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]
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 centerboard. The newer hybrid model has a hull designed for planing, and can be operated at 20 knots under power.[3]
The fiberglass 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
| 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 | Centerboard | water | ||
| 26X[6] | 1995–2003 | Centerboard | water | ~5,000 (est.) | up to 50 hp |
| 26M[7] | 2003–2013 | Daggerboard | water + fixed ballast | ~5,000 (est.) |
References
- ^ “MacGregor 26 Boat Review | Boats Online”. www.boatsonline.com.au. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ a b Nicholson, Darrell (1 August 1995). “MacGregor 26”. Practical Sailor. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ Staff, Practical Sailor (8 January 2025). “MacGregor 26M Used Boat Review”. Practical Sailor. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ “MACGREGOR 26D”. sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ “MACGREGOR 26S”. sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ “MACGREGOR 26X”. sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ “MACGREGOR 26M”. sailboatdata. Retrieved 2 January 2026.