Macgregor 65 Pilot House Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the MacGregor 65 Pilot House is rooted in a desire to evolve the already successful MacGregor 65 design. While MacGregor Yacht Corp., founded by Roger MacGregor in the early 1960s, typically focused on small, trailerable vessels, the original MacGregor 65, introduced in 1984, was an Ultra Light Displacement Boat (ULDB) cruiser-racer. The Pilot House model, beginning production in 1988, represented a second iteration of this design, explicitly conceived as more of a performance cruiser than its earlier, more race-oriented predecessor.

This version saw a complete redesign of the interior and significant reinforcement of the hull, reflecting a shift towards greater comfort and robustness for long-distance voyaging. Roger MacGregor's design philosophy for this model emphasized speed and efficiency, aiming to create one of the most comfortable and capable oceangoing yachts available. The distinctive raised deckhouse, allowing for an inside steering station, was a defining feature, enhancing comfort and usability in varying weather conditions. During its production run, approximately 75 hulls of this model were built. Buyers had options for the keel, with the vessel available with either a 6-foot winged keel or an 8-foot 6-inch deep fin keel, offering choices for different performance profiles.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The MacGregor 65 Pilot House, with its length overall of 65 feet and a waterline length of 63 feet, embodies the characteristics of a light and fast performance cruiser. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 21.26 is notably high, indicating excellent performance in lighter winds and the ability to accelerate quickly. This ratio suggests a sail plan optimized for efficiency across a range of conditions.

With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.375 and a lead keel weighing 12,000 lbs, the boat offers good stability for its displacement. While not exceptionally stiff compared to some heavy-displacement offshore boats, the lead ballast contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing its ability to stand up to a breeze. The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at a very low 57.13, firmly places the MacGregor 65 Pilot House in the Ultra Light Displacement Boat (ULDB) category, signifying a yacht designed for speed and swift passage-making.

Anecdotal reports confirm its reputation as a "fast racing sled" that "looks really fast just sitting." Owners have noted that the boat performs particularly well in winds above 17 knots, where its light displacement and ample sail area allow it to truly stretch its legs. The vessel is considered suitable for both coastal and blue water sailing, reportedly earning a rare ABS standard certification, exceeding typical requirements. Its design, including a spade rudder, contributes to responsive handling. With the convenience of an inside steering station, single-handed passages are considered feasible, offering comfort and control from within the pilothouse.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the MacGregor 65 Pilot House was completely redesigned from earlier versions of the MacGregor 65, focusing on creating a comfortable and functional living space for extended cruising. A defining feature is the raised deckhouse, which not only provides structural integrity but also houses an inside steering station, offering panoramic views through "black plastic doghouse windows" and side portholes.

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design prioritizes livability. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and often an aft cabin in models built after 1989. Owners have described the interior as attractive and capable of comfortably accommodating two people for liveaboard purposes. Despite its considerable length, some compare its interior volume unfavorably to wider yachts of similar length, indicating that while comfortable, the focus remains on performance over maximal beam-induced volume. The interior finish generally reflects the builder's approach to practical and accessible yachting.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the MacGregor 65 Pilot House frequently praise its impressive speed and solid construction, particularly in the later models. Many appreciate its capability as a comfortable offshore cruiser, capable of long passages. The versatility offered by the internal steering station is a significant advantage, allowing for comfortable operation in various weather conditions and making single-handed sailing a more approachable endeavor.

However, some common points of discussion among owners include the original engine exhaust location, which can sometimes present issues. Additionally, the rudder post housing design system has been noted as an area that might require attention over time. Despite these specific points, the collective sentiment often highlights the MacGregor 65 Pilot House as a unique and capable yacht that delivers strong sailing performance and comfortable living spaces for its class.