great-loop@lists.trawlering.com
Cruising America's Great Loop and other inland routes
View all threadsRe: GL: MacGregor 26
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Langenwaltermailto:tillerman26@msn.com
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.commailto:great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 5:48 PM
Subject: MacGregor 26
Here's another 2 cents worth about the MacGregor 26. There was one in our
sailing club and all the other boats were also in the 22-27 foot range. The
MacGregor was the only one that lost it's centerboard, literally. When the
boat refused to sail to windward, the owner motored back to dock and pulled
the boat out only to find the centerboard was gone. Most sailboats have a
fixed lead keel which provides a righting moment when the boat heels in
addition to preventing the majority of leeward movement which is what makes it
possible for the boat to sail to weather. The MacGregor has water ballast and
a fiberglass centerboard. Some of the capsizing incidents I have read about
were due to inexperienced sailors forgetting to add the water ballast when
attempting to sail. The result would be similar to a keelboat losing it's
keel.
The MacGregor has introduced scores of people to sailing at an affordable
price and for that I conmmend it, but it's major drawback (in my opinion)
which would prevent me from taking it on an extended trip is it's fragility.
They are inexpensive for a reason. The next time you look at one, take a close
look at the standing rigging and the associated hardware (blocks, winches,
etc.) and then walk to the next slip and examine a similar sized keelboat.
There is really no comparison. The standing MacGregor joke was that you could
buy all your boat's hardware at Home Depot or Tru-Valu Hardware. The
chainplate covers on our friend's MacGregor were pop riveted to the deck, as
were the spreaders to the mast, and while down below on a sunny day, I
actually saw the shadow of a person walking by on the dock on the inside of
the hull. That's not much fiberglass between you and the sea bed if you bump
into a deadhead or some other type of flotsam or jetsam. MacGregors are a
great boat for a weekend at the lake but I wouldn't venture off shore in one
(including the Great Lakes). I can envision the boat going straight to the
bottom after getting pooped by a large following wave with a 300 lb. outboard
hanging on the transom. I don't want to sound like a doomsayer, but it's
something to think about.
Mark
S/V Aislinn
Hunter 36
For anyone contemplating the purchase of a new or used boat, I strongely
recommend reading as much material as you can on the following web site:
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/
Read especially the BUYING A BOAT section and all the articles there. He
gives you great assessments of factory construction techniques that work and
fail, especially after reviewing many boats damaged from the hurricane, or
worse yet, not even a hurricane...just some strong wind !
R.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Langenwalter" tillerman26@msn.com
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 8:06 PM
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Langenwaltermailto:tillerman26@msn.com
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.commailto:great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 5:48 PM
Subject: MacGregor 26
Here's another 2 cents worth about the MacGregor 26. There was one in
our
sailing club and all the other boats were also in the 22-27 foot range.
The
MacGregor was the only one that lost it's centerboard, literally. When the
boat refused to sail to windward, the owner motored back to dock and
pulled
the boat out only to find the centerboard was gone. Most sailboats have a
fixed lead keel which provides a righting moment when the boat heels in
addition to preventing the majority of leeward movement which is what
makes it
possible for the boat to sail to weather. The MacGregor has water ballast
and
a fiberglass centerboard. Some of the capsizing incidents I have read
about
were due to inexperienced sailors forgetting to add the water ballast when
attempting to sail. The result would be similar to a keelboat losing it's
keel.
The MacGregor has introduced scores of people to sailing at an
affordable
price and for that I conmmend it, but it's major drawback (in my opinion)
which would prevent me from taking it on an extended trip is it's
fragility.
They are inexpensive for a reason. The next time you look at one, take a
close
look at the standing rigging and the associated hardware (blocks, winches,
etc.) and then walk to the next slip and examine a similar sized keelboat.
There is really no comparison. The standing MacGregor joke was that you
could
buy all your boat's hardware at Home Depot or Tru-Valu Hardware. The
chainplate covers on our friend's MacGregor were pop riveted to the deck,
as
were the spreaders to the mast, and while down below on a sunny day, I
actually saw the shadow of a person walking by on the dock on the inside
of
the hull. That's not much fiberglass between you and the sea bed if you
bump
into a deadhead or some other type of flotsam or jetsam. MacGregors are a
great boat for a weekend at the lake but I wouldn't venture off shore in
one
(including the Great Lakes). I can envision the boat going straight to the
bottom after getting pooped by a large following wave with a 300 lb.
outboard
hanging on the transom. I don't want to sound like a doomsayer, but it's
something to think about.
Mark
S/V Aislinn
Hunter 36
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
unsubscribe, etc.) go to:
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/great-loop
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/480 - Release Date: 10/17/2006
It was most interesting that this MacGregor 26 thread had been running for the
past few day. Today, I was over at a local boat yard and they were dealing with
a local insurance adjustor regarding a clients MacGregor. It turns out that the
owner of a MacGregor 26X had dropped his mast and damaged it. He put in a claim
to his insurance carrier.
MacGregor told the yard they no long make that mast and could not help them. The
yard called a spar manufacturer who quoted a price so high that the insurance
company will have to total the perfectly good boat instead of paying to put a
new stick in it!
What a great way for MacGregor to support their product!
Kevin
You don't say how old the boat is or anything else.
Just like the other post talking about dropping the centerboard.
These things happen to all boats, regardless what brand they are, but you are
using them to
bash MacGregors.
I went to Volkswagen to get a heater knob for my 1963 bug, and they said they
don't make them anymore. Imagine that !
-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com]On Behalf Of Kevin Redden
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 4:01 PM
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
It was most interesting that this MacGregor 26 thread had been running for
the
past few day. Today, I was over at a local boat yard and they were dealing
with
a local insurance adjustor regarding a clients MacGregor. It turns out that
the
owner of a MacGregor 26X had dropped his mast and damaged it. He put in a
claim
to his insurance carrier.
MacGregor told the yard they no long make that mast and could not help them.
The
yard called a spar manufacturer who quoted a price so high that the insurance
company will have to total the perfectly good boat instead of paying to put a
new stick in it!
What a great way for MacGregor to support their product!
Kevin
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/great-loop
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/480 - Release Date: 10/17/2006
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.5/483 - Release Date: 10/18/2006
They don't make 2005 Chevys, Jeeps, Fords, or any other 2005 models
either.
There are only a couple of mast companies in the whole USA, I'm sure a
replacement could be made. It sounds like the adjuster needed some
common sense.
DWB
Glenn Dean wrote:
You don't say how old the boat is or anything else.
Just like the other post talking about dropping the centerboard.
These things happen to all boats, regardless what brand they are, but you are
using them to
bash MacGregors.
I went to Volkswagen to get a heater knob for my 1963 bug, and they said they
don't make them anymore. Imagine that !
-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com]On Behalf Of Kevin Redden
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 4:01 PM
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
It was most interesting that this MacGregor 26 thread had been running for
the
past few day. Today, I was over at a local boat yard and they were dealing
with
a local insurance adjustor regarding a clients MacGregor. It turns out that
the
owner of a MacGregor 26X had dropped his mast and damaged it. He put in a
claim
to his insurance carrier.
MacGregor told the yard they no long make that mast and could not help them.
The
yard called a spar manufacturer who quoted a price so high that the insurance
company will have to total the perfectly good boat instead of paying to put a
new stick in it!
What a great way for MacGregor to support their product!
Kevin
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/great-loop
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/480 - Release Date: 10/17/2006
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.5/483 - Release Date: 10/18/2006
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/great-loop
Thats what I'm trying to say.
Somebody was mistaken, its hard to beleive Mac doesnt make parts for a two
year old boat,
but even if they don't there should be an aftermarket supplier for something
as common as this,
for a common brand boat, at a resonable price.
I agree, the adjuster didn't do his homework.
-----Original Message-----
From: DWB [mailto:dwbauer@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:58 AM
To: Glenn Dean
Cc: Kevin Redden; great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
They don't make 2005 Chevys, Jeeps, Fords, or any other 2005 models
either.
There are only a couple of mast companies in the whole USA, I'm sure a
replacement could be made. It sounds like the adjuster needed some
common sense.
DWB
Glenn Dean wrote:
You don't say how old the boat is or anything else.
Just like the other post talking about dropping the centerboard.
These things happen to all boats, regardless what brand they are, but you
are
using them to
bash MacGregors.
I went to Volkswagen to get a heater knob for my 1963 bug, and they said
they
don't make them anymore. Imagine that !
-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com]On Behalf Of Kevin Redden
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 4:01 PM
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
It was most interesting that this MacGregor 26 thread had been running for
the
past few day. Today, I was over at a local boat yard and they were dealing
with
a local insurance adjustor regarding a clients MacGregor. It turns out that
the
owner of a MacGregor 26X had dropped his mast and damaged it. He put in a
claim
to his insurance carrier.
MacGregor told the yard they no long make that mast and could not help
them.
The
yard called a spar manufacturer who quoted a price so high that the
insurance
company will have to total the perfectly good boat instead of paying to put
a
new stick in it!
What a great way for MacGregor to support their product!
Kevin
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
unsubscribe, etc.) go to:
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/480 - Release Date: 10/17/2006
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.5/483 - Release Date: 10/18/2006
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
unsubscribe, etc.) go to:
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.5/483 - Release Date: 10/18/2006
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.5/483 - Release Date: 10/18/2006
Many insurance adjusters, and not just marine, really
have no idea what they are looking at and have zilch
for resourcefullness. They get paid, not matter what,
and the policy holder and company both get screwed.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
m/v Another Adventure
Grand Lake - Oklahoma
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Glenn Dean" GDean@CVHoldings.com
To: "DWB" dwbauer@bellsouth.net
CC: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 11:31:53 -0500
Thats what I'm trying to say.
Somebody was mistaken, its hard to beleive Mac doesnt make parts for a two
year old boat,
but even if they don't there should be an aftermarket supplier for something
as common as this,
for a common brand boat, at a resonable price.
I agree, the adjuster didn't do his homework.
-----Original Message-----
From: DWB [mailto:dwbauer@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:58 AM
To: Glenn Dean
Cc: Kevin Redden; great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
They don't make 2005 Chevys, Jeeps, Fords, or
any other 2005 models either.
There are only a couple of mast companies in the
whole USA, I'm sure a replacement could be made.
It sounds like the adjuster needed some common sense.
DWB
Glenn Dean wrote:
You don't say how old the boat is or anything else.
Just like the other post talking about dropping the centerboard.
These things happen to all boats, regardless what brand they are, but you
are
using them to
bash MacGregors.
I went to Volkswagen to get a heater knob for my 1963 bug, and they said
they
don't make them anymore. Imagine that !
-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com]On Behalf Of Kevin Redden
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 4:01 PM
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
It was most interesting that this MacGregor 26 thread had been running
for
the
past few day. Today, I was over at a local boat yard and they were
dealing
with
a local insurance adjustor regarding a clients MacGregor. It turns out
that
the
owner of a MacGregor 26X had dropped his mast and damaged it. He put in a
claim
to his insurance carrier.
MacGregor told the yard they no long make that mast and could not help
them.
The
yard called a spar manufacturer who quoted a price so high that the
insurance
company will have to total the perfectly good boat instead of paying to
put
a
new stick in it!
What a great way for MacGregor to support their product!
Kevin
I also believe, from what I have read here, that
MacGregor 26X is a MUCH older boat than the
current 26M.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
m/v Another Adventure
Grand Lake - Oklahoma
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Glenn Dean" GDean@CVHoldings.com
To: "DWB" dwbauer@bellsouth.net
CC: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 11:31:53 -0500
Thats what I'm trying to say.
Somebody was mistaken, its hard to beleive Mac doesnt make parts for a two
year old boat,
but even if they don't there should be an aftermarket supplier for something
as common as this,
for a common brand boat, at a resonable price.
I agree, the adjuster didn't do his homework.
-----Original Message-----
From: DWB [mailto:dwbauer@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:58 AM
To: Glenn Dean
Cc: Kevin Redden; great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
They don't make 2005 Chevys, Jeeps, Fords, or any other 2005 models
either.
There are only a couple of mast companies in the whole USA, I'm sure a
replacement could be made. It sounds like the adjuster needed some
common sense.
DWB
Glenn Dean wrote:
You don't say how old the boat is or anything else.
Just like the other post talking about dropping the centerboard.
These things happen to all boats, regardless what brand they are, but you
are
using them to
bash MacGregors.
I went to Volkswagen to get a heater knob for my 1963 bug, and they said
they
don't make them anymore. Imagine that !
-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces@lists.samurai.com]On Behalf Of Kevin Redden
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 4:01 PM
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: GL: MacGregor 26
It was most interesting that this MacGregor 26 thread had been running
for
the
past few day. Today, I was over at a local boat yard and they were
dealing
with
a local insurance adjustor regarding a clients MacGregor. It turns out
that
the
owner of a MacGregor 26X had dropped his mast and damaged it. He put in a
claim
to his insurance carrier.
MacGregor told the yard they no long make that mast and could not help
them.
The
yard called a spar manufacturer who quoted a price so high that the
insurance
company will have to total the perfectly good boat instead of paying to
put
a
new stick in it!
What a great way for MacGregor to support their product!
Kevin
-----Original Message-----
Thats what I'm trying to say.
Somebody was mistaken, its hard to beleive Mac doesnt make parts for a two
year old boat,
but even if they don't there should be an aftermarket supplier for something
as common as this,
for a common brand boat, at a resonable price.
I agree, the adjuster didn't do his homework.
It is a bit disconcerting to hear listees jump to conclusions and condemn
someone as not doing their job without knowing the facts.
I sat and listened to the adjustor and the boat yard work on this. They really
didn't want to total the boat, and they worked to avoid that. When they found
that MacGregor could not supply the mast, they called the spar shop MacGregor
recommended, but the costs were far too high to be economical. They looked for,
but did not find other cost-effective solutions, but any time the repair cost
exceeds the insurance value, they have no choice but to total the boat -
regardless as to how callous that sounds.
I was impressed with how much they understood the owner's plight (he was not
even there to hear them), and really wanted to make the repair if they could.
The adjuster even went to the point of checking the yard's quote to see that
they were specking the cheaper rigging hardware that MacGreggor used instead of
the more expensive rigging that some other manufacturers used. He obviously knew
his stuff and was trying hard to avoid totaling the boat.
After watching him in action, I would have no reservations about having him work
a claim for my own boat.
As far as the earlier comparison trying to equate this case to asking for a knob
for a 1963 VW - the MacGregor 26X that you can no longer get a mast for was made
up until only three years ago! It seems the 26X was made from 1995 to 2003. The
26M only started production in 2003.
Kevin
Kevin,
MacGregors enjoy a pretty good resale value, just seems a little odd to
total a perfectly good boat because of a bent mast. I would think a new
mast with rigging would be no more than 3 or 4k.