What is the overall length, height and weight of the
MacGregor 26M on it trailer?
The overall dimensions of the MacGregor
26M on its own trailer for storage purposes with the mast
removed from on top of the boat, are as follows; Height: 267cm
(8 feet 9 inches), Weight: 244cm (8 feet) and the Length:
10mtrs (33 feet).
Is it possible to legally tow a MacGregor 26M in
Malta/Europe?
Yes, it is possible, with a road-legal
trailer and a B+E driving licence. The boat was designed with
this very beneficial characteristic in mind.
How does the boat have to be prepared for towing?
Obviously every part of the boat has to
be secure before towing. This is simply a case of using
tie-wraps and rope to tie down the mast and rigging to the
boat. A red and white marker board has to be fixed to most
rearward part of the boat. It is also necessary to secure the
boat to the trailer with 'ratchet straps' before setting
off.
How do you use a ramp to get the MacGregor 26 into and
out of the water?
To enter the water, you simply drive the
trailer into the water. The MacGregor floats off the trailer
and then you drive the boat away. To put the boat back on the
trailer, you simply drive the boat up to the trailer and pull
the boat into position using the winch. Simple!
How do you raise and lower the mast?
The mast can be raised and lowered easily
by one person using the optional mast-raising system. The
forestay is the only part of the rigging that needs to be
attached and unattached to raise or lower the mast, all other
rigging stays in place. The mast can also be raised and
lowered by hand with 2 people but it is a much easier
one-person job with the mast raising system.
Is it possible to sail the
MacGregor solo?
Yes, the MacGregor can be sailed single
handed. If you wish to do this the roller-furling system is
highly recommended as this can be operated very easily by one
person. It is even possible to tow, launch, rig and sail the
MacGregor, put it back onto its trailer, prepare it for
towing, and take it home again, all with only one person! (As
with any sailboat, everything is a lot easier with 2
people!)
Is it possible to add a shower to the MacGregor
26M?
It is relatively easy to add a
transom-shower to the boat. It is a much more complex task to
have a shower added to the inside of the boat. This is because
there is no drainage system set up for an internal shower and
the space inside the WC was never designed to accommodate a
shower. It would be possible to have a boat works fit a shower
inside the boat, but the costs would be high.
A
very simple and effective solution to this is the solar
shower. These can be left on the deck in the sun and can
provide a hot-water shower in a very short time, using the
natural power of the sun.
Is it possible to add a sink
in the WC?
The same applies as above. A sink would
be much simpler to fit into the WC area than a shower, but
when you already have a sink just 2 metres away, the costs
probably outweigh the benefits of this modification.
Can the MacGregor 26M be used just like a
powerboat?
Yes, the MacGregor 26M is a very capable
powerboat. If you wanted you could use the boat for years with
just the engine. However, with the high costs of fuel these
days, learning to sail would be an excellent investment!
Above all, sailing is a wonderful
experience that, depending on the conditions, can be as
challenging, rewarding, relaxing and peaceful as anything on
earth. It would be a real shame to have a sailing boat as
capable as the MacGregor and never use it to its full
potential.
Is it possible to put a small engine on the MacGregor
and use it like a 'traditional' sailboat?
Yes, this is certainly possible. The
MacGregor is an excellent sailing boat and can be used
for years without any higher-speed usage. The boat can take
engines from 5-60hp but we would recommend 10hp as a minimum.
It is a shame to lose the ability to plane as this is one of
the unique capabilities of the MacGregor. Having said that, it
is your boat so you can do whatever you like with it!
Is it possible to have a fridge fitted in the MacGregor
26M?
There are several possible solutions to
this. Firstly, there is the space under the seat opposite the
galley to accommodate a fridge or a cool box. Secondly, there
is a space at the rear of the boat where a large fridge or
cool box can be located. An important consideration to bear in
mind with a fridge powered from the boat's battery is the
power consumption of the unit. It is highly recommended to
have a second battery installed to power the fridge (And any
other non-essential equipment). This battery can be charged
from the engine's alternator and with a battery isolation
system you can be sure that you will always have the engine
starting battery charged and ready for use. The second battery
can be completely discharged by accident but the starting
battery will be unaffected with such an isolation system in
place.
Is it possible to have a
second burner fitted to the MacGregor 26?
The boat was designed to only have one
burner in the cabin for safety reasons. It is however,
possible to use a second burner outside the cabin and it is
even possible to fit a barbecue to the
railing!
