Macgregor 25

[capngregg]

Hey everyone, I've been looking at what appears to be an all but abandoned Macgregor 25 (pop top) swing keel at a boat yard where I keep my South Coast 22.
The Macgregor hasn't been registered (or probably even in the water since 1986) the trailer tires are flat of course and the boat has been nothing more than a home for many, many generations of hornets. The gelcoat is oxidized really bad, the rigging is there but all the lines need to be replaced. There have also been several poor quality mods done here and there on the boat itself and the cockpit railing is gone. The interior from what I can see (through the sun damaged plexiglass windows) appears to be a disaster also. I can't tell if the sails are there or not but I think the boom and maybe the rudder are in the cabin. The mast is lashed to the bowsprit and a makeshift support at the rear. The mast is pretty worn (scratched badly but doesn't appear to be dented) and the halyards/pulleys are in bad shape.

What I need is some suggestions and opinions on what it may be worth. I like project boats and this one looks do-able but I'm not as familiar with sailboat pricing and residual values as I am with power boats.

The yard operator has contacted the people that pay monthly to keep it stored there and they want to sell it.

Can anyone help me?

 

[capngregg]

Re: Macgregor 25

I forgot to mention it is a 1974 Vintage Boat.

 

[tommays]

Re: Macgregor 25

While the boat has many fans and will allow you to enjoy sailing at a low cost ,you need to be aware it has a very low value even when its in good shape


It is a fair weather sailboat that will not be happy if it gets very windy in your area

There are many clubs that own the boat and you should be able to get a ride on one and if it meets your needs there are plenty of used ones in good shape that do NOT need much work

Tommays

 

[Solittle]

Re: Macgregor 25

Do a Google search on either Macgreggor or Venture. As to value you will find a few usually on the boat trader web site and of course ebay. I like the pop top idea and had use of one for a couple of years.

You could end up putting more into it than it is worth. Having said that I would pick-up one here now if the price was right just to be able to get out on the weekend under sail. They draw very little water so are good for shallow water.

If you look at it check the swing keel and the trunk carefully as they can bind up due to rust in the iron keel (more of a problem if sailed in salt water).

 

[Hitech]

Re: Macgregor 25

You can find them in reasonable condition for as little as $2500. You probably won't find them going for more than $5000, if that.

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Macgregor 25

here is one in decent shape for 1200

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/391712454.html

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Macgregor 25

I bought a 22' Mac (1980) in very good shape for 2800, and I believe about 1/4 of the value was in the fairly new 4hp Yamaha kicker!

 

[pgdignan]

Re: Macgregor 25

Don't do it, everything that needs to be replaced will cost 10 times what it should and 5 times more than it would for a power boat. You're better off finding a slightly better example and enjoying it.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Macgregor 25

You can pretty much take the viewpoint that all of the equipment on the boat is junk or near junk. The hull may or may not be ok so, I would say that you would be doing yourself a huge favor by finding a marine surveyor who not only knows sailboats, but knows Macgregors as well. Doing so will cost you a few bucks but its better to find out now, than to invest a bunch of money in a mast, rigging, swing keel repair, etc., only to find out that the hull has major structural problems.

As nutty as it might sound, if you find out that the hull is basically sound, I would start out by offering to simply take it off of the owners hands for free. Make it sound like you are doing him/her a favor because, frankly, you are. If that doesn't work, offer a nominal amount but be prepared to walk away from the deal, if the amount gets unrealistic. Before you take possession of the boat, though, make sure the owner has whatever paperwork you need in your state to register it in your name. In many states, new owners could get away with registering boats with no papers as "homemade." That often isn't true anymore - they either want papers (previous registration, title, etc.) or copies of the receipts for the materials used to build the boat.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Macgregor 25

No trailer or kicker? It's not worth very much!

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Macgregor 25

Guys, the original post is 11 months old..........

 

[alaindominique]

Re: Macgregor 25

Bonjour tout le monde ,
A person I sold a Macgregor 25 had a very bad badluck on lake of two mountain in Montreal yesterday . Ran onto a rock bank and got the keel conpletely broken off . The keel lays somewhere on the lake bottom but cannot be located , lost .
Can you tell me where that Abadonned Mac is located so I get in contact with the person to salvage parts for this Macgregor or Does any one knows where can i procure a keel for the Macgregor 25 .
We are ready to travel to get one
thanks for the attention
Have a good day
Alain

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Macgregor 25

I don't think the thread starter will see your question.. The message is old.

If you are in need of parts, you can always use eBay. Or try locating an online communtiy for the Macgregor line of boats. Those are going to be your two best bets.

 

[alaindominique]

Re: Macgregor 25 lost keel & replacement keel

Re: Macgregor 25 lost keel & replacement keel

Bonjour tout le monde ,
I have made myself to the idea that the replacement keel , after market or new cannot be found so I got the tape measure out got a few pictures and sketches out of the net and made a full size replica of the original keel to the best of what I can do .
I have installed the full size replica , made of lewan , in position and tried it seem to fit perfect . I brought this full size patern to my welder and gave him the instructions for fabrication . the keel will be available to us friday morning and if everythings goes well the boat should be back sailing on friday afternoon , only six days after the jorney into the rock shoal !
I have the dimensions and will make plenty of pictures , so should anyones would like the dimension of the replica I have made and the way to do it with the pictures please do not hesitate it will be a pleasure to help out .
My Email is marsouin2@hotmail.com and home phone in Montreal is 450-491-4460 .
Sorry no Cell phone I like the idea of being free
Bonjour et a bientot .
Merci de votre attention
Alain

 

[Hitech]

Re: Macgregor 25

I'd love to see a picture of the finished keel. I don't have a need for one, but I'd like to see it anyway.