1984 MacGregor 26 vs Hunter 260 — Comparison
1984 MacGregor 26
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1984 MacGregor 26 | Hunter 260 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | MacGregor | Hunter |
| Year | 1984–1995 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Roger MacGregor | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 0.61 m (2.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 227 kg (500 lbs) | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 22.3 m² (240 ft²) | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Centerboard | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 5 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1984 MacGregor 26 and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 MacGregor 26 is a 1980s design by MacGregor from USA, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1984 MacGregor 26 was penned by Roger MacGregor. The Hunter 260 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1984 MacGregor 26 measures 7.80m (25.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the Hunter 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Hunter 260 is 0.05m longer than the 1984 MacGregor 26. The Hunter 260 displaces approximately 105% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1984 MacGregor 26 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 22.70 and 22.3 m² of sail area. The Hunter 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1984 MacGregor 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1984 MacGregor 26 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 8.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.04). The Hunter 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 22.8% for the 1984 MacGregor 26 and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1984 MacGregor 26 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 15L of fuel. The Hunter 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 260 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1984 MacGregor 26 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1984 MacGregor 26 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1984 MacGregor 26 · Hunter 260