MacGregor Sailboats, the Trailerable Cruisers That Sold by the Thousands

Costa Mesa builder of water-ballasted, trailerable sailboats and powersailers, from a Stanford MBA project to more than 36,000 boats.

Headquarters
Costa Mesa, California, USA
Models reviewed
1

MacGregor models

MacGregor built more than 36,000 small, trailerable sailboats in California, ending with the 26X and 26M powersailers. Production stopped in 2013, but used MacGregors remain one of the cheapest ways into cruising.

Known for
  • Water-ballasted trailerable sailboats
  • The MacGregor 26X and 26M powersailers
  • Venture pocket cruisers and the Hall of Fame M-25
  • Low prices and huge production numbers

A Stanford class project that built 36,000 boats

Roger MacGregor started his company as part of a Stanford University MBA class project in the early 1960s, and he ran it from Costa Mesa, California until he retired in 2013. The first boats were sold under the Venture name, which was used until 1977, starting with the swing-keel Venture 21 pocket cruiser. Over five decades MacGregor built more than 36,000 boats, mostly trailerable sailboats from about 15 to 26 feet, plus a 36-foot catamaran and about 100 of the M-65 performance yacht.

MacGregor's genius was cost and practicality. Swing keels, water ballast and light hulls made boats that a family could tow behind an ordinary vehicle and rig at a ramp. The MacGregor 25, in production from 1973 to 1987 with more than 7,000 built, was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 2000.

The MacGregor 26X, half sailboat and half powerboat

The MacGregor 26X, the model we cover in depth, arrived in the mid-1990s and ran until 2003, when the 26M replaced it. It is a water-ballasted 26-footer with a swing centerboard that can carry a 50 hp outboard and plane at speeds over 20 knots with the ballast tanks drained. Sailing purists dismiss it, but owners love being able to motor to the next harbor, sail the afternoon and trailer home.

The 26M added 300 pounds of fixed ballast, a daggerboard and up to 60 hp. When MacGregor closed, Roger's daughter Laura MacGregor Sharp formed Tattoo Yachts in Stuart, Florida, which bought the 26M tooling and built it as the Tattoo 26.

Cheap to buy, but check these points first

A used MacGregor 26X typically sells for roughly $9,000 to $25,000 depending on condition, engine and trailer. Parts come from Tattoo Yachts, aftermarket suppliers and very active owner forums. These are light boats, so condition matters more than age.

Inspect the following before you buy.

  • Water ballast tank, fill valve and vent for leaks or cracks
  • Centerboard or daggerboard trunk, pivot and lifting line
  • Transom and motor mount stress from large outboards
  • Outboard hours, compression and lower unit condition
  • Trailer frame, axles, bearings, brakes and tires
  • Mast raising system, standing rigging and deck core around fittings

MacGregor history

  1. Early 1960sRoger MacGregor founds the company as a Stanford MBA class project.
  2. 1973The MacGregor 25 enters production and later passes 7,000 hulls.
  3. 1977The Venture brand name is retired in favor of MacGregor.
  4. Mid-1990sThe MacGregor 26X powersailer launches.
  5. 2003The 26M replaces the 26X.
  6. 2013Roger MacGregor retires and production ends; Tattoo Yachts takes over the 26M tooling.

Frequently asked questions

Is MacGregor still making sailboats?

No. MacGregor closed in 2013. Tattoo Yachts in Florida bought the 26M tooling and built it as the Tattoo 26.

How fast can a MacGregor 26X go under power?

With a 50 hp outboard and the water ballast drained, a 26X can plane at more than 20 knots.

Can a MacGregor 26 go offshore?

It is designed for lakes, bays and coastal hops in settled weather, not for open-ocean passages.

How much is a used MacGregor 26X worth?

Most sell for roughly $9,000 to $25,000, depending on condition, engine and trailer.