September 1, 2026
by Stanton Murray
MacGregor 26X & 26M (26MX Series) Specifications & Production Overview
The MacGregor 26 powersailer hybrid series—encompassing the 26X and its updated successor, the 26M (collectively referenced as the 26MX series)—was engineered by Roger MacGregor as a dual-purpose trailerable sailboat capable of planing speeds under power.
Manufacturer: MacGregor Yacht Corp.
Design Team: Roger MacGregor
Production Facility: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Production Years & Volume:
- MacGregor 26X: 1995–2003 (~5,000 units built)
- MacGregor 26M: 2002–2013 (~5,000 units built)
- (Note: Production transitioned to Tattoo Yachts in Florida as the Tattoo 26 from 2013–2016).
Hull & Appendage Configurations:
- 26X: Fiberglass monohull with swing centerboard; twin kick-up rudders. Draft: 0.75 ft (board up) / 5.50 ft (board down). Ballast: 1,400 lbs water ballast tank.
- 26M: Fiberglass monohull with vertical daggerboard; twin kick-up rudders. Draft: 1.00 ft (board up) / 5.75 ft (board down). Ballast: 1,150 lbs water ballast + 300 lbs permanent lead/iron ballast.
Mast & Rigging Options:
- 26X: Fixed fractional rig, aluminum spar. Air draft: ~35 ft. Optional factory mast-raising system.
- 26M: 7/8 fractional rig with a rotating mast spar for improved air-foil shape on upwind legs. Air draft: ~35 ft.
Engine & Propulsion Drive:
- Transom outboard bracket connected to pedestal wheel steering.
- Power range: 10 hp to 50 hp (26X) or up to 60 hp (26M/Tattoo 26) long-shaft outboard motors with remote control linkage.
Layout Configurations & Accommodation:
- Open-plan cabin sleeping up to 6 adults (king-sized aft berth, forward V-berth, dinette sleeper).
- Enclosed head compartment to starboard.
- Galley module: Fixed counter on 26X; sliding fore-and-aft track galley on 26M to adjust cabin seating.
Major Factory Options:
- Aluminum single/dual-axle custom trailer with surge brakes and extended tongue.
- Roller furling jib/genoa, mainsail reefing gear.
- Stern rail seats (catbird seats), bimini top, helm seat backrest.
- Marine head with holding tank or portable toilet.
Market Value Drivers & Maintenance Inspection Points
Transom Gate Valve & Ballast Tank Seals: The water ballast system relies on a transom gate valve and forward vent plug. Leaks in the ballast trunk or worn rubber gaskets allow water contamination into the bilge or loss of ballast while under sail, creating severe stability hazards.
Daggerboard/Centerboard Trunk Wear: Slop in the 26X centerboard pivot pin causes “clack” noise at anchor and gelcoat stress cracks around the trunk. 26M daggerboards are subject to wear along the vertical trunk lining if raised or lowered under heavy strain.
Deck Core & Gelcoat Integrity: 26X decks utilize a plywood core that can rot or delaminate if stanchion or cleat beddings fail. 26M models transitioned to solid fiberglass U-beam structures.
Steering Linkage Rigging: The cable linkage linking the steering wheel, twin rudders, and heavy outboard engine experiences wear and slack, particularly if operated frequently at high speeds or in saltwater without adequate flushing.
Vessel Location Factor: Freshwater, trailer-stored vessels command higher market demand than saltwater-moored units due to trailer frame corrosion, electrical deterioration, and engine salt build-up.
Competitive Model Comparison
| Specification | MacGregor 26X / 26M | Hunter 27 Edge | Tattoo 26 | Catalina 250 WB | Imexus 28 / Odin 820 |
| Type | Hybrid Powersailer | Hybrid Powersailer | Hybrid Powersailer | Trailerable Sailboat | Hybrid Powersailer |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 25′ 10″ | 27′ 0″ | 25′ 10″ | 25′ 0″ | 28′ 2″ |
| Beam | 7′ 10″ / 7′ 9″ | 8′ 6″ | 7′ 9″ | 8′ 6″ | 8′ 2″ |
| Min / Max Draft | 0′ 9″ / 5′ 9″ | 1′ 7″ / 5′ 0″ | 1′ 0″ / 5′ 9″ | 1′ 8″ / 5′ 9″ | 1′ 1″ / 4′ 9″ |
| Displacement (Dry) | 2,250–2,550 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 2,400 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Ballast System | Water (1,150–1,400 lbs) | Water (1,600 lbs) | Water (1,700 lbs) | Water (1,200 lbs) | Water (1,600 lbs) |
| Keel / Board Type | Centerboard (X) / Daggerboard (M) | Swing Centerboard | Vertical Daggerboard | Winged / Water Ballast | Centerboard |
| Max Outboard HP | 50 HP (X) / 60 HP (M) | 75 HP | 60 HP | 10 HP | 90–130 HP |
| Top Speed (Power) | 18–22 Knots | 18–20 Knots | 18–20 Knots | 6–7 Knots | 20–25 Knots |