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 

Marine Surveyors working on the River Shannon Ireland

I am a long established Marine Surveyor based in Carrick on Shannon, Ireland, specialising in the field of Marine Surveying and Consultation. I have been Surveying boats since 1995. By 2022 I have completed over 3750 surveys, which has included 100's of types of Yachts and Motor boats.

I provide a range of Marine Surveys including Pre-Purchase Surveys, Hull Surveys, Systems Surveys, Sea Trials, Insurance Surveys, Damage Surveys, Valuation Reports and Finance Surveys. Specialism is in River Cruisers and I have direct links to the River Shannon.

I will give you an honest opinion of the condition of the boat surveyed and I will carefully construct a choice of survey options to meet your needs.

Email me direct at steventruss1@aol.com 

Broom 35 Survey for Sale Carrick on Shannon

Today i was on the South Broads Surveying this classic TSMY (twin screw motor yacht). The 35 European was one of the earlier models to utilise the, now classic, Broom layout of forward guest cabin, midships saloon, aft owners' cabin with en-suite toilet and shower, and the helm on the aft deck. The galley, partly open to the saloon, and a second toilet are between the forward cabin and saloon.

All boats have an internal helm on the port side of the saloon and can sleep from five to seven people, depending on layout variations and the size of the people, with two or three single berths in the forward cabin, two singles in the aft cabin and a single or double on the convertible settee in the saloon. In addition to the door onto the aft deck, the saloon has sliding doors on both sides giving access to the side decks.

Most earlier boats were fitted with twin Perkins H6.354 diesels of either 115hp or 145hp, the latter being turbo-charged, whilst some had 120hp Ford Mercrafts. This example had the 115HP diesels laying on their sides. Most later boats, from 1978(?), were fitted with twin 140hp Volvos which, because they were taller, required the saloon floor to be raised several inches with a consequent change to the saloon roof, which is noticeably more 'cambered' on these later 'Mark 2' boats.

If you are after a Marine Surveyor in Ireland please email me

Marine Surveyors operating across Ireland

I was back at work today carrying out this Marine Survey on the River Shannon.

This was a one off from Haines. A 36 footer based on the Elegance model, like a mini 42 version. This was a boat for all the family with a 6 berth layout, or all the live-aboard comfort you would need in one open-plan.

Powered by a single Nanni 62hp, she has hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, 240v shore power, battery charger and inverter and a superb upper deck.

Surveyors comments: Haines have an excellent reputation for build quality and I can never fault them after Surveying dozens of different models. Choice is everything when buying your new Haines, from hull color to layout, or from the color of the window blinds to the number of drawers in your master cabin. Haines will expertly customise your craft to accommodate your every need.

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