MacGregor 26

MacGregor 26 X
MacGregor 26X
Development
DesignerRoger MacGregor
LocationUnited States
Year1986–2013 (all models)
No. built5000
BuilderMacGregor Yacht Corporation
NameMacGregor 26 X
Boat
Displacement2,250 lb (1,021 kg)
Draft5.50 ft (1.68 m) with the centerboard down
Hull
TypeMonohull
ConstructionFiberglass
LOA25.82 ft (7.87 m)
LWL23.00 ft (7.01 m)
Beam7.82 ft (2.38 m)
Engine typeoutboard motor
Hull appendages
Keel/board typecenterboard
Ballast1,500 lb (680 kg) of water
Ruddertransom-mounted rudder
Rig
GeneralFractional rigged sloop
I foretriangle height23.00 ft (7.01 m)
J foretriangle base9.67 ft (2.95 m)
P mainsail luff25.00 ft (7.62 m)
E mainsail foot10.38 ft (3.16 m)
Sails
Mainsail area129.75 sq ft (12.054 m2)
Jib/genoa area111.21 sq ft (10.332 m2)
Total sail area240.96 sq ft (22.386 m2)

The MacGregor 26 is a family of trailerable, water-ballasted sailboats. The earliest models, the 26D and 26S, were conceived primarily as sailing boats with auxiliary outboard power. Later variants, the 26X and 26M, evolved into hybrid sail–power designs. All versions were designed to be launched, recovered, and towed relatively easily. The rig can be raised single-handed.[1]

MacGregor 26M showing the dual rudder configuration

Designed by Roger MacGregor and produced by MacGregor Yacht Corporation between 1986 and 2013, it achieved high sales, thanks to its versatility and affordability.[2] It was a development of the MacGregor 25, but instead of a swing keel, it had water ballast and a 600 pound centre board. The newer hybrid model has a hull designed for planing, and can be operated at 20 knots under power.[3]

The fibreglass hull has a through-bolted hull-deck joint.[2] Positive flotation is built into the cabin at the cost of stowage space. There are no side decks.

Variants

[edit]
Variant Years produced Board type Ballast type No. built Typical engine size
26D[4] 1986–1989 Daggerboard water ~6,000 (D&S combined) 8–9.9 hp
26S[5] 1990–1995 Centreboard water
26X[6] 1995–2003 Centreboard water ~5,000 (est.) up to 50 hp
26M[7] 2003–2013 Daggerboard water + fixed ballast ~5,000 (est.)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "MacGregor 26 Boat Review | Boats Online". www.boatsonline.com.au. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b Nicholson, Darrell (1 August 1995). "MacGregor 26". Practical Sailor. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  3. ^ Staff, Practical Sailor (8 January 2025). "MacGregor 26M Used Boat Review". Practical Sailor. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  4. ^ "MACGREGOR 26D". sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  5. ^ "MACGREGOR 26S". sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  6. ^ "MACGREGOR 26X". sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  7. ^ "MACGREGOR 26M". sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.

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