I am looking around for a 26.5 and would like some feed back on sailing/racing this boat. The information on the www is limited to only one or two sites with infomation about this boat. If anyone could help I would be so thankful.
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26.5 reviews
This site has 20 owner reviews. I think the reviews I have read reflect the 26.5 strengths and weaknesses. Its a tender boat, but its quick and fun. Shallow wing keel allows more sailing options, but when (not if) you run aground, is a bit more difficult to get loose. It all very much depends on how you intend to use it. IMO, if its pure phrf racing, its a good choice as it seems to be capable of being sailed to its rating fairly easily. If your idea is to use it for weekend "cruising", its one of a lot of boats, many with better headroom, the 25.5 probably has more usable space (also quicker than its usual rating). Check with yachtworld.com for the market value. If the boat you're considering is being offered at a decent price and you get a favorable survey, its a great boat.
This site has 20 owner reviews. I think the reviews I have read reflect the 26.5 strengths and weaknesses. Its a tender boat, but its quick and fun. Shallow wing keel allows more sailing options, but when (not if) you run aground, is a bit more difficult to get loose. It all very much depends on how you intend to use it. IMO, if its pure phrf racing, its a good choice as it seems to be capable of being sailed to its rating fairly easily. If your idea is to use it for weekend "cruising", its one of a lot of boats, many with better headroom, the 25.5 probably has more usable space (also quicker than its usual rating). Check with yachtworld.com for the market value. If the boat you're considering is being offered at a decent price and you get a favorable survey, its a great boat.
D
drew
use of hunter 26.5
I plan on using the boat for cruising on the weekends, and for club racing during the week. The pictures (and i have only seen pictures) make the boat look as if it has a nice layout. What does it mean when a boat is "tender"
I plan on using the boat for cruising on the weekends, and for club racing during the week. The pictures (and i have only seen pictures) make the boat look as if it has a nice layout. What does it mean when a boat is "tender"
Strengths and weaknesses
Tender means that it has a tendency to heel quickly and respond to gusts. Some may call it "tippy". IMO the 26.5 is a great boat for fun racing. Its quick, does well in light wind, handles quite well, moves along smartly on all points of sail except directly downwind (better to sail a broad reach than a direct downwind run). The cabin headroom is compromised in order to have a lower cabin roof. The upside of this is the improved visibility from the cockpit. My suggestion is to look very closely at the cabin room and determine for yourself if you think it would meet your needs for a long weekend. Probably would, but ymmv. As an alternative, and in comparison, also take a look at the Hunter 25.5 (very roomy, quick and very liveable cabin), the Catalina 25 (fixed keel model) and the Catalina 27. IMO, all of these boats are reasonably competitive in the price range and functionality (no flames please, this is only my OPINION) and have their advantages.
Tender means that it has a tendency to heel quickly and respond to gusts. Some may call it "tippy". IMO the 26.5 is a great boat for fun racing. Its quick, does well in light wind, handles quite well, moves along smartly on all points of sail except directly downwind (better to sail a broad reach than a direct downwind run). The cabin headroom is compromised in order to have a lower cabin roof. The upside of this is the improved visibility from the cockpit. My suggestion is to look very closely at the cabin room and determine for yourself if you think it would meet your needs for a long weekend. Probably would, but ymmv. As an alternative, and in comparison, also take a look at the Hunter 25.5 (very roomy, quick and very liveable cabin), the Catalina 25 (fixed keel model) and the Catalina 27. IMO, all of these boats are reasonably competitive in the price range and functionality (no flames please, this is only my OPINION) and have their advantages.
W
Wright Ellis
I own one ...
... and have nicknamed it my "pocket cruiser" because it will do nicely for two folks to go cruising if you are marina hopping (as most folks do). We have been on several Chesapeake Bay weekend trips and have had fun being the smallest boat in the transient slip area, thereby paying the least amount of money. The porta-potti hasn't caused a single problem as compared to all the head horror stories one reads on this site. The 26.5 has a lot of storage and the port side quarter berth is a buck-and-a-quarter berth. The Origo alcohol stove is more than adequate for short-order cooking. It will point so high into a wind you won't believe your masthead tell-tale. I have sailed a close reach into a 20+ knot wind and haven't found it to be tender at all, heeling only 25 degrees or so. This gal will smoke when the breeze hits 10 kn. or above. I love having the motor and gasoline outside of the salon area. The open stern cockpit and integral swim ladder are a big plus. The low head room is something to get used to, but I am also a canoe camper and and find my 26.5 a huge step up from a tent. Perspective is the key. I love "WhiskyII." She's seaworthy, fast, nimble and comfortable. I'd fall in love with her all over again.
... and have nicknamed it my "pocket cruiser" because it will do nicely for two folks to go cruising if you are marina hopping (as most folks do). We have been on several Chesapeake Bay weekend trips and have had fun being the smallest boat in the transient slip area, thereby paying the least amount of money. The porta-potti hasn't caused a single problem as compared to all the head horror stories one reads on this site. The 26.5 has a lot of storage and the port side quarter berth is a buck-and-a-quarter berth. The Origo alcohol stove is more than adequate for short-order cooking. It will point so high into a wind you won't believe your masthead tell-tale. I have sailed a close reach into a 20+ knot wind and haven't found it to be tender at all, heeling only 25 degrees or so. This gal will smoke when the breeze hits 10 kn. or above. I love having the motor and gasoline outside of the salon area. The open stern cockpit and integral swim ladder are a big plus. The low head room is something to get used to, but I am also a canoe camper and and find my 26.5 a huge step up from a tent. Perspective is the key. I love "WhiskyII." She's seaworthy, fast, nimble and comfortable. I'd fall in love with her all over again.
Great Boat
Drew, We have had our 26.5 for three years now and love it. The boat is "tender" up until about 15 degrees of heel. After 15 degrees, the reserve stability of the hull takes over. Many of the folks on the forum have said, and I agree with them, that the boat is fastest at not much more than 15 degrees of heel. The traveller does a good job of depowering the boat when the wind is up and conversely maintaining power when the wind is low. To really race the 26.5 and get really cranking, seriously consider fairing the bottom and using a bottom paint like VC-17 or another super slick paint. Watch the rudder as many have water pennetration which will freeze in the winter and cause the rudder to delaminate. Trust me, been there done that... If you want to chat about the boat, e-mail me at svwalkabout at hotmail.com. (Pardon me spelling it out, the last time I put my e-mail up on this board, I got spam for six months.) Good luck, Clayton s/v Walkabout
Drew, We have had our 26.5 for three years now and love it. The boat is "tender" up until about 15 degrees of heel. After 15 degrees, the reserve stability of the hull takes over. Many of the folks on the forum have said, and I agree with them, that the boat is fastest at not much more than 15 degrees of heel. The traveller does a good job of depowering the boat when the wind is up and conversely maintaining power when the wind is low. To really race the 26.5 and get really cranking, seriously consider fairing the bottom and using a bottom paint like VC-17 or another super slick paint. Watch the rudder as many have water pennetration which will freeze in the winter and cause the rudder to delaminate. Trust me, been there done that... If you want to chat about the boat, e-mail me at svwalkabout at hotmail.com. (Pardon me spelling it out, the last time I put my e-mail up on this board, I got spam for six months.) Good luck, Clayton s/v Walkabout
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