25 ft macgregor sailboat

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• Sailboat Guide

Macgregor 25 MH

Macgregor 25 MH is a 25 ′ 0 ″ / 7.6 m monohull sailboat designed by Roger MacGregor and built by Macgregor Yacht Corp. (USA) starting in 1980.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Dimensions for masthead rig. See MACGREGOR 25 for more details.

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Macgregor 25

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Our team of Precision Sails experts conducted extensive research on the web to gather information about the specific sailboat in question. We thoroughly scoured various online sources to compile relevant and accurate information for the boat owner. Our team carefully curated the information to ensure that it would be helpful and informative for the user. We understand the importance of having a deep understanding of your boat’s features, and our goal is to provide comprehensive and reliable information that will enable boat owners to make informed decisions about their sailing experience. By sharing our expertise and knowledge, we hope to empower our customers to get the most out of their sailing adventures.

All About Your MacGregor 25

Rig specifications.

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your MacGregor 25 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

I: 25.00 ft / 7.62 m

J: 9.75 ft / 2.97 m

P: 24.50 ft / 7.47 m

E: 10.50 ft / 3.20 m

Comfort and Amenities

Despite its compact size, the MacGregor 25 offers a surprising amount of comfort and amenities for its crew. The cabin has a v-berth forward, a dinette table that can be converted into a double berth, and two quarter berths aft. The galley has a sink, a stove, and a small icebox, which can be powered by a portable propane tank. The head has a porta-potty and a sink, which can be covered by a privacy curtain. The boat also has storage compartments, shelves, and lockers for gear and supplies. The cockpit has bench seats with cushions, a tiller steering, and a bimini top that can provide shade and shelter from the sun and rain. The boat has an electrical system with a battery and a charger, which can power the lights, the radio, and other devices.

Maintenance and Upgrades

Like any boat, the MacGregor 25 requires regular maintenance and occasional upgrades to keep it in good condition and improve its performance and comfort. Some of the maintenance tasks include cleaning and waxing the hull, checking and replacing the rigging, inspecting and servicing the outboard motor, and replacing worn or damaged parts. Some of the upgrades that owners can consider include installing a roller furling jib, adding a spinnaker or a whisker pole, replacing the standing rigging with stainless steel or synthetic fibers, installing a solar panel or a wind turbine, upgrading the electrical panel or the battery, or adding a swim platform or a boarding ladder. The boat has a loyal following of owners who share tips, advice, and resources online and in local sailing communities.

History of the MacGregor 25

The MacGregor 25 is a trailerable sailboat that was designed by Roger MacGregor and built by MacGregor Yacht Corporation from 1973 to 1987. It has a length overall of 25 feet, a beam of 8 feet, and a draft of 5 feet with the centerboard down. It displaces about 2,100 pounds and can accommodate up to six people in its cabin, which has a standing headroom of 5’10”. The boat can be powered by a small outboard motor, which can be tilted up when sailing or lowered when motoring.

Performance and Handling

One of the key advantages of the MacGregor 25 is its versatility. It can sail in various conditions, from light breezes to moderate winds, and can reach speeds of up to 6 knots under sail alone. The boat has a fractional rig with a large mainsail and a small jib, which makes it easy to handle for solo sailors or small crews. The mast can be lowered and raised quickly with a winch and a gin pole, which enables the boat to be launched and retrieved from a trailer ramp. The boat also has a centerboard that can be raised or lowered with a crank, which allows it to sail close to the wind and access shallow waters. However, the boat is not designed for heavy weather or offshore passages, and should be used with caution in rough seas.

The MacGregor 25 is a versatile and affordable sailboat that offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and convenience. It is ideal for sailors who want to explore different waterways and enjoy the freedom of trailerable sailing without breaking the bank. While it may not be the fastest or the most luxurious sailboat on the market, it has a loyal following of owners who appreciate its simplicity, reliability, and adaptability.

Recommended Sails For Your MacGregor 25

We would love to help you enhance your sailing experience on your MacGregor 25. That’s why we have put together a list of expertly curated sail recommendations just for you. You can find more information about each sail and their specific uses by following the links to our education page.

You need a mainsail designed to give you the greatest mileage out of your vessel. Precision Sails’ custom designed mainsails come with all the standard options needed to get sailing right away, and custom options to optimize handling, performance, and shape.

Jibs, genoas, yankee cut, staysails, or working jibs, we do it all. No matter what headsail you need for you sailboat, Precision Sails’ team of sail designers will work with you to ensure your new head sail fits and performs for you. Our headsails come complete with all standard options required for the best performance and durability. Learn more about our available headsail options and customization here.

Downwind and Light Wind Sails

Sail downwind easily with your choice of our downwind and light wind sail options. We custom design and tailor every sail for your needs. Explore our symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers and code zeros, including what options are available for each.

Request a Macgregor 25 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Macgregor 25? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will send you a preliminary quote based on information we have gathered from sailors similar to you.

We will give you a call in order to narrow down the options on your quote and improve the accuracy. If you want us to call you at a specific time, feel free to schedule a time on our calendar!

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will reach out to offer some suggestions and get started on finding you the perfect sail!

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Owner's Review of the MacGregor 26 Sailboat Models

There is some confusion about all of the different MacGregor 26 models and some controversy about their sailing abilities.

The MacGregor 26 evolved after the Venture 22 and the MacGregor 25, which had been built from 1973 to about 1987. The M25 had a weighted centerboard keel like other trailer able sailboats but featured positive flotation, a low price, easy trailer ability and a comfortable interior with an enclosed head (porta-potty). These features carried forward into M26 models and helped make MacGregor one of the bestselling sailboats.

Differences in MacGregor 26 Models

• The MacGregor 26D (daggerboard), built from about 1986 to 1990, introduced water ballast to replace the weighted keel. When the water was drained for trailering, the boat weighed only 1650 lbs, making it even more attractive for towing with a regular automobile. The daggerboard, like a keel, helps prevent the boat from being blown sideways but could be lifted up for shoal water and trailering.
• The MacGregor 26S , 1990 to 1995, replaced the daggerboard with a swing centerboard (which kicks up in an accidental grounding) and made other smaller changes. Together, the 26D and 26S are often called the "classic" MacGregor 26, and sometimes the 26C. Owners of these earlier models tend to refer to them as "the real sailboats" prior to the changes coming with the MacGregor 26X.
• The MacGregor 26X , 1996 to 2004, marked a major change from the earlier "classic" M26 models by allowing a relatively huge outboard engine that essentially turned the 26X into a powerboat with a mast. Earlier models typically carried outboards as low as 5 or 6 HP (max. 10 HP), but the 26X now took up to 50 HP. For comparison, many thirty-six foot sailboats of this era, displacing more than five times the M's weight, had inboard engines of 25-30 HP. The water ballast could be drained of power, allowing the M26X to come up on a plane like a speedboat. The outboard well had to be moved to the centerline, with twin rudders to each side, and steering changed from tiller to a small powerboat-type steering wheel. The cabin height was increased for greater room inside and the boat is said to sail less well than the earlier 26.
• The MacGregor 26M (motorsailor), 2005 to present, continued the 26X's trend, now allowing up to a 60 HP outboard. The swing centerboard was replaced with a daggerboard to free up more space below and the second tier of windows was added with standing headroom. The boat is advertised to motor at 24 MPH. In addition to the water ballast, there are 300 lbs of permanent ballast, likely needed for stability with so much windage and the high weight of the engine. At 2550 lbs dry (excluding engine), it now needs stronger vehicle and tow package.

Risks and Precautions

Many traditional sailors joke about MacGregors because of the light fiberglass construction (the hull can "oilcan" flex in places if you push hard against it) and its powerboat characteristics since 1996. Many say it is not a "real sailboat." Most misunderstood, however, is the water ballast that has been a hallmark of all twenty-six models.

The water ballast tank is horizontal and only a foot or so beneath the surface, unlike a vertical ballasted keel or centerboard that extends much deeper. Some have even questioned how water, weighing the same as the water displaced by the boat, can be called ballast at all. The ballast tank has been well engineered, however, and does provide righting moment the same as a keel when the boat heels over, because the weight of water far out from the centerline on the "uphill" side (in the air once heeled over) does pull the boat back down the same as a weighted keel.

This does mean that the boat is more tender, or tippy, initially. A story has been told about a sailor on one edge of the deck who grabbed the mast when the boat heeled, and his own weight pulling on the mast that far above the waterline caused the boat to capsize all the way over. Whether true or not, the story illustrates a common perception of how tender the MacGregor is.

It is true that an M26 with 10 people aboard capsized with two fatalities -- most likely due to uneven distribution of the human weight on the boat.

Safely Sail the Water-Ballast

In normal conditions, however, careful sailors can safely sail the water-ballast M26 by following standard precautions:

• Reef sails when the wind is blowing.
• Maintain good balance with crew weight balanced against heeling.
• Prevent accidental gybes.
• Keep the ballast tank full and well-sealed.
• Maintain steerage control at all times.
• Heave to or take other storm action in high wind or waves.
• Don't drink and sail.

The larger safety issue is that for many owners, the M26 is a "starter boat" and they may not have the experience or knowledge to avoid possible problems in time. The bottom line is that anyone who goes sailing needs to be fully aware of the limitations of their boat and practice all safety guidelines.

Experience With the MacGregor 26S

Having owned and sailed a 26S extensively for three years, it indeed sails fairly well and lives up to its reputation of being a roomy and easily trailered pocket cruiser. This sailboat can meet most budgetary needs and has room enough for a family of three to cruise for up to a week at a time.

It is a light boat, but with sailing experience and caution, trouble in winds to thirty knots can be easily avoided. The fiberglass is thin but you can avoid running into rocks. Thousands of MacGregor owners have had experiences where they thoroughly enjoyed sailing.

Keep in mind that it's a light boat and always take the precautions listed above. For powerboat owners of the 26X and 26M, the boat should be as safe as any powerboat but do not hit a rock or another boat at 24 MPH.

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