Q. If I am not a sailor, can I buy a MacGregor 26?

A. Yes of course you can. The M26 is probably one of the most user-friendly boats available on the market today. Not only has it been designed to be light and easy to load on and off the trailer the boat's designer has also provided a Learning to Sail. Once you have bought a boat from us we will provide several hours of instruction at the time of delivery/collection to include mast raising and lowering and launching and retrieving and boat handling.

Q. Can I tow this yacht easily with my family car or do I need a 4WD?

A. Yes, it is able to be towed with a family car. Because of the relatively light weight (less than 2 ton) it is a very easy trailer to tow and with the single axle, braked trailer and even weight distribution, you almost forget you are towing. Reversing, once you have the 'knack', is a breeze. However, in some instances a 4WD may be more desirable because of steep, uneven or gravel launching areas.

Q. How long can I live aboard the yacht, on the water?

A. As long as you like provided you have, or have access to, ample provisions, water and fuel throughout your cruise. Cruising in the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman / Golden Bay or the Bay of Islands would be ideal.

Q. Can I live on the yacht, on land?

A. Yes, it is an ideal campervan. If there is no water on which to sail one can easily pull into a Motor camp, pay site fees for a night, use the facilities and unhitch to sightsee or whatever.

Q. If I am in a marina, am I able to connect to shore power?

A. Yes, certainly, if you have added that capability to your yacht. You would then also be able to use power in a motor camp.

Q. Do I need to anti-foul the yacht's hull?

A. No, if you are not leaving it on a mooring or in a marina permanently or for months at a time. For short periods of time and over the summer months it is fine to leave your MacGregor in the water. The hull is easily cleaned after this length of time.

Q. Do I need a tender / dinghy?

A. The beauty of the MacGregor is that you are able to run it up onto a beach and therefore a dinghy is not essential. If you are in a tidal area and do not want to be dried out a tender would be useful if you wish to go ashore from an anchorage. The aft, cockpit fairleads have the load capacity for towing a dinghy, under sail or power, so there is no reason not to, if you wish.

Q. Does the MacGregor 26 have enough power to pull a water-skier?

A. With a 50hp outboard motor the MacGregor 26 can attain speeds of up to 18 knots more than enough to pull a water-skier. The specially designed hull slices through the waves which makes it a comfortable and stable ride even at these high speeds.

Q. Why limit the outboard motor to 50 HP?

A. An electric start motor of this size can still provide a lot of speed but does not compromise sailing performance. It is also about the largest engine that can be started by hand offering a valuable back-up option when faced with a dead battery. If you do install a bigger engine, it will also void the factory 2 year Hull Warranty.

Q. If I change my lifestyle will it be easy to resell a MacGregor 26?

A. Very. The resale value of the Genuine Dealer Import Yacht has remained high in relation to the value of other boats, especially those stored in the water, because of the solid fibreglass laminates used in the production process. The complete lack of exterior woodwork, means there is no time-consuming wood to maintain or refinish. The rigging is anodized aluminium and stainless steel so is free of rusting. Many of the boats, even after ten years, look as good as they did the day they left the factory.

Q. I am concerned about the safety of my family if something should happen while we are out on the water.

A. The M26 was designed by a family man for his family so safety is a priority. The boat's safety features include built-in solid foam flotation to keep it afloat in the event of damage. We even drilled a hole in the bottom as a test and although the boat filled with water it still remained afloat with six adults standing on it. The boat won't sail, and it will be unstable, but it sure beats swimming. The boat is also self-righting. With the water ballast tank filled the boat will return quickly to an upright position.

Q. Won't it be cheaper and easier to buy the boat myself from the US?

A. No, for several reasons. Firstly, the manufacturers do not sell direct to the public and will advise you to contact your nearest dealer, giving you their details. In New Zealand Haven Yachts Ltd is the exclusive MacGregor Improter and Dealer. Secondly, we make numerous, neccessary upgrades to the boat to enable it to comply with New Zealand regulations and which also make it more user friendly and cost effective for the purchaser.

We are also able to provide pre and post sales service and boat handling instruction. Buying direct from the dealer assures you of the 2 Year Warranty and sound advice regarding the correct outboard engine specification requirements.