1983 MacGregor 25

[Starlight]

I’ve been eyeing a driveway bound MacGregor 25 for 25 years. I wrote a letter and had a chance to look at it. It only has been on lake Powell a handful of times and locked up on a driveway for 25 years. Cutting the cabin door lock off I discovered spider webs but no mold or mildew smell. The sails were kept inside, trailer tires rotten, u bolt plate looks to be cracked. I’m a general contractor who can do all sorts of repairs from carpentry, fiberglass plumbing and electrical. I want to beef up the keel trunk and hull and have questions about that , so I was looking for your comments advice and an asking price?

[OverEasy]

Hi Starlight!

Welcome to the forum!

Congrats on finding that Mac25!
It sounds like a great opportunity if you can get it.
We have friends up on Lake Champlain that love their Mac25 and throughly enjoy it!

Check the resources section tab of the forum to find the manual if the boat didn’t come with its original.

Might I suggest you get the boat out on the water and try it out “as is” (if there isn’t an existing over riding concern) before embarking on any major structural modifications.

MacGregors are generally well thought out balanced robust designs that perform reasonably well for fun and family.

Might I ask why you are considering beefing up the keel trunk and hull?

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Ixneigh]

Hi. I owned the V22.2, the 25’s smaller sister. I took the boat to the Bahamas (20 years ago) and put her through more abuse than most lake boats are apt to endure. In regards to the center board trunk, on return from the Bahamas, I added a support for the unsupported side of it. The “walkthu” side.
On selling the boat, the subsequent owner removed that support, and subjected the boat to even MORE abuse including multiple groundings and general idiocrisy and the trunk never showed signs of failing.
I’d say clean the boat up, get new rigging, replace or at least check the chainplates and bolts and take her sailing.
In my v22 I did check the keel pivot bolt once. It appeared to have very little wear, but I did install a new one anyway.

Good luck and welcome,

Ix

[Starlight]

Hi Starlight!

Welcome to the forum!

Congrats on finding that Mac25!
It sounds like a great opportunity if you can get it.
We have friends up on Lake Champlain that love their Mac25 and throughly enjoy it!

Check the resources section tab of the forum to find the manual if the boat didn’t come with its original.

Might I suggest you get the boat out on the water and try it out “as is” (if there isn’t an existing over riding concern) before embarking on any major structural modifications.

MacGregors are generally well thought out balanced robust designs that perform reasonably well for fun and family.

Might I ask why you are considering beefing up the keel trunk and hull?

Best Regards,
Over Easy

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Yes I’ve heard these are not blue water boats, which is fine, I just want a coastal cruiser San Diego to Catalina or the Channel Islands and thought a few more coats of glass/fabric might do the trick. I’m jumping the gun though because they are cleaning out the garage and looking for the boom. Any idea on what to offer? The trailer needs work but I weld and can replace or service bearings.

I’m looking forward to getting it. Since it’s been sitting for so long I wanted to clean lube and replace things as needed before a test run. Hoping to get a mooring ball in San Diego so I can sail more. It’s all vintage and I felt I could tackle the challenge. Once again thank you for the shout out!

Starlight

[OverEasy]

Hi Starlight!

I have no idea about prices personally but suggest you look at the items/boats for sale tab on the forum main section.
You may also take a look on Craigs list, Facebook Marketplace, (or maybe eBay).

Glad to help you!
Everyone goes about things differently.
Seems like there is a story somewhere with the current owner as the boat has sat for a good while. Wonder what it is?

Personally I figure out what it’s worth to me first (is it for a genuine need, for fun and enjoyment, or is it for an investment where I expect a return…. etc… I’d never seriously consider any boat or a common car an investment so nix that. I’m not gonna currently classify a sailboat as a genuine need so that’s out as well. That leaves fun and enjoyment! At that point I look at what disposable currency is available and compare it to how much am I gonna enjoy the experiences. That is a personal valuation that only you can make or make from it.

If you can’t find the exact copy of what you want look at the ones you can find smaller and bigger to bracket the going market.
Then see if it’s within the disposable currency allotment.
Don’t forget to add up the various basic cost of repairs/refurbishment to what you can afford and keep that part separate so you’ll have the funds available if you get the boat.
Then before offering a price ask what the current owner wants for it.
If it’s close to reasonable and he has all the relevant titles/registrations (even if out of date or expired) then I generally go with it.
Haggling often doesn’t get one all that much in the end, especially if you can make a friend as part of the process.
It’s your call and your money.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[SteveH]

We are sailing an 83 Mac25. She has been an amazing vessel for us. Keep us updated, did you get it yet?

[OverEasy]

Hi Starlight!

How goes it?
Were they able to find all the parts?
Were you able to get it?

Still curious as to what the motivation is to reinforce the hull…..
Is there a particular reason?

I haven’t personally heard of any issues with the Mac25 hull or keel.
I have friends up on Lake Champlain who just LOVE their Mac25 and sail the heck out of it in all sorts of conditions!
They haven’t had any issues (other than not being able to sail it more…they still have to go to work occasionally)!
They consider it to be a perfect boat for their needs and have repeatedly sailed it the length of Lake Champlain (which is 124 miles long!) and back.

Best Regards,
Over Easy