sturdy little buggers
Somewhat familiar with the 23, 26 and 35 models. The 23's were popular for racing in San Fran Bay, so they were solid heavy air performers. They are older designs, actually akin to the Columbias, a very early fiberglass boat. In fact the Coronado 26 actually comes from the same mold as a Columbia with an extra foot or so on the stern for a motor well. The 23 has an antiquated covered motorwell from when outboards were considered unsightly. At that time FG production wasn't well understood so they tend to be overbuilt, with too thick gelcoats, etc. Interiors were also from an era when as much as possible was cramed in, so cram they do: headroom, dinettes, heads, galleys, just don't move around much. For these reasons, there is a glut of them in the Chesapeake. At one time we were going to collect them and make a seascout fleet of great little cruisers. About five of them were abandoned or sold in several marinas. Then someone started buying them to make a mini-charter fleet, but that didn't happen either. Check the iron keel and keel bolts, and survey the rigging and electricals. The maker is long gone but they are a well-known brand from the early days of FG pocket cruisers.
