Macwester 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Macwester 26 was conceived by C.S.J. Roy in 1964 and made its public debut at the 1965 Boat Show, marking the beginning of Macwester Marine's journey to build and retail family cruising yachts. Roy, who had previously worked for Westerly Marine, envisioned boats that were not only seaworthy but also provided ample interior space and the practical advantage of drying out on tidal moorings, a highly valued feature for many British sailors. The company's ethos, established during this era, focused on dependable, spacious, and forgiving cruising yachts built from GRP (glass reinforced plastic).

The Macwester 26 enjoyed a long production run, with approximately 400 units built before it was eventually succeeded by the Macwester 27 in 1972. During its production, variations in interior layouts were common. A significant update occurred in 1971 with the introduction of the Mark II version, which featured a slightly larger rig and an updated deck layout. This revision also brought the lower stay chainplates to the cabin roof, creating a clearer passage to the foredeck and generally improving maneuverability under engine power. Some Mark II versions were also fitted with steel keels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to C.S.J. Roy's design philosophy, the Macwester 26 prioritized practicality, comfort, and seaworthiness over outright speed. The boat is known for its exceptional stability and robust construction, embodying the brand's sturdy cruiser identity. However, its sailing performance is generally described as steady rather than fast.

Owners and reviewers frequently note that the Macwester 26 can exhibit dull sailing performance, particularly when attempting to sail to windward. The shallow twin bilge keels, while offering the invaluable ability to dry out on tidal moorings, significantly limit its windward performance and can lead to excessive leeway. Consequently, some owners have opted to use the boat as a motorsailer, often needing to run the engine to make good progress against the wind. Issues such as weather helm have also been mentioned. Despite these characteristics, its seakeeping qualities were considered groundbreaking for a boat of its size at the time of its introduction.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications for interior headroom are not available, the Macwester 26 was designed to offer substantial interior space for a 26-foot boat, a key aspect of C.S.J. Roy's vision for family cruising yachts. The interior layouts varied considerably across the long production run. Typically, these vessels offered four berths, a galley, and a folding chart table, providing a functional living space for coastal cruising. The general finish quality reflects the robust and practical nature of Macwester Marine's construction, characterized by solid fiberglass hulls and decks.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Macwester 26 consistently praise its solid construction, durability, and the significant interior space it offers for a boat of its length. 4, 7, Builder Article The practical advantages of its twin bilge keels, allowing the boat to stand upright on drying moorings, are a highly valued feature. Many consider it a good value, offering a substantial boat for a relatively low cost, with very few construction faults generally noted.

On the other hand, the most frequently mentioned weaknesses revolve around its sailing performance. Owners often report that the Macwester 26 is slow, struggles with poor windward performance, and can experience excessive leeway, leading some to rely heavily on the auxiliary engine. Weather helm is also a recurring point of discussion among owners. The original Vire gasoline engine, while present in many models, often necessitated replacement over time. Despite these sailing characteristics, the dedicated community of Macwester owners values these vessels for their stability and enduring design.