Macgregor 22 Information, Review, Specs

The MacGregor 22's production run spanned nearly a decade, from 1967 to 1975. It was designed by Roger MacGregor, the founder of MacGregor Yacht Corp., who was instrumental in popularizing small, trailerable sailing yachts. MacGregor's design ethos, which prioritized versatility, affordability, and ease of transport, is clearly evident in the 22-foot model. The company, operating from Costa Mesa, California, aimed to create boats that addressed common barriers to ownership, making them enjoyable and manageable.

The MacGregor 22 featured a fiberglass solid hull and a swing keel, allowing for a shallow minimum draft of 1.0 foot for easy launching and retrieval, while offering a maximum draft of 5.5 feet for improved sailing performance. The design was further developed into the Venture 222 in 1971, which shares many similarities with the MacGregor 22 and included minor changes. Some variations in the production run, particularly with the Venture branded models, included differences like a pop-top cabin design on some Venture 222s, which enhanced interior headroom, a feature not present on the earlier Venture 22.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While designed with accessibility in mind, the MacGregor 22 offers a straightforward sailing experience. With a length overall of 22 feet and a waterline length of 19.5 feet, it is a relatively light boat, contributing to a somewhat "bouncy" motion in certain conditions. Owners report that the boat sails well in general.

However, like many lighter displacement boats, handling characteristics in stronger winds require attention. The MacGregor 22 has a tendency to broach if carrying too much sail in heavy winds, but it performs well in 20 to 30 knot winds when the main and head sails are appropriately reefed. Some owners have noted that the rudder can feel light, which might contribute to handling challenges in robust conditions. Its masthead sloop rig, with a reported sail area of 214 square feet, provides sufficient power for enjoyable cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the MacGregor 22 is typical for a trailerable sailboat of its size, offering basic accommodations suitable for weekend trips or short cruises. While specific headroom details are not available, the design generally features a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small salon area that might include a dinette, and provisions for a compact galley and a marine head. These layouts are designed to maximize the usable space within the boat's compact dimensions. Construction typically involved fiberglass, with varying degrees of wood trim depending on the model and year. Adequate storage and ventilation were often priorities to enhance comfort in a small cabin. For those seeking slightly more interior volume, later iterations like some Venture 222 models incorporated pop-tops to increase standing headroom.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the MacGregor 22 and its close relatives, the Venture 22 and 222, often praise the boat for its affordability and value, describing it as a "great bargain" that is "simple, affordable, common". Many appreciate its role as an accessible entry point into sailing.

However, some common issues have been noted by the owner community. Recurring maintenance concerns include the potential for the swing keel's fiberglass covering to develop splits and cracks. Additionally, owners have pointed out problems with the "cable brake" system and the "light rudder" characteristic, which may require attention or modification for optimal handling, particularly in stronger winds. Despite these considerations, the MacGregor 22 generally maintains a reputation as a practical and enjoyable vessel for those seeking an economical and trailerable sailing option.