MacGregor 26M as a Power Boat

The MacGregor 26 is a really good powerboat. At high speed, it has a remarkably comfortable, stable ride. The very sharp entry slices thru waves efficiently. It is highly maneuverable, and only a light touch on the wheel is required to hold a perfect course or to make sharp turns. The top sized engine has not been established yet, but we know it will handle at least 50 HP.

Top speed is obtained with an empty ballast tank, no rigging, and one person aboard. You will lose about 1 mph for each added 100 lbs. of weight.

There are storage hatches in the cockpit that will hold 2 standard 9 gallon fuel tanks. For safety, these compartments are completely isolated from the interior of the boat.

If you are not interested in high speed powering, the boat performs well with a 5 or 10 hp engine.

Even if you are only interested in sailing, you might consider this. Many areas have those wonderful sailing spots that are just out of reach! Getting there and back has always taken most of a weekend. You can be sure that sailors will use the dual nature of the 26 to shorten the distance. After a short, fast commute across the channel in their power cruiser, they can spend the weekend sailing from cove to cove and anchoring for the night. Maybe they will even stay Sunday night and speed back at dawn on Monday. You can't do that in a conventional sailboat. If you have a favored place that is just out of reach for a conventional sailboat, consider the 26.