Macgregor 26 S Information, Review, Specs

Built by Roger MacGregor's pioneering company, MacGregor Yacht Corp., the 26 S embodies the firm's core philosophy of creating "trailerable power-sailers" – boats that seamlessly combine the attributes of a sailboat with the speed and convenience of a powerboat. This design ethos made boating more versatile and approachable for a wide audience.

History and Design

The MacGregor 26 S was introduced in 1990 and remained in production until 1995, following on the heels of the similar MacGregor 26 D (D for daggerboard), which was produced from 1986 to 1989. Roger MacGregor, the principal designer for many of the company's models, aimed to create boats that were not only fun to sail but also incredibly easy to transport and manage. The 26 S features a centerboard, differentiating it from its daggerboard-equipped predecessor, the 26 D. Both the 26 D and 26 S models utilized water ballast, a key design feature allowing the boat's displacement to be significantly reduced for easy trailering and increased for sailing stability.

MacGregor Yacht Corp., operating from Costa Mesa, California, from the early 1960s to 2013, built a reputation for light displacement, shallow draft, and the ability to accept a large outboard engine. This combination allowed for relatively high speeds under power, making the MacGregor 26 S a true hybrid vessel. The hull of the MacGregor 26 S is constructed from solid fiberglass, while the deck is cored with plywood, with a through-bolted hull-deck joint.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While the MacGregor 26 S, like other MacGregor power-sailers, represents a compromise between sailing and motoring performance, owners generally report it to be a capable and enjoyable sailboat. Many owners praise its speed and pointing ability when the wind conditions are right, describing it as lively and fun to sail. It is often considered a good starter boat with sufficient speed and sailing ability to keep owners engaged.

The water ballast system, while innovative for trailering, also influences its sailing characteristics. While it provides stability for sailing, the nature of water ballast means it lacks the deep, heavy keel of more traditional sailboats, making it generally more suited for protected waters, bays, and sounds rather than heavy offshore conditions. However, with balanced rudder, the boat handles very well and is quicker to rig and break down than many other trailerable sailboats.

Accommodations and Layout

The MacGregor 26 S offers surprisingly spacious accommodations for its size, a common characteristic of MacGregor's trailerable designs. The interior is designed to maximize living space within its compact footprint, making it a viable option for overnight trips and even extended cruising for some. The cabin house extends to the edge of the deck, contributing to a roomy interior, though it lacks structural interior bulkheads aside from those formed by the hull liner.

While specific details on interior finish can vary based on owner modifications, the general layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon area, and often an aft berth which contributes significantly to the boat's liveability. Storage is generally considered limited, as is common with trailerable designs prioritizing light weight. The maximum headroom details are not widely documented, but the overall design focuses on maximizing usable space for its length.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the MacGregor 26 S consistently highlight its versatility and ease of use as primary strengths. Many appreciate its ability to be easily trailered, allowing access to diverse sailing grounds from lakes to coastal bays. Its dual nature as both a sailboat and a powerboat is frequently praised, enabling quick motoring when winds are light or for reaching destinations efficiently. It is often recommended as an excellent "starter boat" due to its affordability and the ease with which new sailors can get into boat ownership.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around the trade-offs inherent in its hybrid design. Some note that while the water ballast system is great for trailering, filling and draining it can sometimes be a minor inconvenience. Original deck fittings have been noted to potentially develop leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. Additionally, like any sailboat of its age, issues such as a sticking centerboard mechanism may arise, requiring attention. Despite these potential maintenance items, the enthusiasm within the MacGregor owner community remains strong, valuing the unique "sail and power" capabilities these boats offer.