Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 23.2′, the Macgregor 26M tops out around 6.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √23.2′ LWL = 6.5 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
219s/nm
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Ballast / Displacement
36.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
144
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
6.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
4lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Macgregor 26M sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Macgregor 26M
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Macgregor 26X
Laguna 26
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Macgregor 26M.
| Macgregor 26M | Laguna 26 | Macgregor 26D | Macgregor 26S | Macgregor 26X | S2 79 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 25.8 | 25.8 | 25.8 | 25.8 | 25.8 | 25.9 |
| LWL | 23.2 | 21.5 | 23.5 | 23.5 | 23.0 | 21.7 |
| Beam | 7.8 | 8.3 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 9.0 |
| Displacement | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Ballast | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | 275 | — | — | 281 | 329 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 219 | 240 | — | — | 219 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.8 | — | — | 18.7 | 20.1 |
| Bal/Disp | 36.3 | — | 42.1 | 42.1 | 37.3 | 39.4 |
| Comfort | — | 15.7 | — | — | 15.7 | 15.3 |
| Capsize | — | 2.12 | — | — | 2.02 | 2.23 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.2 | — | — | 6.4 | 6.2 |