MacGregor 26 has been a staple in the trailerable sailboat market for decades, and company literature claimed more than 7,000 of the original model were produced. Since its introduction, the design has evolved through several iterations, each addressing previous criticisms and incorporating new features to meet changing market demands. Company founder Roger MacGregor retired in 2013 and closed the Costa Mesa, CA, plant. His daughter Laura bought the tooling and moved the operation to Stuart, FL. She builds and sells small sailboats under the Tattoo brand name.
Here’s the basic MacGregor 26 design lineage:
- 26D (1986-1989): Daggerboard model
- 26S (1990-1995): Centerboard model
- 26X (1995-2003): Motor-sailing model with centerboard
- 26M (2002-2013): Motor-sailing model with daggerboard and rotating mast.
The most recent 26M model represented a significant departure from the original design, featuring a fractional sloop rig with a rotating mast, twin rudders, and a daggerboard. The MacGregor 26 is unique in that it is intended as a powersailer, with provision for a gutsy 50-hp.outboard engine that can boost the boat onto a plane to achieve speeds up to twenty knots.
The latest version, The MacGregor 26M, introduced several improvements to enhance sailing performance compared to the earlier 26X model. The upgrades include:
- The 26M features a 7/8 fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, an improvement over the original 26X rig.
- It has a rotating mast, which allows for better sail shape and performance. As one owner noted, “I really like the rotating mast. The boat sails great using the main alone.”[8]
- The 26M uses a daggerboard keel instead of the centerboard found on the 26X, which likely improves upwind performance.
- It has twin rudders that can be retracted when motoring, providing better steering control under sail.
- The 26M has a wider beam and flatter bottom compared to the 26X, which may contribute to improved stability.
Owners report that the 26M handles well in various conditions. One owner stated, “The Chesapeake Bay can get nasty real quick, but I never feel insecure in the Mac. Seems to handle the rough weather like a champ.”
CONSTRUCTION
When it was actively produced, the MacGregor 26 maintained the company’s philosophy of efficient production to keep costs low. More recent model improvements included a new deck structure using solid fiberglass U-shaped beams filled with foam, replacing the balsa-cored deck of older models The new design also boasted an improved mast construction using 3-in. x 4-in. extrusion with 1/8-in. wall thickness. Chainplates were bolted through the hull with stainless steel backing plates and hardware.
| MacGregor 26 | Courtesy: Sailboatdata.com |
|---|---|
| Hull Type: | Daggerboard |
| Rigging Type: | Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar) |
| LOA: | 25.83 ft / 7.87 m |
| LWL: | 23.17 ft / 7.06 m |
| S.A. (reported): | 300.00 ft² / 27.87 m² |
| Beam: | 7.75 ft / 2.36 m |
| Displacement: | 4,000.00 lb / 1,814 kg |
| Ballast: | 1,450.00 lb / 658 kg |
| Max Draft: | 5.75 ft / 1.75 m |
| Min Draft: | 1.00 ft / 0.30 m |
| Construction: | FG |
| Ballast Type: | Water |
| First Built: | 2003 |
| Builder: | Macgregor Yacht Corp. (USA) |
| Designer: | Roger Macgregor |
| Fuel: | 24 gals / 91 L |
| Water: | 5 gals / 19 L |
| Headroom: | 6.00 ft / 1.83 m |
| S.A. / Displ.: | 19.1 |
| Bal. / Displ.: | 36.25 |
| Disp: / Len: | 143.56 |
| Comfort Ratio: | 16.86 |
| Capsize Screening Formula: | 1.96 |
| Hull Speed: | 6.45 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion: | 641.61 pounds/inch |
| Mast Height from DWL: | 35.00 ft / 10.67 m |
| Designers: | Roger MacGregor |
| Builders: | Macgregor Yacht Corp |
| Products: | The Sail Warehouse |
| Related Sailboats: | MACGREGOR 26X |
SAILING PERFORMANCE
The 26M model addressed some previous criticisms regarding sailing performance. The rotating mast and daggerboard design improved upwind capabilities. One owner noted, “The boat sails great using the main alone”. However, it’s important to recognize that the MacGregor 26 is designed as a compromise between sailing and power boating, and its performance should be judged accordingly. A key feature of the newer models is their ability to plane under power. The 26M can achieve speeds up to 19 knots with a 50-hp outboard engine. This dual-purpose design allows for quick returns to harbor or covering long distances when winds are unfavorable.
INTERIOR AND OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
The MacGregor 26 offers surprisingly spacious accommodations for its size. The cabin can sleep up to four people, with standing headroom and an enclosed Porta-Potti. Owners appreciate the interior volume, with one stating, “For the money, you just can’t beat the room.”
MacGregor 26 owners have suggested numerous improvements to enhance the boat’s performance, comfort, and functionality. These suggestions reflect the boat’s philosophy of providing a basic platform that owners can customize to their preferences. If you’re eyeing a MacGregor some or all of these suggestions might make sense.
- Adding a Harken mainsail traveler for better sail control
- Installing a boom vang to improve sail shape
- Leading halyards back to the cockpit for easier handling
- Installing internal halyards for a cleaner spar
- Adding a CDI jib furler for easier headsail management
- Upgrading to a 7/8 rig instead of the stock 2/3 rig for better performance
- Upgrading the electrical system with proper marine-grade wiring and connections
- Installing additional electronics for navigation and safety
- Removing the mirror over the galley sink to create more usable space
-
The port side settee lounge becomes a comfortable spot for getting out of the rain. Adding shelves and storage solutions to address the lack of stowage
- Installing a gas grill on the stern rail or in the cockpit for cooking
- Customizing the interior layout to suit individual needs
- Adding a stern pulpit and extending lifelines for better safety
- Improving the tiller-to-rudder connection for better steering control under sail.
- Installing a mast raising system for easier setup
- Reinforcing high-stress areas to prevent gelcoat cracks
- Improving the hul
For a daysailer/overnighter, how much galley do you really need. Add a butane cooktop and an igloo cooler and you’re set, with the minimal sink pulling wash-up duty. l-deck joint sealing to prevent leaks
- Adding backing plates to deck fittings for increased strength
- Replacing the stock painted steel trailer with a galvanized version for better corrosion resistance
- Adding a roller to the trailer cross member to protect the bow gelcoat
These improvements demonstrate that while the MacGregor 26 offers a good basic platform, many owners find it necessary to optimize the boat for their specific needs and preferences.
CONCLUSION
As of 2024, prices for used MacGregor 26 models vary widely based on age and condition. Newer 26M models can be found in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, while older models may be available for under $15,000. This pricing positions the MacGregor 26 as an affordable option for those seeking a versatile, trailerable sailboat with powerboating capabilities. While it may not excel in pure sailing or power boating performance, its versatility, affordability, and ease of use continue to attract buyers looking for a flexible, trailerable option.
Overall, owners seem to view the MacGregor 26 as a good value for its intended use, despite its limitations. Many emphasize the need for upgrades and modifications to improve handling and reliability. As one owner summarized, “All in all, it is a good buy at the price. I consider that I got what I paid for.”
Based on the available information, current owner comments about the MacGregor 26’s handling and reliability are mixed, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted:
– Light air performance is praised, with one owner noting, “The first thing I noted was that in very light airs, I was overtaking boats that were in a class much superior to mine.”[1]
– However, the boat becomes tender in moderate winds, with owners reporting the need to reduce sail area early: “To retain a comfortable heel angle, headsail area must be reduced at 6 to 8 knots… Reefing of the main is advisable above 12 knots.”[1]
– The water ballast system provides adequate stability when used correctly: “The water ballast and centerboard give comfortable stability, provided the board is down all the way and the tank is full. I’ve never been scared by a gust.”
– Some owners find the initial tenderness concerning: “It seems tender initially but recovers nicely.”
– Under power, the boat is reported to be quite maneuverable: “Turning both the rudder and engine will get the boat to turn just about within its own length.”
– However, low-speed steering is noted as “non-existent.”
– Opinions on build quality vary. One owner states, “This boat has the best glass work of any boat I have owned.”
– Others note issues with thin fiberglass and stress cracks: “Expect stress cracks to quickly appear in both the cockpit and cabin sole.”
– Generally reliable, with one owner commenting, “The water ballast system has worked flawlessly.”
– Some find it slow to fill and drain, which can be inconvenient
– The centerboard is praised for efficiency but criticized for noise: “The inherent slop in this assembly results in a continual thumping as the boat rocks at anchor.”
– Some owners have replaced the rudder and centerboard with aftermarket options for better performance.
– The stock rig is considered minimal, with many owners upgrading: “Since getting the boat I have installed at least $1,200 in hardware plus electronics.”
– Concerns about the lightness of the rigging are expressed: “I wonder if the dinghy-class rigging such as the Nico-press fittings and lack of turnbuckles is too light for this boat.”
| Market Scan | Contact |
|---|---|
| 2006 MacGregor 26M | Rubicon Yachts |
| $19,900 USD | 510-601-5010 |
| San Mateo CA | Yacht World |
| 2006 MacGregor 26M | Rook Sails Inc. |
| $28,900 USD | 901-350-2269 |
| Memphis TN | Yacht World |
| 1996 MacGregor 26X | Rook Sails Inc. |
| $12,900 USD | 901-350-2269 |
| Memphis TN | Yacht World |
