All this whinging about performance, I had a brutal 7 / 8 NE on the nose coming back from Le Havre and Little Mermaid took it without flinching! Not quite dry as a bone but a sight more dry than the Gibsea I had in similar conditions - and the Gibsea was knocked down - what the hell is the problem? This boat will look after you whether she has shallow keels or not, and if you want to press on, start the engine. A no brainer really!!
Owned now 10 years and on the hard at Sussex Yacht Club for relaunch next June and eventually passing on to my grandsons - there is no safer boat in my opinion.
Contact welcome through Macwesters Owners or direct by e mail.
Buy while there are any left for sale and enjoy one of the best little yachts - but don't expect big speed - 4 / 5 knots can be done and motor sail up wind!!
Yaman
Delightful to single hand and safe.
When you know her - none.
Reviewing a 1965 model.
Yanmar single thumper fitted
Owned for more than 5 years.
I owned and sailed my Mac 26 for ten years, sailing to Europe and the east coast of England. This is a very well built and strong small cruising yacht, quite capable of making a trans Atlantic crossing. I found the sailing performance to be poor. Down wind or a reach was ok but pointing was a problem. This is caused by the very shallow twin keels. The boat also had lots of weather helm. There is a great amout of space inside for a boat of 26 feet. Though, because of the solid GRP layup it rains inside.
Tough old boat with loads of space just so long as you don't plan on getting anywhere fast.
Little Mermaid survived a galley fire on the hard at Brighton Marina (good guys)- thanks Brighton Fire Brigade - my son, my friend and myself rebuilt her - nice new red Jeckells sails and everything else inside is new - we made Paris summer 2002, Dieppe 2003.
Be assured, about the best affordable yacht I have come across - intend to keep - in dinghy terms nearly as good as a Mirror.
Super yacht Ive had my Mac 26 for 4 years she is superb sea boat and I reccommend this yacht to any one wanting a sturdy safe boat with good accommodation and safety features. My yacht has been on Lake Windermere but is now in the Dee Estuary and I look forward to taking her over to France next year 2004
Done 10,000 nm over 12 yrs in Macwester 26 Marcus. Cutter rig with bowsprit transforms performance as normally under-canvassed. Cut down main (from 140 to 110 sq ft ) reduces weather helm with bowsprit. Many boats have a balanced rudder now which also helps.
Quite fast off the wind and these boats are really good sea boats which do look after you. Only selling this boat as have bigger boat now, but will always retain affection for Mac 26.
Build is very heavy and without any problems with hulls such as westerlys and without the high prices prices.
These boats are very beamy and have high form stability i.e. good for wives who don't like high angles of heel!
Prices are very variable depending on whether re-engined with diesel engine, size of engine and whether updated. It is possible to get a cheap boat in need of re-furbishment around £7-7500 but boats in commission are normally £8500 - £10500 and excellent ones up to £12000.
Second review following further time with Little Mermaid.
The sails are old (obviously for a 35 year old boat) but the roller reefing genoa pulls great. I need a winch to get the main head razor tight and a downhaul is also essential though difficult with boom roller reefing. I will prevail and report later.
No regrets with boat, alos some releif at not going for the Centaur, not the same animal at all.
My first 20 foot+ boat and only second season on the sea. A very forgiving and sturdy, safe boat. Despite what you hear with full sail and a good wind they are capable of good speeds (5 knots with full genoa and main at slack water on close haul in bottom end of force 3 yesterday, stonking good sail) and the leaway isn't as bad as some would have you think. A solid heavy boat which will take a lot more stick than these modern lightweights.
Shop around when buying as their age can lead to a bit of work refitting. Well worth a bit of TLC. Be wary of original engines Stuart T, Albin, Vire etc. They will be well past sell by date unless exceptionally well looked after.
Excellent boat for safe, confident cruising in all kinds of weather with good accomodation.
Based on one winter passage, 6/7 off Langstone with 3 to 4 metre waves on low spring. Took shelter in Ramsagte with kind help from Dover coastguard and Ramsgate lifeboat. The Macwester took it in her stride, the single cylinder Yanmar - 12HP - performed great. Boat now in her home port at Brighton Marina ready for further action and fun.
Owned for 3 months.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed May 2003.
Performance
Safety
Accomodation
Overall Value for Money
TERRIBLY BALANCED BOAT, REQUIRED REEFING MAINSAIL TO REDUCE STEERING EFFORT. TOP CONSTRUCTION, OVERBUILT. GOOD ACCOMODATION ALL AT REASONABLE PRICE.
MY BOAT'S MANE: "ORTSA" REG. LITTLEHAMPTON AND OWNED FOR 14 YEARS IN GREECE (ISLAND OF SAMOS)
NICHOLAS D. INGLESSIS
Owned for more than 5 years.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed July 2002.
Performance
Safety
Accomodation
Overall Value for Money
I have a Macwester 26 moored on Lake Windermere she is excellent safe and a brilliant family boat if you want any info on this great boat please email [Log in to view email]
Owned for 2 years.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed July 2002.
Performance
Safety
Accomodation
Overall Value for Money
My first proper sailing boat apart from The Broads. Lovely accomodation and comfort. The ten HP Yanmar a great addition. The only bad experience was with a snapped port stay inside the Farne Islands and consequently a downed mast - certainly not the boat's fault although she is very stiff! The only craft for me. [Log in to view email]
Owned for 3 years.
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