Seeking info on fixer-upper 26' Balboa: would it be a safe investment if it is basically sound, what's so special about these 26 footers in general - could it be sailed safely single-handed in bluewater conditions & could two live aboard for extended sailing comfortably...etc., etc... Cheers, Mates! CDCharacter (Wannabe Sailor)
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No..No...No
Sounds like your wrapped up in the romance of boating rather than the practical side of boating, but that's OK because we all are in a way. Unless you know a great deal about boats, have an surveyor inspect the boat for you prior to purchase, it worth every cent...this way you'll know hat you're getting into. The 26' Balboa is not a bule water boat and is too small to live aboard for an extended cruise...however, if you want to make it so, be prepared to spend a lot of money. With the right amouint of money almost anything can be done.
Sounds like your wrapped up in the romance of boating rather than the practical side of boating, but that's OK because we all are in a way. Unless you know a great deal about boats, have an surveyor inspect the boat for you prior to purchase, it worth every cent...this way you'll know hat you're getting into. The 26' Balboa is not a bule water boat and is too small to live aboard for an extended cruise...however, if you want to make it so, be prepared to spend a lot of money. With the right amouint of money almost anything can be done.
NOT A BLUE WATER BOAT
I was the proud owner of a 1978 Balboa 26. Although it was the "largest" trailerable boat in it's day, it is not large enough. We originally purchased it to sail on the lakes of Kansas, but I was transfered to Orlando, FL and the boat came with us. It was moored at New Smyrna Beach for several years, and we used it to sail on the coastal waters, from Daytona Beach to Ft. Lauderdale, but generally, we trailered down to Melbourn area and stayed in the Intercoastal Waterway. All Balboa's have a "soft spot" around the rudder pocket and the stern. The glass there is less then 3/8" thick. It makes the boat very vulnerable to damage. If the boat does not sit on the trailer just right, the end of the outside bunks will make a "dent" in the hull. This will popp out as soon as the pressure is relieved, but it is just too weak there, in my opinion. In general, the boat does not handle well in heavy winds, say over 25 knots. She is very tender and will knock down in a breeze if a sudden gust comes up. On a trip from New Smyrna Beach to Fort Lauderdale, in January, 1985, I managed to get knocked down 3 times. The wind was off-shore at about 12 knots, but we got hit by sudden gust. It makes for fun sailing. The boat did right itself, and we continued, but having water in the sails is not what I was looking for. Cleaning up the cabin afterwards was not a pleasent task. Inside, the boat is roomy and comfortable. We absolutely loved the table with the embeded map. I think I purchased the boat because of it, but is was not the right boat for even coastal cruising. I now have a shoal draft 22 O'Day, which is a much stiffer boat then the Balboa was. I regularly take this out of Port Everglades and sail the coastal areas near Ft Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach. As a "blue water" boat, the Balboa is not my recomendation, at any price, no matter how inexpensive! Paul "Fine As Frog's Hair"
I was the proud owner of a 1978 Balboa 26. Although it was the "largest" trailerable boat in it's day, it is not large enough. We originally purchased it to sail on the lakes of Kansas, but I was transfered to Orlando, FL and the boat came with us. It was moored at New Smyrna Beach for several years, and we used it to sail on the coastal waters, from Daytona Beach to Ft. Lauderdale, but generally, we trailered down to Melbourn area and stayed in the Intercoastal Waterway. All Balboa's have a "soft spot" around the rudder pocket and the stern. The glass there is less then 3/8" thick. It makes the boat very vulnerable to damage. If the boat does not sit on the trailer just right, the end of the outside bunks will make a "dent" in the hull. This will popp out as soon as the pressure is relieved, but it is just too weak there, in my opinion. In general, the boat does not handle well in heavy winds, say over 25 knots. She is very tender and will knock down in a breeze if a sudden gust comes up. On a trip from New Smyrna Beach to Fort Lauderdale, in January, 1985, I managed to get knocked down 3 times. The wind was off-shore at about 12 knots, but we got hit by sudden gust. It makes for fun sailing. The boat did right itself, and we continued, but having water in the sails is not what I was looking for. Cleaning up the cabin afterwards was not a pleasent task. Inside, the boat is roomy and comfortable. We absolutely loved the table with the embeded map. I think I purchased the boat because of it, but is was not the right boat for even coastal cruising. I now have a shoal draft 22 O'Day, which is a much stiffer boat then the Balboa was. I regularly take this out of Port Everglades and sail the coastal areas near Ft Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach. As a "blue water" boat, the Balboa is not my recomendation, at any price, no matter how inexpensive! Paul "Fine As Frog's Hair"
I've sailed on them when I was a newbe.
That was in the 70s. I didn't know much then and bought a new Ensanada 20 (same builder). I never lost a race to the 26. And the Ensenada was one of the slowest boats ever made and the worst mistake/boat I ever made. I am compelled to say look elsewhere.
That was in the 70s. I didn't know much then and bought a new Ensanada 20 (same builder). I never lost a race to the 26. And the Ensenada was one of the slowest boats ever made and the worst mistake/boat I ever made. I am compelled to say look elsewhere.
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