The MacGregor 26 sailing on the open Ocean off the coast of California.
Once the 26 is launched, it needs only 12" of water to float. It will sail in places most other boats simply cannot go. Unlike most other trailerable cruisers, the 26 has a daggerboard that retracts completely into the hull, allowing the boat to be launched and beached without fear of damage to the centerboard system.
Anywhere you can car-launch a 15' rowboat, you can launch a MacGregor 26. There are ramps everywhere, and they cost very little to use, typically $2 to $5. Many are free.
Launching is easy because the boat sits lower on its trailer than any other trailerable cruiser.
The launching procedure is simple. The car is backed down the ramp until the boat just starts to float free of the trailer (normally, the car tires will be just touching the water). The bow line is released and one person gets on the boat, starts the motor, and powers the boat off the trailer. To recover the boat, the procedure is reversed. Under outboard power (it can be done under sail, but not as easily), the boat is driven onto the trailer until it hits the bow stop at the front of the trailer. With the motor still running to keep the nose of the boat pressed against the bow support, the crew goes forward and down the trailer ladder. The bow line is then connected and the boat is winched in tight. There are guide posts at the rear of the trailer, and a large V at the nose to keep the boat centered as it goes on and off the trailer. There is also a ladder at the front of the trailer to make it easy to get up on the boat.
This optional sunshade is a comfort on really hot days. It folds back, out of the way, when not in use. It can be left in place for powering or sailing. On a hot summer day, you will always be cooler on the water.
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. Ample fuel storage is provided. There are storage hatches in the cockpit that will hold 2 standard 12 gallon fuel tanks.
We limited the engine size to 60 hp for a number of reasons. An electric start 60 hp motor provides lots of speed, yet it is light enough so that sailing performance is not compromised. It is about the largest engine that can be started by hand, a nice feature if your battery goes dead. Also, the heavier, higher horsepower engines really eat up gas.
Even if you are only interested in sail, you might consider this. Many areas have those wonderful sailing spots that are just out of reach! Here in British Columbia a favorite spot is the Gulf Islands, they are about 24 miles from the mainland. 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 strait 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.
Call now to receive an updated order form for your new MacGregor 26M
Once the 26 is launched, it needs only 12" of water to float. It will sail in places most other boats simply cannot go. Unlike most other trailerable cruisers, the 26 has a daggerboard that retracts completely into the hull, allowing the boat to be launched and beached without fear of damage to the centerboard system.
This optional sunshade is a comfort on really hot days. It folds back, out of the way, when not in use. It can be left in place for powering or sailing. On a hot summer day, you will always be cooler on the water.
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. Ample fuel storage is provided. There are storage hatches in the cockpit that will hold 2 standard 12 gallon fuel tanks. 
Even if you are only interested in sail, you might consider this. Many areas have those wonderful sailing spots that are just out of reach! Here in British Columbia a favorite spot is the Gulf Islands, they are about 24 miles from the mainland. 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 strait 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.