki DF-50
Having owned small power boats, and sailing in the '70's, I took my first real sailing lessons in Iwakuni Japan when stationed there in 1981. They had a Marina, and a dozen or so sailboats. Our squadron mates would rent them and go to Islands just off the coast. Many USMC/Navy bases have sailboats for rent, and I did every chance I could!
I'd scan the sailing mags, and Roger's small but 'catchy' ads intrigued me. I got my 1st one , a 1973 Mac Venture 224 in the early 80's and had it for a few years. It was a 24' with a pop top, and was not a bad boat, but owning it did have it's shortfalls, as I was always gone! I'd end up renting small dinghy sailors alot because I was always deployed somewhere! Fortunately the Marine Corps is always near water! Paying cash for toys is something I always did, and having it on a trailor, in my driveway made real sense!
I visited the Mac factory several times, and saw some of the first 'X' boats off the assembly line. I was amazed that this was the only boat made with such innovation, More deployments, more mortgages, a couple of wars later, I still didn't 'Take the plunge', but I always had it in the back of my mind! I also saw the Mac 65' in various stages of construction...whadda yacht folks!
So, a few life changes, divorce, retirement etc. I was boatless! Then I met my current partner, we SCUBA, and she hates shore dives. I proposed us getting a sailboat, to go to Catalina etc. It worked out, she really likes the cost effectiveness (Yea Right?) of a sailboat, but wanted more. We got a 1976 25 Venture, and used it alot, but alas, it was still a bit slow for her.
Exposure to other 'X' boats out there via owners in a local club, sealed the deal. We paid cash for it also, it was one year old, and pampered by it's first owner! She loves the boat also, but wants a 'Bigger' boat now, hopefully I'll convince her that a 65' Mac is the only 'Upgrade'! Uhhh, Can't pay cash for that one just yet, but gotta spring for the boat bucks someday soon, I hope! I don't think I'd part with the 'X' either!
Yea, Roger Macgregor has a loyal fan with us! If you ever get the chance to meet him, he is interesting, and always thinking of new and exciting designs! There really is no other boat brand made...is there?
I'd scan the sailing mags, and Roger's small but 'catchy' ads intrigued me. I got my 1st one , a 1973 Mac Venture 224 in the early 80's and had it for a few years. It was a 24' with a pop top, and was not a bad boat, but owning it did have it's shortfalls, as I was always gone! I'd end up renting small dinghy sailors alot because I was always deployed somewhere! Fortunately the Marine Corps is always near water! Paying cash for toys is something I always did, and having it on a trailor, in my driveway made real sense!
I visited the Mac factory several times, and saw some of the first 'X' boats off the assembly line. I was amazed that this was the only boat made with such innovation, More deployments, more mortgages, a couple of wars later, I still didn't 'Take the plunge', but I always had it in the back of my mind! I also saw the Mac 65' in various stages of construction...whadda yacht folks!
So, a few life changes, divorce, retirement etc. I was boatless! Then I met my current partner, we SCUBA, and she hates shore dives. I proposed us getting a sailboat, to go to Catalina etc. It worked out, she really likes the cost effectiveness (Yea Right?) of a sailboat, but wanted more. We got a 1976 25 Venture, and used it alot, but alas, it was still a bit slow for her.
Exposure to other 'X' boats out there via owners in a local club, sealed the deal. We paid cash for it also, it was one year old, and pampered by it's first owner! She loves the boat also, but wants a 'Bigger' boat now, hopefully I'll convince her that a 65' Mac is the only 'Upgrade'! Uhhh, Can't pay cash for that one just yet, but gotta spring for the boat bucks someday soon, I hope! I don't think I'd part with the 'X' either!
Yea, Roger Macgregor has a loyal fan with us! If you ever get the chance to meet him, he is interesting, and always thinking of new and exciting designs! There really is no other boat brand made...is there?
Last edited by Tom Root on Wed May 11, 2005 9:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
Tom Root
- Captain
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:39 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Annville, PA. s/v-Great White, MacX4787A202,'09 Suzuki DF-50
Great stories!
Moe, good work on the comparo, (link)but I do know owners who are very happy with their purchase of an 'M', just different strokes for different folks. I don't think I'd like an 'M' myself! Again, it's a personal thing. IMHO, Roger got it right with the 'X'! We looked at an 'M', as they were just introduced, when we were upgrading, and focussed on an 'X', for ownership!
We could debate the issue ad-nausium, but the bottom line is that perspective ownes must go with a boat that fits them, even a Hunter, or Catalina. They have their advantages also, just NOT the ones I particularly care for!
Moe, good work on the comparo, (link)but I do know owners who are very happy with their purchase of an 'M', just different strokes for different folks. I don't think I'd like an 'M' myself! Again, it's a personal thing. IMHO, Roger got it right with the 'X'! We looked at an 'M', as they were just introduced, when we were upgrading, and focussed on an 'X', for ownership!
We could debate the issue ad-nausium, but the bottom line is that perspective ownes must go with a boat that fits them, even a Hunter, or Catalina. They have their advantages also, just NOT the ones I particularly care for!
-
mike
- Captain
- Posts: 812
- Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2003 8:06 pm
- Location: MS Gulf Coast "Wind Dancer" 98 26X
Of all the special "MacGregor advantages," I'd have to say that this one is at the top of my list, especially considering the thin waters of the MS Gulf Coast. Though I love our 26X, I dream of owning a larger boat someday... but I'd have a VERY hard time letting go of the 26X's shallow draft.Moe wrote:One envious comment that stood out was how they could anchor in much shallower water.
But maybe by then there'll be a MacGregor 33X to choose from.
--Mike
we had a Catalina 22 and wanted something larger for longer stays. At the time we were truck drivers and when we saw the ad for the X and the 50hp motor we decided that would be the one we needed. We couldnt choose our time off and with the X we were able to go anywhere on a 60+ mile lake and still get back quickly if needed. I would love to have a larger boat..maybe even liveaboard..but then I remember slip fees and all that goes with it and we keep coming back to the X. Jim would like a Nimble Nomad because he can stand up and walk thru it. Only problem...always have to motor.
-
Catigale
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10421
- Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2004 5:59 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Admiral .............Catigale 2002X.......Lots of Harpoon Hobie 16 Skiffs....Island 17
- Contact:
I surfed Usenet and a serious keel boat poster told me for the Hudson river the Mac was the boat for me, if I could stand by the jabs from the elite.
The telcomm boom hit in 2000, and the work load tripled with the pay - I learned some good lessons about balancing family work and self a lot cheaper than some of my colleagues.
My ill gotten gains were converted to Catigale, a 2002 bought new from Art Reiders in Boston. She is sailed on the Hudson now by First Lts Caitlin and Abigail.
The telcomm boom hit in 2000, and the work load tripled with the pay - I learned some good lessons about balancing family work and self a lot cheaper than some of my colleagues.
My ill gotten gains were converted to Catigale, a 2002
bought new from Art Reiders in Boston. She is sailed on the Hudson now by First Lts Caitlin and Abigail.-
Norm
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2004 4:26 pm
- Location: Fiddletown, Ca. 2002X "FriendShip" Johnson 50hp 4-stroke
Completly by accident. I didn't know anything about sailboats other than I wanted one. My friends Mom had one for sale cheap and I bought it, turned out it was a 1986 Mac25. About 2 years later I discovered the internet, which led me to discover the 26X which I fell in love with. After 3 years of lurking on this forum, researching and dreaming, all the while saving $ and working wifey into agreeing that we should get one, which wasn't real easy at first since we already had a sailboat. Once she saw the X interior in "person" though, she sold her beloved sports car to help pay for it:) We bought "FriendShip" new in Nov 2002.