How would a macgregor 26m sailboat handle a trip from california to hawaii?

Question

Any who has experience sailing from CA to HI or sailing a Macgregor 26m i would appreciate your input!

Answer 1

i really don't think this particular boat would be the best choice to sail such a long distance.

I do know that a Santa Cruz 27 has done the trans-PAC race a few times as well as a Hobie 33.  so the boat doesn't necessarily have to be BIG, but seaworthy with a competent crew is a must!  - Heck, Web Chile sailed around the world in an open boat 18 ft in length - a Drascombe Lugger!

Answer 2

Hi. the Macgregor 26m that you refer is to the best of my knowledge is 26' feet long, that is a fine day cruiser, but you may want something more along the line of 50'to70' for more safety and a greater capacity(fresh water,food & possably a small crew. it is a long trip even for a larger sail boat. but what ever you do have a great sail and lots of luck;)

Answer 3

Hi

The Mac 26 is a nice little boat to sail(no matter what the snobs say about trailer sailors) but it is designed to be sailed on lakes and protected waterways like Vancouver island's inside passage or the inter-coastal waterway. If you want to sail to hawaii get yourself  a blue water boat with a proper keel and rigged for off shore. Length will be determined by your budget and expected comfort level, lots of small boats have circumnavigated the world!

Answer 4

I agree with the others that the Mac is not the boat. It is too lightly built to deal with prolonged heavy weather. The 50-70 might be more than you need. I believe the Pacific Seacraft 27 has done trans-pacific trips. You would be happier with something 35 feet or more but in any case a full hull heavy boat will give you a better and safer ride.  Better to go a bit slower and get there than. . .

Answer 5

The Mac 26 is only good for sitting at the dock.  These are trailerable boats, and are to be considered inshore day sailers at best.  Among the boating world, they're looked upon with disdain much as someone might sneer at a Gremlin.

You need something no shorter than 35' (and even then you'll need to pick your weather), plenty of low, fixed ballast, a watermaker or 50-gallons of fresh water storage, and preferably an inboard diesel engine, not a 50hp Honda outboard.

Answer 6

The problem here is not a matter of size, it's a matter of application. The MacGregors are designed as more of a cottage/convenience boat.  They are so-so powerboats and not very good sailors.  You couldn't carry enough fuel to get to Hawaii and would take forever by sail assuming you weren't totally destroyed in a storm.  If you plan to sail the high seas, get a sail or power vessel intended for the job.