Macgregor 19 Information, Review, Specs

The MacGregor 19 emerged from MacGregor Yacht Corporation, a company founded by Roger MacGregor in the early 1960s with the goal of making boating more accessible through innovative, trailerable designs. Production of the MacGregor 19 began in 1992 and continued until 1995, during a period when the company was well-known for its "trailerable power-sailers". Roger MacGregor's design ethos, prevalent during this era, focused on light displacement, shallow draft, and the innovative use of water ballast, which could be easily filled for sailing stability and emptied for effortless trailering.

A key characteristic of MacGregor's designs, including the 19, was the ability to accommodate a significant outboard engine, allowing the boat to achieve considerable speeds under power—a notable departure from traditional sailboats. While many MacGregor models, including the 19, are known for their masthead sloop rigs, some early MacGregor 19s featured a fractional rig, offering a slight variation in sail plan. The overall design emphasized simplicity and straightforward engineering, ensuring ease of use and maintenance for owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a "Sail/Power Hybrid," the MacGregor 19 is designed for versatility rather than pure sailing performance. With a reported sail area of 167 square feet and a displacement of 2,050 pounds, it is a lightweight boat that leverages its water ballast system for stability while sailing. This system allows the boat to draw only 0.75 feet with the centerboard retracted, enabling access to very shallow waters and making beaching possible. When the centerboard is deployed, the draft extends to 5.08 feet, improving upwind performance.

Owners often describe the MacGregor 19 as a boat that sails reasonably well, particularly for day sailing and lake use. Its high and inboard cockpit provides a secure feeling, and its self-righting capabilities due to the water ballast contribute to its safety. While it's not a performance racer, its light displacement and sail plan make it capable in various wind conditions, though it is more at home in moderate breezes. The ability to accept a powerful outboard engine (typically 8-40 HP) means it can quickly transition from sail to power, offering flexibility for reaching destinations or pulling a waterskier. This dual functionality is often cited as one of its best features.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 19 feet, the MacGregor 19 is often praised for its surprisingly spacious interior. It has been noted that the boat feels "bigger on the inside than it is on the outside". While lacking the dedicated galley found in larger cruisers, the interior layout is described as good and functional for a boat of its size. The design assumes that cooking and sleeping activities would not typically occur simultaneously, optimizing the available space.

Typical accommodations include sleeping berths forward, often a V-berth, and a convertible dinette area that can provide additional sleeping or seating space. Storage is generally adequate for weekend trips, though owners often make modifications to enhance electrical systems and overall liveability. The boat is designed with basic, practical finishes, prioritizing function and ease of maintenance, reflecting MacGregor's focus on affordability and accessibility.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the MacGregor 19 for its ease of rigging and launching, making it an excellent choice for trailer sailing and spontaneous outings. Its ability to sail in extremely shallow water (as little as 9 inches with the centerboard up) and its self-bailing cockpit are consistently highlighted as major advantages. Many owners appreciate the boat's versatility, valuing its dual sailing and powering capabilities for a variety of activities, from leisurely cruises to waterskiing. The "collapsable mast that folds away into boat" is also a lauded feature for its contribution to trailering convenience.

However, some common points of discussion among owners include the dual tiller system (one for the motor, one for the rudder) which some found cumbersome and often modified. Like many boats of its age and type, issues with older sails or rigging can arise and may require attention. While the engine performance is generally satisfactory, new owners, especially those transitioning from powerboats, sometimes express initial disappointment if they expect high-speed powerboat performance without understanding the hybrid nature of the vessel. Overall, the MacGregor 19 is seen by its owners as a robust, easy-to-care-for boat that provides a flexible and enjoyable boating experience without the complexities of through-hulls or inboard diesels.