Mac Gregor 26 sailboat / Marine Insurance Survey Ireland

Today's Boat Insurance Survey was in Lahinch. This is a small town on Liscannor Bay, on the northwest coast of County Clare, Ireland.

The MacGregor 26 Sailboat is a trailable sailing boat. It is also a water-ballasted trailer sailboat. This boat is 26 feet long and is not difficult to rig and sail. Its most attractive quality is not its ability to sail but its capacity to perform as a fast power cruiser. This sailboat is capable of cruising at 22 miles per hour!

You need to steer a sailboat from the helm so you won’t miss any of the action. These boats are primarily powered by the wind that hits the sails. The engines that provide auxiliary power to sailboats are cheaper to run than the engines that run powerboats since they use less fuel.

If you are a novice sailor, the MacGregor 26 Sailboat is a great option. It is the best-selling cruising sailboat in the world. A total of 38,000 MacGregor sailboats have been sold to date. 

The MacGregor 26 is self-righting due to the 1,200 lbs. of water completely sealed in the baffled centerline compartment located under the sole. After it’s launched on the water, a valve is opened to flood this area. The valve is closed when enough water is contained. On haul out, this valve is again opened to drain the water.

Surveyors comments: Shes a bit like marmite. You either love or hate it! As the boat maker claims, the primary strength of this sailboat lies in its water ballast system. That is why its weight is relatively light, which makes it easy to tow on a trailer. There are apparently quite a few on the inland waters of Ireland. The very shallow draft makes her very suitable for large lakes and Loughs. 

If you require any help or just want some advice please drop me an email to steventruss1@aol.com 

Boat Surveyor for Insurance Ireland

Today's assignment was to Survey this Sheerline Motor Boat. A newer model is under production at Wroxham Marine (Norfolk UK) and will be introduced next year. This was once the flagship of the aft cockpit range, the Sheerline 1020 is a luxuriously appointed, custom-built, six berth cruiser. The three cabins - owner's stateroom, saloon/dinette providing double berth with galley and guest cabin aft - mean that the Sheerline 1020 is ideal for family cruising.

This example has the 100HP Nanni diesel on V drive. 

And the electrically-powered retracting windscreen and removable canopy mean that the Thames above Osney Bridge and the smaller rivers on the broads are within reach.

CAT 'C' means inshore use within 10 miles of land 

'V' drives are a great idea until you have to get underneath the engine to re-pack the stern gland! 

Dimensions & Capacities
Number of berths 6 berths in 3 cabins
RCD Category C
Length overall 10.20m 33´6"
Length waterline 8.11m 26´7"
Beam 3.50m 11´6"
Draught 0.90m 2´11"
Airdraft at lowest 2.13m 7´3"
Fuel capacity (Stainless steel tank) 409ltrs 90galls
Water capacity (Stainless steel tank) 340ltrs 75galls
Holding tank capacity (stainless steel
tank)
327ltrs 72galls
Dry weight 5325kg

Surveyors comment: Great Sheerline build quality, and the hulls are protected with an epoxy barrier coat from new to protect against osmosis. A spacious aft cockpit with helm and double helm seat has ample space for entertaining complete with wet bar and optional cockpit fridge and sink area. The forward stateroom features a central double berth with storage beneath and wardrobes to port and starboard. The aft Cabin offers a twin or double berth layout. I will look forward to seeing the newer model next year.

Thinking of Buying a Boat IN iRELAND and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:  steventruss1@aol.com