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 23.5′, the Macgregor 26S tops out around 6.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √23.5′ 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.
Ballast / Displacement
42.1%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
98
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 26S sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Macgregor 26M
Macgregor 26X
Cape Dory 26
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Macgregor 26S.
| Macgregor 26S | Cape Dory 26 | Macgregor 26D | Macgregor 26M | Macgregor 26X | S2 79 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 25.8 | 25.9 | 25.8 | 25.8 | 25.8 | 25.9 |
| LWL | 23.5 | 19.3 | 23.5 | 23.2 | 23.0 | 21.7 |
| Beam | 7.8 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 9.0 |
| Displacement | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Ballast | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | 304 | — | — | 281 | 329 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 237 | — | 219 | 219 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 16.1 | — | — | 18.7 | 20.1 |
| Bal/Disp | 42.1 | 45.3 | 42.1 | 36.3 | 37.3 | 39.4 |
| Comfort | — | 24.2 | — | — | 15.7 | 15.3 |
| Capsize | — | 1.84 | — | — | 2.02 | 2.23 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.9 | — | — | 6.4 | 6.2 |