Laguna 26

[Kper]

We're considering the purchase of an '86 Laguna 26.

Do we have any Laguna 26 owners here that can give some advice of pros and possible cons? Areas to look at closely when we inspect? I hear they are a bit tender but with lake sailing I'm not sure that's such a big deal. We are fairly new to sailing so maybe it's a bigger deal than I think it is.

We recently sold our Catalina 25 SR/FK... how might the Laguna compare to the Cat? We didn't sell the cat because of how it sailed but because it needed more work than I was prepared to do.

Although the Catalina seemed a bit narrow to me, I see the beam isn't much wider on the Laguna. Head room in the Laguna is a big plus since I'm 6' tall and from what I can see the traveller is above the cabin forward of the hatch.

Parts availability is endless for the Catalina but I'm not sure anyone is making Laguna specific stuff anymore. And not being familiar with a discontinued model, how are sails obtained? Custom made?

Thank you.

EDIT:
I did notice there seems to be more freeboard on the Laguna. Is this detrimental? Having just written that I realize sailing is a hobby of compromises, but I'm curious how much the extra freeboard effects the sailing characteristics.

 

[TLW]

As far as "Laguna specific" goes, nothing on the Laguna is Laguna specific except the hull and deck. Everything else should still be available or a reasonable alternative should exist.

 

[Joe]

One of my boat neighbors had one... they got rid of it pretty quick because the wife (I mean admiral, sorry) felt uncomfortable in the ocean... they were intermediate level sailors. The boat has a huge transom hung rudder and a stubby keel.... because it's designed as a trailer sailor. The high freeboard and shallow keel means gusty or choppy conditions are a challenge......... add to that the traveler is on the cabin roof, with mid boom sheeting, and is not convenient to adjust... Can't have that in gusty or choppy conditions.

This couple purchased the boat for the same reasons you are attracted to it.... lots of room inside for a 26 footer.... but they quickly learned that if you want more room AND good sailing qualities.... get a bigger boat. They got rid of the Laguna 26 and purchased a Catalina 34.

BTW sails are not normally built by the boat builder, any loft will build a suit of sails for this boat will have the measurements in the their data base.

 

[TLW]

The Laguna is only 9" longer than the Catalina, and only 4" wider. However, the Catalina has a longer waterline. Catalina weighs 4550 lbs with 42% ballast, as compared to 3900 lbs with 38% ballast for Laguna. Lots of other info available for comparison. My personal opinion is that the Catalina would be a better boat, but realize the headroom issue is important to you. I would be surprised if Laguna 26 has 6" headroom, but maybe it does. What about a Catalina 27?

 

[Kper]

Thank you for the replies. My concerns have been confirmed which is kinda what I wanted to hear, which means I may actually be learning something.

We have actually been considering a Cat 27 but they are scarce in our region so we'll need to consider shipping. We sail with a friend who owns a C27 and I find it very user friendly with good cabin headroom. A tested and very capable boat.

 

[FastOlson]

While you will likely be kinda limited to what's in your geographic area or at least close...

I would note that the quality and engineering of the Laguna/Coastal Recreation boats was well below a Catalina. The Cat 27 is a good sailing boat.
Look around for a Cal-2-27 or an Ericson 27, also.

Happy shopping,
Loren

 

[azguy]

I've been on a few C27's.......great boat !!

I think it's the way to go for headroom and stability...