colgate 26 info wanted

[bffatcat]

Ive heard good things about the colgate 26 and have been considering buying one
but after looking at some pictures of the boat on line. It looks like the outboard is
far aft of the the tiller, and cant be reached from the cockpit. Comments from anyone who
knows anything about this or these boats in general would be appreciated.

 

[Bad Obsession]

My Hunter 22 was the same way. I usually adjusted the outboard, locked it in a straight position, and just went back to steering with the tiller. Most sailboats are that way when they have an outboard.

I know that some sailing schools use the Colgate 26 to instruct students. It is probably a stable boat and fun to sail. Never raced against one but most boats can be raced at the club level.

I don't think that I would want to cruise that boat though.

 

[PaulK]

In your area you might also want to consider a used Sonar. Though it is smaller (24'), there may be more of them around Marblehead than Colgate 26's, which could make them less expensive to buy now and easier to sell later (if you ever do). Either one of these boats is going to feel like a sports car after the Caddy-like ride you've been getting from a P26 with a winged keel.

 

[shemandr]

There was a fleet of them at Liberty Landing Marina where Colgate's school is. I watched them go out in light wind and howling wind. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. If I wanted a daysailor, or competitive Wed PM platform for club level racing for my 55 year old arse and for my budget (Occasional new sails but probably not high tech). I would give this a serious look.

 

[SamLust]

The Colgate 26 was designed for the Colgates as a teaching platform. The overly long area behind the benches provides a place for the instructor to perch out of the way of the action but close enough so control can be maintained if things get hairy. If I were purchasing one I would install a remote engine control lever set for the outboard.

 

[HukilauMike]

My friend used to have one, and I have sailed on it several times. You are correct, the outboard is far behind the tiller. However, it is not so far behind that you can't stretch and play with the throttle/tiller if necessary. It's just too far to do so comfortably. If I owned a Colgate 26, I would buy one of those inexpensive outboard tiller extensions so I would have easy access to the throttle. I really like the boat and wouldn't let the outboard configuration drive my purchase decision. Stable, fast and comfortable. The cockpit on the boat is just enormous, you can easily fit 8 adults in that boat comfortably. If you plan on daysailing, the boat is perfect; however, if you think you might want to cruise at all, the tiny cabin is really inadequate.