Macgregor boats
MacGregor built affordable trailerable sailboats, primarily in the 25 to 26 foot range, with many models offering both sail and auxiliary power. With 225 registered US hulls and a median used price around $10,000, these boats appeal to budget conscious buyers and those seeking a compact cruiser that can be towed home. Most MacGregors on the used market date from the 1980s and 1990s.
Macgregor used price range
From 837 live listings in BoatVerdict's market data (10th, 50th, 90th percentile).
See Macgregor values by model year →Are Macgregor boats reliable?
MacGregor boats have zero USCG recalls on record, though their lighter construction (designed for trailerability) means gel coat and structural issues can appear with age. Of the 225 registered hulls, 184 have gasoline power, often outboard or small inboard setups that require close inspection on older models. Ownership cost is driven by rigging replacement, gel coat repair, and maintenance of the water ballast system found on popular models like the MacGregor 26.
Common problems to inspect on a used Macgregor
- Water ballast tank leaks and valve failures on models with retractable keel systems
- Gel coat crazing, blistering, and delamination from sun and moisture exposure
- Outboard motor bracket and transom stress cracks from underpowered or oversized engines
- Standing rigging corrosion and turnbuckle wear on units from the 1980s and 1990s
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Macgregor models we have market data on (1)
Ranked by how much evidence we hold, not alphabetically. Each one opens a full intelligence page: asking prices by model year, engines we actually observe, known problems, recalls and a model-specific inspection list.
| Model | Listings | Median ask | Typical range | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26X | 47 | $10,500 | $9k–$15k | — |
Asking prices from listings we observed, de-duplicated so a re-posted boat counts once. Models below our evidence bar are not listed here and are not submitted to search engines, which is why this table is shorter than Macgregor's full catalogue.
Recalls (0)
No USCG recalls on file for Macgregor.
USCG MIC entries (2)
Frequently asked questions
Are MacGregor boats good quality?
MacGregor boats were built to be affordable and trailerable, which meant lighter layup schedules than heavier bluewater designs. They suit coastal cruising and lake sailing, but buyers should budget for gel coat and rigging work on older models.
Do MacGregor boats hold their value?
Used MacGregors range from $3,500 to $14,500 with a median around $10,000, reflecting their entry level positioning. Depreciation is steep in the first decade, but clean examples stabilize as affordable starter boats.
Can you trailer a MacGregor boat?
Yes, trailerability was a core design goal. The median MacGregor is 25.8 feet, and many models feature swing keels or water ballast to reduce draft and weight for highway towing.
What year MacGregor is best?
The most common registered years are 1994, 1982, and 2000, with the MacGregor 26 series being the volume leader. Later 1990s and 2000s models generally have better quality control and updated interiors compared to early 1980s builds.
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