1984 MacGregor 26 vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 — Comparison

1984 MacGregor 261984 MacGregor 26
VS
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 MacGregor 26Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
General
ManufacturerMacGregorJeanneau
Year1984–19952010–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRoger MacGregorDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA7.80 m (25.6 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL6.71 m (22.0 ft)8.92 m (29.3 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft0.61 m (2.0 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement998 kg (2,200 lbs)3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)
Ballast227 kg (500 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area22.3 m² (240 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeCenterboardFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine5 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity15 L (4.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity23 L (6.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 MacGregor 26
22.70
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
20.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 MacGregor 26
22.75
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 MacGregor 26
1.04
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 MacGregor 26
8.72
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
14.86

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 MacGregor 26 and Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 MacGregor 26 is a 1980s design by MacGregor from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1984 MacGregor 26 was penned by Roger MacGregor. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the 1984 MacGregor 26 measures 7.80m (25.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 at 9.72m (31.9ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is 1.92m longer than the 1984 MacGregor 26. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 displaces approximately 291% 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, with an SA/D of 20.51 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 22.8% for the 1984 MacGregor 26 and 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 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.

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