Is A MacGregor the right boat for me?

[NiceAft]

You say it looks great from a distance. Have you actually been to the boat and gone on board? Have you been able to hear from the owner why he/she is selling? Are there nearby professionals for hire who examen boats for sale? This goes for any craft you might be contemplating.

[Jimmyt]

Joeri,

Welcome to the forum. Glad to have you posting.

One thing I noted in the ad is the Yamaha 40 hp outboard. While this will be plenty of power to use the boat, it probably won’t plane. Wouldn’t be a show-stopper for me, but might be for some.

The ad sounds like all of the big items are there, so your job is to determine what shape everything is in. Standing rigging needs to be checked before you put the mast up. Look for kinks, broken wires, corrosion, etc. You want to make sure the mast doesn’t fall - as that is both expensive and dangerous. Running rigging needs to be evaluated, but generally speaking, is not an emergency unless it’s really bad.

Sails are pricey, so if there are good ones on the boat, that’s great.

When you get on board, look in all of the bilge compartments. Check for mold, bad wiring, water, etc.

A 2005 boat is going to need some attention. I wouldn’t expect it to be perfect (unless it’s been stored inside and rarely used). So, some patching and painting is likely going to be needed to get it looking ship shape.

You didn’t mention your past boating/sailing experience. Is this your first boat?

As far as an electric propulsion conversion is concerned, you have a 40hp outboard, starting battery, and 12 gallons of gas to replace (weight-wise). If all you want to do is get in and out of the harbor to sail, it might be feasible. Long distance cruising, or high speed cruising, well, not likely.

Happy boat hunting. Hope you can find something that suits you.

Jim

[MactheKnight]

I visited the yard but the broker was abscent. Gave me time to check the outside but could not get on board. Later I found his late email stating the keys were hidden under the seat. Too late, was almost back home. This week I'm visiting again and will be able to check inside. The boat is in the Netherlands but the owner is Belgian. Don't know if he is available or if he leaves everything to the broker.

30 years ago I spent a few summers mainly working on some beautyful old wooden sailboats and did a little bit of sailing. One of my best friends is an experienced sailor but he doesn't seem fond of a hybrid boat. I am a trained car mechanic (specialised in EV's since 2003) & coachbuilder and know how to work with polyesters, coatings etc. Have also owned several Lotus cars - so I know how 'tupperwares' are put together

I am a bit of a speed demon so I will probably swap the engine - checked out 90 / 100HP 4 cyl. Suzuki's - they seem to have the best power 2 weight ratio, economical and not too noisy. Other option is the lighter 3 cylinder series. I expect to do a lot of motoring and pick up sailing as I get more confident. If I launch here in Antwerp it was almost a day motoring before we could start sailing (with the old boats), that's where a fast motor comes in handy.

Thanks for the tips, will revert after revisiting the Mac and doing the recomended checks.

Cheers, joeri

[NiceAft]

One of my best friends is an experienced sailor but he doesn't seem fond of a hybrid boat.

You just experienced what Mac owners have heard for years.

Keel boat sailers seem to have an incredible amount of prejudice against Mac’s. Interesting enough, they don’t seem to have been on one, and/or don’t seem to understand a Mac’s function. Keel boats can go wherever they wish, FROM THEIR DOCK. We can go sailing hours away from anywhere we want. One just has to understand we are not a blue water boat.

[OverEasy]

Hi Mactheknight

You mentioned wanting to make an EV motored boat…. But we’re concerned about the battery and equipment weight.
You also mentioned the possibility of going to a larger horse power new engine like a Suzuki.
Sorta confused…

Anyhow here’s an idea seeing as you have experience with EVs… How about making a “hybrid” approach?
There are several nice electric outboard now coming on the market. Many have their own integral batteries.
Now range might be a problem but that aspect could be mitigated by using a small gasoline or diesel generator to supplement or recharge the battery. It’s an idea you might want to think about.

Link to one example electric outboard:
https://rayeo.com/our-motor/

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Russ]

The description of the boat sounds nice. It seems to have some of the main issues replaced.

If you are a speed demon, that motor will probably leave you disappointed. It is probably fine for most people, but not if you want more speed.

The "hybrid" aspect of the Mac is a compromise and pure sailors and pure power boaters will find criticism of the Mac.

However, I think you will not find a boat with more room and flexibility.

[MactheKnight]

Indeed, I understand it sounds confusing but I prefer a 2-step approach.
First check if I like this boat concept (with limited investment) and later go for an electric boat development in coop with an existing manufacturer.

Working with a gen-set is an option but I would still want a large battery that can buffer.

Rayeo is new to me; I contacted Elco but got no reply so far. Torqueedo is also an option but very expensive.

Weight is a very important issue and integrating a big battery in the correct position is crucial and probably not recomended for an older boat.

That's where the later visit to the Imexus yard would fit in.

Anyway, it won't be something I'll do in a hurry. If this Mac is OK and doesn't need tons of work, I'll probably go for it and after some time I might leave the Mac to my dad. He has a caravan near a private lake (not his lake).

- Around 2003 I started doing conversions to EV on a 3-wheeler and a sportscar and later became distributor for a small french OEM and sold close to 500 compact electric trucks here in Belgium. I am now looking for new horizons. 'Ship Ahoy'

Some info on my earlier job:
https://www.electricdrive.be/about/
Some of the first EV's I had/sold:
http://www.evalbum.com/659

Best, joeri

[NiceAft]

You certainly have the mechanical skills.

[MactheKnight]

I have a 'market' question for all of you: I was surprised that the concept op de Mac28 was ultimately discontinued.

I read the texts by Mr MacGregor where he explained that the second hand market was his largest competitor.

I also don't think that f.ex. the Imexus is a real successor to the original Mac because they don't produce a high volume product resulting in a much more expensive boat.

Do you guys (and girls) think there is still a market for a 'new' Mac?

Is there maybe a thread on this platform that covers this topic?

Ps. I checked the Tattoo website - it seems 'stagnant' since 2015...

Cheers, joeri

[kurz]

Yes u are right.

If macgregor would have all the time continued to produce the the would now still be a big brand. Specially in and after corona times...

[NiceAft]

https://tjsailing.co.uk/is-sailing-a-dy ... _article=1#

[NiceAft]

Sailing is not a growing sport. During the pandemic all boating grew, and then owners grew tired of the responsibility. Sailing, even more so. In some areas sailing is doing well..

https://bettersailing.com/is-sailing-a-dying-sport/

[Seth08321]

Question for the group, pros and cons of a pop top on a 26 s or d and what other options should I be looking out for in my search. TIA

[dlandersson]

The Mac S, D, X, M are as long and wide as they can be and trailer w/o special paperwork in the 50 US states - they also fit nicely into a shipping container. For a mass market approach you need to work within those constraints.

I have a 'market' question for all of you: I was surprised that the concept op de Mac28 was ultimately discontinued.

I read the texts by Mr MacGregor where he explained that the second hand market was his largest competitor.

I also don't think that f.ex. the Imexus is a real successor to the original Mac because they don't produce a high volume product resulting in a much more expensive boat.

Do you guys (and girls) think there is still a market for a 'new' Mac?

Is there maybe a thread on this platform that covers this topic?

Ps. I checked the Tattoo website - it seems 'stagnant' since 2015...

Cheers, joeri

[Russ]

The Mac S/D are fine boats. The pop top offers headroom whereas otherwise the 26' boat would not.

Great sailing performance boats. Unlike the X/M they are pure sailboats and the motor is just a kicker to get in/out.

The 26S has a Swing keel and the 26D has a daggerboard. If shallow water is a concern the S would Swing up if you hit bottom or something whereas the D would hit hard.

These boats are older than the X/M and therefore you might find them for less $.

As with any boat, the condition of the sails should be a consideration.