MacGregor 22 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The MacGregor 22 is built predominantly of fiberglass with wood trim and positive foam flotation for safety anchor. Its hull follows the simple lines of the era's trailer-sailers: a relatively narrow beam, a light fiberglass layup, and a swing keel anchor. Construction is entirely fiberglass with minimal structural reinforcements compared to heavier cruisers of the same era, and that light layup can flex under stress, especially if poorly maintained. The profile carries a raked stem and a nearly plumb transom, with a folding transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller that is easily serviceable and removable for trailering. A lifting keel permits operation in shallow water, beaching, or ground transport on a trailer.

Rig and Handling

The boat carries a masthead sloop rig with a simple sloop arrangement that makes it easy to manage anchor. The Sailboat Guide describes it as a fractional sloop. For downwind work it may be equipped with an asymmetrical spinnaker. On the water, the light displacement and swing keel make it agile in light to moderate air, and it can reach respectable speeds for its size, particularly on a reach. Period reviews praised its light displacement for great performance in light to moderate wind conditions, and it accelerates more quickly in light winds than heavier contemporaries. It lacks the stiffness and momentum of heavier 22-footers like the Catalina 22, however, and feels tender in choppy or heavy seas, demanding early reefing. Upwind performance is reasonable for casual sailing but will not satisfy competitive racers, and its PHRF racing average handicap is 258.

Accommodations

The interior was designed to provide the best accommodation for the money for a boat its size, according to period assessment anchor. It sleeps five, with a double V-berth in the bow cabin, a straight settee in the main cabin, and a drop-down dinette table that converts into a double berth. The galley sits on the port side at the companionway ladder with a two-burner stove and sink, while the enclosed head is just aft of the bow cabin on the starboard side. A main cabin pop-top increases headroom, though headroom remains limited and interiors are basic, with molded fiberglass components and light plywood joinery. The cabin is simpler and best suited for short stays or minimal cruising gear.

Known Issues

Safety at sea is adequate for coastal and inland waters but the design is not intended for offshore passages anchor. The swing keel mechanism requires inspection, as poor maintenance can affect both performance and safety. Owners report common issues including keel pivot wear, water intrusion around deck fittings, and aging gelcoat prone to chalking. Original hardware may require replacement after decades of use, and osmosis, while less common than in heavier cruisers of the era, remains possible.

Refits and Ownership

Upgrading to a modern four-stroke engine is a common and recommended improvement, as many boats still carry original outboards well past their prime anchor. Electrical systems, if installed, are usually very basic and often need updating. Maintenance favors the owner through lower cost and lighter systems, with most work performable by the owner thanks to the light build and outboard-focused layout.

The Verdict

The MacGregor 22 is a classic trailer-sailer whose defining virtue is light displacement and ease of trailering, putting accessible pocket cruising within reach of modest vehicles and budgets. It rewards the owner who trails, launches, and maintains a simple boat, while demanding respect for its tender behavior in strong breeze and diligence on the swing keel.

Pros