26 foot sailboat interior

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Give your boat interior a fresh look

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2023

12 AFFORDABLE BOAT INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

When we first moved aboard, our sailboat interior was a mess and we didn’t have the money to update it . We wanted to go cruising and our priorities were things like new sails, rigging, fiberglass repair, and electronics.

As much as I wanted a beautiful boat interior it was impossible to justify hiring an interior designer or updating the upholstery when we didn’t even have a dependable bilge pump! Fortunately, I found some creative boat interior design ideas and was able to makeover our sailboat for next to nothing.

In addition to sharing our boat interior restoration ideas, I’ve included my favorite boat interior photos from Pinterest and Instagram to further stoke your inspiration!

A quick note that this post contains affiliate links (so if you purchase through a link we’ll earn a small commission). The opinions are our own.

1. START BY DEEP CLEANING

As un-fun as it might be, a deep clean is the cheapest way to radically brighten your interior. It’s especially affordable if you use homemade boat cleaners. Dirty boat upholstery, mildewed cabin liners, and salt-encrusted hatches made our boat feel damp, dark, and generally unpleasant.

Deep cleaning (after years of neglect) drastically improved the boat cabin’s appearance and gave me a better idea of where to focus our boat interior makeover.

• Professionally launder your upholstery
• Wipe down the cabin liners with vinegar to prevent mildew and mold
• Wash hatches to maximize natural light
• Clean under all the cabin soles and the edges of any rotting boards
• Wash the walls and treat any wood with the appropriate wax, oil, or varnish
• Scrub out the bilge to prevent that boaty smell.

2. INSTALL INTERIOR BOAT LIGHTS

One of the great challenges of sailboat interior design is lighting. I’ve always felt that living on our sailboat is like living in a basement apartment because it is totally lacking in natural light !

One of the quickest ways to brighten things up is to install marine LED lights. The key to making LED boat lights look great, is placement.

The 3 best places to places to put LED strip lights on a sailboat

1. Under counter lighting. They look especially nice under cupboards or overhangs because the light strip is hidden.

View this post on Instagram < New battery installed! Lights and radio work. There’s LED strip lights which are great, but in the future we may need to swap those out for the multi colored ones. Our house has party-mode, the boat should too! #catalina22 #sailing #boatlife A post shared by SV Buza Sasha (@sv_buza_sasha) on Jul 11, 2018 at 5:18am PDT

2. LED rope lights make great courtesy lights . Tuck strip lighting on either side of a walkway to help guests navigate in the dark.

Battery operated fairy lights look cute coiled in a jar of seashells and are another easy way to add decorative lighting because no wiring is required. For the same reason, Solar Luci lamps and Solar Luci strings are a great option for lighting the cockpit.

3. COZY-UP TO NEW BEDDING

Ditch those damp cotton sheets and invest in hydrophobic options like 100% polyester. If you have a vberth, quarter berth, or non-standard sized bed, you may want to spend a few extra bucks on custom fitted boat sheets.

I know many cruisers who swear by memory foam mattresses and the Hypervent mattress pad for preventing condensation. If you like duvets and comforters, consider a mulberry silk option because it’s mold and mildew resistant.

4. FRESHEN THE HEAD

Add a splash of color to a dark bathroom with cheerful microfiber towels , Or, if you don’t want to feel like you’re camping, try the more luxurious quick-drying Turkish towels .

Tie them in with a cute wall-mounted soap dispenser and a spill-proof whicking air freshener and you’re on your way

5. GO GALLEY GOURMET

• Replace a rusted or dull faucet with a sparkling new one with a pull-down sprayer.
• Splash-out with colorful dish towels
• Use biodegradable loofas and scrubbies instead of plastic
• Pick up non-breakable dishware and glassware in fun patterns and designs.
• Create extra space with chopping board stove and sink covers
• Add custom knife, wine, and spice racks
• Add a green bar to keep greens fresh without a fridge

View this post on Instagram Boat decor #sundance #sailboat #sailboatlife #sailboatlifestyle #1969 #tartansailboat #sailboatinteriordesign #sailboatinteriors #maltetaller A post shared by Sundance Sailboat (@sundancesailboat1969) on Aug 15, 2017 at 5:32pm PDT

6. BOAT INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY IDEAS

Reupholstering a boat is the single most expensive part of a sailboat interior refit but it makes a huge difference. It costs thousands of dollars if you hire someone to do it. Fortunately there are a few tricks we used to avoid a full upholstery overhaul.

• Fun throw cushions and blankets can give your interior new life (and cover stained or threadbare upholstery)
• Packed out seat cushions can be easily fixed by inserting a layer of high-density foam and batting on top of the existing foam.
• If your upholstery is in really bad shape you may want to sew elasticated cushion coverlets that go over the top side of the cushion (it’s also a good way to protect nice new upholstery from boat projects (see: dirt, grease, and sweat stains).
• You can reupholster your boat for a fraction of the cost if you do the sewing yourself. It’s possible to score good deals on durable materials and marine-grade fabrics online. Also, if you’re not a sewer but you’re going cruising, you may want to bring your boat interior fabric with you and have the cushions sewn up in a place like Mexico or Fiji. We eventually had all of our saloon cushions sewn up for $100 USD in Ensenada, Mexico.

If you choose to reupholster your boat, look for boat interior upholstery fabric . You don’t have to worry (as much) about finding a waterproof or UV-resistant fabric (because it will be inside). However, always choose a synthetic fabric , heavy-duty nylon thread, and plastic zippers. Cotton will eventually rot and metal zippers will rust. You can get away with not using marine upholstery but natural fibers are a big no-no!

7. CUT A RUG

8. LOVE YOUR WALLS

Securely fasten art, photos, and souvenirs to your walls. Mirrors are great for creating the illusion of space.

Privacy curtains are also a good way to add a splash of color and are straightforward to make

View this post on Instagram My husband’s an artist…the cat approves 🐙🤣 . . . . . #catvskraken #sailboat #chalk #artist #sailboatinteriors #chalkboardart #kraken #catsofinstagram #meow #liveaboard #fridayvibes #fridaymood #instamoment #talent #husbandskills #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 27, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

View this post on Instagram After all of the sanding, refinishing, painting, ripping out old floors and carpet, we’re really loving our space. There are more projects to do, but we’re enjoying the results so far! When we originally bought our boat back in December, we had enough time to take care of the “must do’s” so this summer we are spending the time to really make her ours! . . . . . . #lightandbright #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #woodwork #overhaul #huntersailboats #cherubini #interiordesign #laboroflove #tinyliving #liveaboard #boatlife #sailors #ourhome #takingabreak #fornow #summerprojects #traveler #travelblog #results #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 22, 2018 at 11:27am PDT

9. WHITEN AND BRIGHTEN YOUR SAILBOAT INTERIOR

Painting panels in light colors can brighten and modernize a boat cabin and set off teak trim. We repainted our red and blue fiberglass bathroom white and it made the space feel much bigger. It also makes it easy to clean because you can see the dirt.

View this post on Instagram #beforeandafter #boatrestoration #vintagesailing #menorca #sailing #boat #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #boatinterior A post shared by Velero Vintage en Menorca (@vintagesailing) on May 1, 2018 at 5:02pm PDT

10. STOW SIMPLY WITH CUTE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Boats are always short on storage space but a few decorative baskets and storage containers can really improve the look of the space while giving you more room to tuck things away.

11. FUN AND FUNCTIONAL WINDOW COVERINGS

12. CHOOSE A FUN FEATURE

Let your imagination run wild. A feature wall, table, or piece of artwork can really change the feel of a sailboat interior. Have fun with colors, patterns, and make your new floating home your own.

View this post on Instagram #sailboat #boatlife #boatlifestyle #sailboatinteriors #ceder #liveedge #boatlifestyle #vancouver #boatinterior #art #windspirit #homesweethome #liveaboard #westcoastliving A post shared by @ arana_arte on Nov 2, 2017 at 9:13am PDT

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed about revamping your sailboat interior you may want to consider hiring professional help . There are plenty of interior designers who would welcome the challenge of working on a boat! Look for someone who has experience designing for small spaces and tiny homes.

We hope you enjoyed this list of custom boat interior ideas…

Good luck with your sailboat makeover.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

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The colgate 26 – a sailboat for all reasons.

Welcome to the awesome world of Colgate 26 sailors and sailboat owners.  Colgate 26 sailboats are known as A Boat For All Reasons, because they are so versatile and safe in all wind and sea conditions. Many Colgate 26 owners just enjoy sailing in and around harbors and lakes with family and friends. Other Colgate 26 sailors spend most of their time aboard racing in local and regional competitions. Some Colgate sailboat owners are members of sailing clubs and sailing schools that use the Colgate 26 sailboat exclusively for club activities, coaching sailboat racers and teaching new sailors. Whatever the reason, you can be assured that your Colgate 26 is a safe and unsinkable sailboat, with ergonomic comfort and sophisticated go-fast features that make sailing so much fun. Want to find out what Colgate 26 owners have to say? Here are a few Colgate 26 reviews and testimonials from ardent fans.

Purchase the Display Boat for US Sailboat Show in October and Save BIG !

The Colgate 26 is built by Tartan Yachts, well known for the quality of all the boats they produce. We are offering one buyer a very special boat show discount for pre-purchase of the display boat for the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, MD October 10-14, 2024.  Say YES to purchasing the boat show Colgate 26, and save 15% off the sail-away introductory price. That's a substantial discount of $13,125!

To learn more, contact Steve Colgate: 239-218-0471; [email protected] .

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Owner's Review of the MacGregor 26 Sailboat Models

There is some confusion about all of the different MacGregor 26 models and some controversy about their sailing abilities.

The MacGregor 26 evolved after the Venture 22 and the MacGregor 25, which had been built from 1973 to about 1987. The M25 had a weighted centerboard keel like other trailer able sailboats but featured positive flotation, a low price, easy trailer ability and a comfortable interior with an enclosed head (porta-potty). These features carried forward into M26 models and helped make MacGregor one of the bestselling sailboats.

Differences in MacGregor 26 Models

• The MacGregor 26D (daggerboard), built from about 1986 to 1990, introduced water ballast to replace the weighted keel. When the water was drained for trailering, the boat weighed only 1650 lbs, making it even more attractive for towing with a regular automobile. The daggerboard, like a keel, helps prevent the boat from being blown sideways but could be lifted up for shoal water and trailering.
• The MacGregor 26S , 1990 to 1995, replaced the daggerboard with a swing centerboard (which kicks up in an accidental grounding) and made other smaller changes. Together, the 26D and 26S are often called the "classic" MacGregor 26, and sometimes the 26C. Owners of these earlier models tend to refer to them as "the real sailboats" prior to the changes coming with the MacGregor 26X.
• The MacGregor 26X , 1996 to 2004, marked a major change from the earlier "classic" M26 models by allowing a relatively huge outboard engine that essentially turned the 26X into a powerboat with a mast. Earlier models typically carried outboards as low as 5 or 6 HP (max. 10 HP), but the 26X now took up to 50 HP. For comparison, many thirty-six foot sailboats of this era, displacing more than five times the M's weight, had inboard engines of 25-30 HP. The water ballast could be drained of power, allowing the M26X to come up on a plane like a speedboat. The outboard well had to be moved to the centerline, with twin rudders to each side, and steering changed from tiller to a small powerboat-type steering wheel. The cabin height was increased for greater room inside and the boat is said to sail less well than the earlier 26.
• The MacGregor 26M (motorsailor), 2005 to present, continued the 26X's trend, now allowing up to a 60 HP outboard. The swing centerboard was replaced with a daggerboard to free up more space below and the second tier of windows was added with standing headroom. The boat is advertised to motor at 24 MPH. In addition to the water ballast, there are 300 lbs of permanent ballast, likely needed for stability with so much windage and the high weight of the engine. At 2550 lbs dry (excluding engine), it now needs stronger vehicle and tow package.

Risks and Precautions

Many traditional sailors joke about MacGregors because of the light fiberglass construction (the hull can "oilcan" flex in places if you push hard against it) and its powerboat characteristics since 1996. Many say it is not a "real sailboat." Most misunderstood, however, is the water ballast that has been a hallmark of all twenty-six models.

The water ballast tank is horizontal and only a foot or so beneath the surface, unlike a vertical ballasted keel or centerboard that extends much deeper. Some have even questioned how water, weighing the same as the water displaced by the boat, can be called ballast at all. The ballast tank has been well engineered, however, and does provide righting moment the same as a keel when the boat heels over, because the weight of water far out from the centerline on the "uphill" side (in the air once heeled over) does pull the boat back down the same as a weighted keel.

This does mean that the boat is more tender, or tippy, initially. A story has been told about a sailor on one edge of the deck who grabbed the mast when the boat heeled, and his own weight pulling on the mast that far above the waterline caused the boat to capsize all the way over. Whether true or not, the story illustrates a common perception of how tender the MacGregor is.

It is true that an M26 with 10 people aboard capsized with two fatalities -- most likely due to uneven distribution of the human weight on the boat.

Safely Sail the Water-Ballast

In normal conditions, however, careful sailors can safely sail the water-ballast M26 by following standard precautions:

• Reef sails when the wind is blowing.
• Maintain good balance with crew weight balanced against heeling.
• Prevent accidental gybes.
• Keep the ballast tank full and well-sealed.
• Maintain steerage control at all times.
• Heave to or take other storm action in high wind or waves.
• Don't drink and sail.

The larger safety issue is that for many owners, the M26 is a "starter boat" and they may not have the experience or knowledge to avoid possible problems in time. The bottom line is that anyone who goes sailing needs to be fully aware of the limitations of their boat and practice all safety guidelines.

Experience With the MacGregor 26S

Having owned and sailed a 26S extensively for three years, it indeed sails fairly well and lives up to its reputation of being a roomy and easily trailered pocket cruiser. This sailboat can meet most budgetary needs and has room enough for a family of three to cruise for up to a week at a time.

It is a light boat, but with sailing experience and caution, trouble in winds to thirty knots can be easily avoided. The fiberglass is thin but you can avoid running into rocks. Thousands of MacGregor owners have had experiences where they thoroughly enjoyed sailing.

Keep in mind that it's a light boat and always take the precautions listed above. For powerboat owners of the 26X and 26M, the boat should be as safe as any powerboat but do not hit a rock or another boat at 24 MPH.

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Cabin headroom in 26?

• Thread starter Gino Bonfietti
• Start date Jul 21, 2001
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Smaller Boats

Gino Bonfietti

I am boatless right now, my previous boat was a Hunter 23.5 which I was satisfied with except for limited space and headroom in the cabin. I'm considering a 26 as my next purchase but haven't been aboard one yet. Can someone tell me if there is standing headroom in the 26? I'm about 5'9". I would also be interested in comments from anyone who has moved up from the 23.5 to the 26.  

Headroom Gino,I stand 5'11" and have to stoop only a little in the cabin of my H-26. You probably won't have to. The cabin is voluminous, and has been likened to the space one would find in a 30 footer. It has lots of storage, very comfortable berths, and great lighting. My wife, son (stands 6' 3") and I were on a multi-day cruise recently, and the boat did not feel the least bit crowded. The aft berth is fantastic, and did not feel confining. The overhead light and the light port back there are very nice. I am very pleased with my H-26. it sails very well, especially in winds under 15 knots. (I reef at 15 knots, and it still does fine.) A few weeks ago, the boat hit 8 knots on a broad reach while reefed. Not bad!Don BarberS/V Third Degree  

Harvey Small

You'll be fine! We have a Hunter 26. I'm 5'10" plus a smidge for the soles of my boat shoes. I can stand up just fine as long as I'm on the wooden cabin sole. I made the table into a drop leaf on the port side, and I have to duck a little going forward.Now if we could only get out of the triple digit heat indices here on the middle coast I could get some sailing in!  

Watch you head going forward My wife stands 5'6" and has on numerous occasions knocked her head on the cross beam in the headliner just aft of the compression post. At 5'9" it might be at eye level for you so you won't have that problem. Note that this only comes up when the table is swiveled around to the v-berth. We leave it that way for more space in the saloon area.  

Michael Bell

6 foot 5 inches I just sit down and let my dear sweet wife do everything for me.  

Gino, at your height, you would... be able to do jumping jacks in a 260.  

Mike Pajewski

Supposed to be at 5'10" Gino,As far as the headroom issue, I am 5/11 and have almost no problem except for the crossmember at the compression post.We moved up from the 23.5 to the 26. It is a substantial improvment. We had taken our 23.5 to the Apostle Islands, and the boat was so uncomfortable in some of the weather and waves that when we returned, we went shopping for a bigger boat. We narrowed down to a Precision 28 or a Hunter 26. The trailerability won me over. The 26 has the convenience of the 23.5 with the room of some 28 footers. Weekending is comfortable for a family of four. The enclosed head was a big feature demanded by the women in the family. We have had the boat for five years now, and she has held up very well.The trailerability really saves me money here in the winter. I do not need a travelift to launch  

Re: Headroom in Hunter 26 hi,I have a water-ballasted H26 (1994) and the headroom is 5'7". I am 5'9".- Pat  

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Pearson Yachts Portal

The Pearson 26 One-Design : 1977–1983

Bill Shaw said "I took our proven Pearson 26 hull, gave her a new deck, moved the shrouds inboard for closer sheeting and voila — I had the perfect boat"

The Pearson 26 One-Design is in a class by herself - an alternative with the proven characteristics of her sisterships, the Pearson 26 and Pearson 26W . Both her sailing ability and her lines are beautifully balanced. Racing, cruising, day sailing. The best of all world at a price that defies analysis.

For some time now I've been wondering why there are no boats designed to appeal to the one design racer and the day sailor who's ready for cruising accomodations. The sailor I'm talking about is that type who doesn't want to give up round-the-buoy racing or have quick after supper before sundown sails. I figured there are hundreds of good sailors out there who can't afford a full blown cruising boat or don't want one because of the nature of the sailing they do. You know what I mean... probably day sailing, a few overnights, and a schedule of club racing. This kind of activity doesn't call for an expensive boat with all the amentities of an offshore cruiser. Rather it calls for a nice compromise between a performance one-design and an easily managed family cruiser... a beautifully finished boat with a big cockpit and low profile that still sleeps four and has provisions for a head and a galley. So I took our proven Pearson 26 hull, gave her a new deck, moved the shrouds inbound for closer sheeting and wallah… I had the perfect boat. Its everthing you need at a desireable price. Give the Pearson 26 OD some thought. Mention it to your friends at the club, start a fleet, Come Sail With Us…

Pearson 26 – By The Numbers

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• By Matts G. Djos
• Updated: March 5, 2008

Arthur Marine, of Costa Mesa, California, introduced the Lyle Hess-designed Balboa 26 in 1969, billing it as the largest trailerable sailing cruiser on the market. Coastal Recreation took over production in about 1972 and closed its doors in 1981. But the boat continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers.

The hull is heavily built with hand-laid fiberglass, and the boat is reinforced at all stress points with marine plywood laminated to the hull, deck, and cabin top. An integral fiberglass hull liner provides additional strength. A few boats were built with a fixed keel and an inboard engine.

The self-bailing cockpit accommodates four people comfortably. Seat lockers provide plenty of storage, and a self-draining outboard-motor well is located aft, clear of all running rigging.

The teak-trimmed saloon has 5-foot-6-inch headroom. There’s a dinette to port that converts to a double berth, and a settee lies to starboard. A Balboa feature is the world map incorporated into the laminate tabletop. Shelves outboard to port and starboard provide storage, supplementing numerous other compartments located beneath the settee, the V-berth, and the dinette seats. A shag carpet was the standard cabin-sole covering; teak was an option.

The galley is directly under the oversize entry hatch. It contains an icebox and is fitted with an alcohol stove and a sink with a manual freshwater pump. The forward cabin has a partitioned area for a portapotti or an optional marine head, a hanging locker, and a double V-berth. This compact area also contains a sink and manual pump. A hatch provides fresh air, and on later models, port and starboard ports were added to admit more light. Nominally, five can sleep on the Balboa 26, but experience suggests that the optimum number is two or three.

Under sail, the Balboa 26 is quite stiff. The boat is fast and maneuverable, but it’s a handful for a novice sailor. The 26 has noticeable weather helm, and the tiller requires constant attention. As with most boats of this type, the swing keel has a tendency to rumble at hull speed, which is a little more than 6 knots.

The masthead-rigged spar stands on a hinged aluminum mast step and is supported by fore and aft lowers and in-line cap shrouds, which also brace it while it’s being raised or lowered. A 12:1 winch is used to raise and lower the 1,200-pound swing keel.

Although Balboa 26s have aged well, minor problems sometimes arise: The main chainplates are prone to leaks; the keel trunk is vulnerable around the pivot bolt and can be problematic in the event of grounding; water can splash in where the keel cable exits the trunk, especially in rough water. Some owners have reported the stainless-steel rudderstock bending or even breaking in a broach.

The builder listed the towing weight of the Balboa 26, including the tandem-axle trailer, at 4,500 pounds. However, when it was fully loaded for an extended cruise, our rig never weighed in at less than 6,500 pounds. Prices can range from $2,000 for a fixer-upper without a trailer to $10,000 for a combination that’s well equipped and nicely maintained.

Matts G. Djos and his wife, Jeanine, live in Colorado and have trailered their 1976 Balboa 26 to cruising grounds from the Pacific Northwest to the Golfo de California.

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Balboa 26 Used Boat Test

Designed by lyle hess, this unsung, affordable pocket cruiser offers a big bang for the buck. capable of trailering to windward and skimming through shallow water, it offers all the versatility of todays trailer sailers at one-tenth of the price. the swing-keel hinge pin and rigging deserve a close look, however, and a cosmetic makeover can require some serious sweat equity..

As with all of Lyle Hess designs, the Balboa 26 statistics reveal the underpinnings of a seaworthy coastal cruiser. The Balboas 3,600-pound displacement includes 1,200 pounds of ballast, by no means a lead mine, but the B26s 8-foot beam was carried well aft, and its reasonably full sections contributed form stability and helped make the little sloop a seakindly performer. With 293 square feet of working sail area, the B26 is close in potential performance to the Excalibur 26, Cal 25, and Columbia 26, all vaunted designs of the same era.

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The Balboa 26 is a bargain-priced pocket cruiser thats stood up well to the test of time. Even after three decades of use, these $4,000-$15,000 boats still remain a popular choice for those with a big dream and a small budget. Its swing keel, shallow draft, and ability to be trailered upwind to cruising destinations all over the country make it more versatile than your average 26-foot, plastic production boat.

Billy Black (www.billyblack.com)

Part of the mystique of the Balboa 26 is its birth on the drawing board of legendary pocket-cruiser designer Lyle Hess, whose love of small, functional cruising sailboats dates back to Blackfoot, Idaho, when a boy daydreamed of ocean sailing even though the Snake River was the only water in sight.

Finally arriving in Long Beach, Calif., in 1928, Hess and 11 siblings set out to carve a new life amidst a Southern California in transition. At 16, Hess designed and built a hard-chine, 17-foot, vest-pocket cruiser and explored Catalina Island with his brother, Lee. Boatbuilding proved to be a labor of love, but the housing boom associated with the end of World War II proved more lucrative. Lyle Hess dove in, spending the post war years as a family man, house builder, and part-time yacht designer.

The advent of fiberglass and collaboration with die-hard wooden boat aficionado Larry Pardey, moved Hess back into a full-time commitment to sailboat design. Pardey chose Hess Renegade design as the boat hed build and eventually sail with his partner, Lin.

At about the same time, Larry Pardey introduced Hess to Richard Arthur. Arthur saw him as the right designer to create a fiberglass “folk boat” in Southern California, and Arthur Marine kicked off production of the Hess-designed Balboa 20 and 26 in 1972. Their instant popularity lives on today.

A key part of the Hess design credo was that a sailboat must have the sea-keeping ability to take a crew offshore and return them home safely. As with all of his designs, the Balboa 26 statistics reveal the underpinnings of a seaworthy coastal cruiser. The Balboas 3,600-pound displacement includes 1,200 pounds of ballast, by no means a lead mine, but the B26s 8-foot beam was carried well aft, and its reasonably full sections contributed form stability and helped make the little sloop a seakindly performer. With 293 square feet of working sail area, the B26 is close in potential performance to the Excalibur 26, Cal 25, and Columbia 26, all vaunted designs of the same era. But with a swing keel, short rig, and retractable rudder that can morph 5 feet of draft into a 30-inch shoal water gunkholer, the Balboa 26 is both a skinny-water cruiser and a proficient coastal passage maker thats capable on all points of sail.

DECK LAYOUT

A molded toerail and nonskid pattern works in conjunction with cabinhouse handrails and a single lifeline to help insure that the crew stays on board. The trade-off associated with spacious accommodations is a wide cabinhouse that all but eliminates the sidedecks. Cleats and chocks are small but adequate, and the cockpit works well for a couple. Put more than three aboard, and theres a scramble to find deck space to alleviate the crowd in the cockpit.

The mast step features a hinge that helps in the stepping and un-stepping process, an essential part of the trailer sailors routine.

The aft lower shrouds on these boats are set well inboard and fastened to a chainplate thats attached to the cabinhouse. The acute angle between the shroud and mast increases the loading on the wire and hardware.

A close, point-by-point inspection of the standing rigging should be carried out annually, and care needs to be taken while stepping and un-stepping the rig to make sure that the turnbuckles are not bent during the process. Most riggers feel that a 10-year lifespan is about all they can recommend for average recreational use. Many older boats have standing rigging twice that age, and relying on such rigging is sailing on borrowed time. Its a dangerous and costly wager to make. All it takes is for one small component to fail and the rig will end up over the side.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The layout aboard the Balboa 26 makes it a fine warm-weather boat, with a huge companionway hatch that opens up the interior and provides lots of light and air, a useful trait at anchor or sailing in light-air conditions. Shelter from sunlight can be provided by a convenient collapsible bimini top that arches over the cockpit and companionway. Its ideal when at anchor, but when underway it can creates excess windage.

The saloon is surprisingly spacious for a 26-foot boat. A dinette to port converts into a big berth, and when the table is up, it works as a nav station, dining table, and an all-around good spot to hangout, read, or swap yarns with cruising friends. This portion of the cabin has the feel of a bigger boat, despite the swing keel slot, which is well hidden by a molded liner shell. Pans and liners are a mixed blessing in that they offer a smooth surface for cleaning and aesthetics, but they hide access to parts of the inner hull skin and bilge that makes the cleaning or re-bedding of leaking hardware fasteners more difficult.

The galley is minimal: a one- or two-burner, fixed stove; small sink with an ice box to port; and a locker for pots and pans to starboard. Its basically enough space for a backpacker to feel pampered, but by no means an optimum set-up for those thinking of longer-term, comfortable cruises.

The same holds true of the head arrangement, which, in this era of discharge regulations, has evolved into a dedicated location for a port-a-potty. Its location adjacent to the V-berth offers ample motivation for frequent trips ashore, or at least a yearning for the days of a cedar bucket. Originally there was a marine head and a sink, but fitting a holding tank is tough. It still irks us that while the worst polluters can buy credits to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules, sailors—an easy target, it seems—will never be able to exchange hours spent under wind propulsion for an overboard discharge or two in remote, well-flushed bodies of water. Trying to put a holding tank in a small vessel with barely enough room for a 20-gallon water tank almost inevitably gives a boat the ambiance of an outhouse.

PERFORMANCE

A couple of months ago, Practical Sailor had the chance to sail a 30-year-old Balboa 26 thats still being used by the Florida Keys Bareboat Charter Co. ( www.pagancharm.com ) in its active charter trade in Marathon, Fla. The fact that this old vessel can still be counted on to perform day in and day out is a real testimony to good boat design/building and the value of a simple, easy-to-refit sailboat.

As we cleared the tight confines of the small marina using the transom-mounted 9.8-horsepower, long-shaft outboard, we were reminded that the ease of “going sailing” is inversely proportionate to the size of the boat.

The outboard auxiliary performed well, but maneuvering in reverse took some practice. It became easier once we were accustomed to having a prop situated astern of the rudder rather than ahead of the blade. As we motored away from the marina, it was clear that an 8- or 9-horsepower outboard provided plenty of push. In fact, those interested in saving some weight, money, and fuel could do just fine with a 6-horsepower, long-shaft model.

All it took was the removal of a few sail ties and an easy halyard hoist, and the manageable mainsail was up and trimmed. A tug on the leeward jib sheet spun open a big, 150-percent genoa that was tamed by a Harken headsail furling system. It was a butter-smooth operating furler that was easy to deploy and retrieve.

Less than five minutes after leaving the dock, we were fully powered and reaching smoothly through the turquoise water of the Florida Keys, watching a dolphin slip by in the shallow water.

The 15-knot puffs were fine on a reach, but when we trimmed and steered closer to the wind, it was clear that a little less genoa would decrease heel and actually improve the boats ability to go to weather. We bore off, blanketed the genoa with the main in order to depower the sail and wind in a few turns on the furler. This reduced the genoa to about a 120-percent and made the beat more efficient, giving us a couple of tenths more boat speed with less heel. We had the swing keel almost all the way down, and the soft touch of the helm convinced us that the center of effort and center of lateral resistance were right where they belonged.

Off the wind, a cruising spinnaker would have livened up the show, but the big genoa did keep us moving efficiently until we steered deeper than about 135 degrees and the mainsail began to choke off the flow over the headsail. Rolling in some of the genoa and setting a whisker pole would be another good way to deal with deep sailing angles.

The boats responsive helm made each tack quick and efficient. Line leads, winches, and cleats were in the right places and with the fairly new set of sails, the 30-year-old sloop offered 90 percent of the performance of most new pocket cruisers, yet carried a price tag less than 25 percent of a new boat price.

CONCLUSIONS

The down side of an older boat, especially one with a swing keel, is that there are usually plenty of little things to fix. When it comes to the Balboa 26, the swing keel should regularly get a close look. This includes pulling the swing keels pivot pin every couple of seasons and inspecting it, as well as the surface that supports the load. The lift cable will eventually fray and will need replacement, along with the hand-crank winch used to hoist and lower the keel. Rigging wire and hardware may look fine, but after years—maybe decades—of use, it can be an accident waiting to happen. Any inspection of the standing rigging should also include a close look at the lifelines, stanchions, and pulpits.

Tackling the cosmetic refit of a three-decades-old sailboat is more about paint than polish. Gelcoat crazing, blisters, and cracks can be fixed with epoxy fillers and primers, and one- or two-part topcoat paints can yield a better-than-new finish if the applicators skills and availability are up to the challenge. Hiring a boatyard to do the job can cost more than the purchase price of the boat, so before you commit to a long-in-the-tooth Balboa 26 (or other oldie but goodie), determine three things: How extensive a refit is required; who will do the work; and how much it will cost. If your answers are, “entirely renew the finish on all exterior gelcoat, myself, and very little,” and you have minimal painting experience, we suggest the following: Buy an old, tired dinghy, such as a small Dyer or Montgomery, and give it the makeover you have in mind for the B26. If, when youre finished, you like what you see and you still enjoy the hands-on effort of the do-it-yourself approach, you are indeed ready for a bigger challenge. If you arent as enthused with the idea, consider a B26 that costs more but has already made the pilgrimage to the co-polymer fountain of youth.

One big plus of the Balboa 26 is Hess cult-like following, which has engendered active owners groups. Discussions range from traveler upgrades to great adventures of the sort that very few boats in this price range can offer.

• Critic’s Corner: Balboa 26
• Interior Notes: Balboa 26
• Balboa 26 Construction Details
• Balboa 26 In Context

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The Balboa 26 “Resources” link above points to the obsolete Yahoo group. The active groups are: E-mail group: https://groups.io/g/BalboaSailboats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BalboaSailboats/

Thanks for the information on the E-mail and facebook. I just became the owner of a B26 that was abandoned in an aircraft hanger in central Indiana. the new owner of the hanger wanted it out of there and gave it to me, trailer and all. I’ve been able to obtain a LOST TITLE but have to get it to my place in north florida. lots of work to do as all teak is removed for refinishing. Not sure what all has to be done, as I’ve only been aboard Her one time. Will post what all I find as far as equiptment and condition. Thanks Again

I don’t know when I’ll get the boat moved to Jacksonville,Fl. I’m 81 now and have crossed over to the Abacos 9 times, all but 1 were deliveries. ‘Once in my OWENS 25 FT. cabin cruiser. Not sure I want to do it again at my age. Sometimes one has to get around on deck quickly. 20 years ago I’d cross with this boat assuming all works out with the refit. My wife says NO!! even though we have a 50 year old step son who’d like to do it. Some sea trials might come into play. We’ll cross that strait if We get to it.

Hey Charles. How are you doing? Im from Brazil, me and couple of mates are planing on sailing from florida to brazil. We are planing the trip. Do you know of a good place in florida were we could do some “repar work” before departing? We planning onto pick up a Balboa 26″ in CA drive to florida. Thanks in avance Davi

Has anyone out there done a total rework of the mast step on-a 74 Balboa.?

I probably would never take mine further than I could swim to shore. However, my Aquarius 23, thats a different story. Only a small portion of the ballast is in the swing keel. The bulk of the lead is incapsulated inside.

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Another Fantastic Interior Remodel on an Old Sailboat

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First Sailing Uma, now this Danish guy. Maybe it's just me, but I find white on a sailboat interior, to just work wonders for the livability, sense of airiness and space. It's brighter, more modern. And just look at the details. For a budget operation, this guy did a fantastic job. I think if the 31 foot boat I looked at last week had an interior like this, I would have had an entirely different view on its livability!  

For a bit there I was thinking 30ft would be too small for me. Now I'm not so sure. I would definitely like to be in his shoes in this video!  

I agree on the brightness, but I’m overwhelmed by a no-frills feeling. It reminds me of research vessels, so I guess institutional is another associated word. The wood trim offsets that some, but I prefer the reverse...mostly wood with some white to break it up.  

SuperC said: I agree on the brightness, but I'm overwhelmed by a no-frills feeling. It reminds me of research vessels, so I guess institutional is another associated word. The wood trim offsets that some, but I prefer the reverse...mostly wood with some white to break it up. Click to expand...

Matter of taste.. Wood interiors are vestiges from when boats were not being made with fiberglass. Wood is a sensible material for trim regardless of what the joinery panels are made from. It can be contrast wood color/grain or painted as the (plywd) panels are. Wood finish is more forgiving to wear.... though probably more difficult to make a cosmetic repair. Plastic laminate is quite durable and it comes in solids and wood grain. Heck bulkheads are plywood and the face is a "veneer" usually... wood or laminate or a painted. They say wood is cozier.... like a paneled den or something, Few boats will have ALL wood interiors... usually some contrast on the head liner. Many like the interior to be darker to escape and contrast from the brightness of being in the cockpit.  

SanderO said: Many like the interior to be darker to escape and contrast from the brightness of being in the cockpit. Click to expand...

No boat here. Just beginning to learn to sail on dinghies w no interior at all. I’ve been doing all the online shopping for our dream, though, so my perspective isn’t real-world. I guess I should add that I really like the look of the newer cats w lots of white interior because they feel more like an apartment on land than does a monohull, although they are well out of our price range. And mono with a deck saloon seems like it would be bright and roomy no matter the finishes. Ultimately, yes, it is absolutely taste specific. And the advice I keep seeing is get on the boats to see what kind of layout you like. COVID just makes that hard :-(  

SuperC said: No boat here. Just beginning to learn to sail on dinghies w no interior at all. I've been doing all the online shopping for our dream, though, so my perspective isn't real-world. I guess I should add that I really like the look of the newer cats w lots of white interior because they feel more like an apartment on land than does a monohull, although they are well out of our price range. And mono with a deck saloon seems like it would be bright and roomy no matter the finishes. Ultimately, yes, it is absolutely taste specific. And the advice I keep seeing is get on the boats to see what kind of layout you like. COVID just makes that hard :-( Click to expand...

White with varnished wood trim is the Herreshoff style (named after Herreshoff who designed his interiors this way). It was popular even in the wooden boat days. It is only a matter of preference. Personally, I prefer this style, but can also appreciate fine varnished interiors. Mark  

Yeah it's surprising how a little white, especially on the roof, can brighten things up and make the space feel larger. Also that's a nice layout BTW. I like the aft forward facing heads a lot. And the open aft quarter birth looks a lot nicer and more usable when its open like that, unlike so many others that are dark little enclosed 'caves'. Nice boat!  

Attachments

SanderO said: My interior is all teak.. but the headline is white gel coat GRP... easy to maintain... What I am not crazy about is the carpet bits above the cabinets applied to the inside of the top sided. I can't think of a good alternative material... except maybe white plastic laminate... or maybe a light quilted/padded fabric. View attachment 137121 Click to expand...

I think a white ceiling might just be added to my official boat criteria ;-) This is starting to look mandatory!  

Automobile headliner material might do the trick. Easy to work with  

this??? LUVFABRICS Champion Diamond Quilted Faux Leather Vinyl Foam Backed- Automotive, Headliner, Furniture Upholstery, DIY Projects, Headboards, Home Decor & More! 54" Wide (White)  

Back in the heyday of boatbuilding, there were different priorities to designing. Racing was far more popular than it is now, and the creature comforts were pretty great for the time. But we've changed how we use our boats now, the uses are far more individual tastes. It's a tough one for builders. Not many people buy new boats, the easiest avenue for builders is to design for the charter market I imagine. There may be a time when scarcity of boats leads to renovations akin to old houses. I think that has already begun, but it may accelerate in the near future. It's hard for many to come up with $50,000 for a boat in fine order. So the option is to spend $20,000 on a fixer upper and perhaps put $10,000 a year towards it to get it where you like it. In the end, you'll spend a lot more than that $50,000 for the boat in good spec, but that wasn't an option, so you spread out the costs over the years, not unlike any big purchase that would be financed - sort of a mortgage to oneself.  

Ninefingers said: Back in the heyday of boatbuilding, there were different priorities to designing. Racing was far more popular than it is now, and the creature comforts were pretty great for the time. But we've changed how we use our boats now, the uses are far more individual tastes. It's a tough one for builders. Not many people buy new boats, the easiest avenue for builders is to design for the charter market I imagine. There may be a time when scarcity of boats leads to renovations akin to old houses. I think that has already begun, but it may accelerate in the near future. It's hard for many to come up with $50,000 for a boat in fine order. So the option is to spend $20,000 on a fixer upper and perhaps put $10,000 a year towards it to get it where you like it. In the end, you'll spend a lot more than that $50,000 for the boat in good spec, but that wasn't an option, so you spread out the costs over the years, not unlike any big purchase that would be financed - sort of a mortgage to oneself. Click to expand...

Weekend use, and a weeks use is different than longterm The post about 10 people eating is spot on Nobody would keep that ongoing for long You become creative with storage  

Pretty much everything you want to do with a boat, I have done or am about to do. On my old CS27, I added a connecting insert between the two setees. It made the entire center of the cabin into a queen sized bed. Roll off one side for the washroom, and the other side for the fridge/kitchen. I did this in this the 4th year of ownership, and it very significantly changed the boat. It became a lounge area during the day with throw cushions for me and my dog. I never slept in the v-birth again. Often I would leave the insert in place for days at a time, and then chuck it in the v-birth when I took guests out. I had it proffesionaly upholstered for a whopping $200 bucks. Just some 3/4" ply and foam. On my new boat I will be trying to move the head to the aft quarter - we shall see if I have the room, (Tartan 34). I get it in a couple weeks, (I have not seen it in person). I don't have a picture of the insert, but here is the salon. A back cushion filled the left cavity and the new insert (about 2' x 5') filled the middle. FYI floor is laminate instead of the old wood. I also moved the sink and added a bench to the cockpit. I am a carpenter, so it was more or less professionally done by me. The previous owner spent about $25,000 plus around 1000 hours of his own time. It is a legendary CS27 with it's own 200 page website, (which is down now, working with the old owner to get it back it up maybe). I spent about $15,000 on it. I sold it for $10,000 US a month ago, (same as I paid for it). Ravat is her name. EDIT: I stand corrected, the blog is back up: The CS27 Ravat Chronicles . The dates are off by 7 years due to reposting I guess.  

Can you share the name of those boats ?!  

The first is an old Northshore 27 that had an extensive refit by Jerry Hendrey of Careening Cove Boat Brokerage & Slipway in Sydney. He then called it an Ultimate 270. The second image is just something I found online some time ago. No idea what the boat is. The third image is an Alerion Express 28. The circular bulkhead with sliding doors is a Dragonfly 25 trimaran. The modern interior is a B60.  

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O'Day 26

O'Day 26 is a 25 ′ 7 ″ / 7.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Raymond Hunt (C.R. Hunt & Assoc.) and built by O'Day Corp. between 1983 and 1985.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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Face-To-Face Seating

Comfortably seat five in the face-to-face seating and enjoy spending time with those that love being on the water as much as you do.

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Regal's uniquely shaped salon provides the most-in-class space with an expansive seating layout and berth for overnight stays.

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Featuring a comfortable double berth, the mid-cabin is an efficient and spacious use of space below deck.

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Cabin Layout

26 express specifications.

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Cockpit features.

Courtesy Blue LED Lights

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Foredeck Steps

The foredeck steps are very wide and integrated into the door. Upgraded with Harken bearings, the steps can easily handle the added stress.

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Transom Shower

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Hand-wrapped Steering Wheel

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Hull & Deck Features

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Anchor Roller

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Fast Vent Fuel Fitting

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In-Mold Gelcoat Boot Stripe

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Large Engine Hatch

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MarineTred Non-Skid

Diamond MarineTred is incorporated into the mold for a superior finish. It's less abrasive and easier to clean.

Low-To-The-Water Swim Platform

The low-to-the-water swim platform makes enjoying activities in the water easier.

8" Stainless Cleats

Regal features six 8" stainless steel cleats, which won't rust or break over time.

Stainless Deck Hardware

Regals feature upgraded 316-grade stainless hardware.

Stainless Rub Rail

Regal's stainless rub rail not only looks good but also offers added protection.

Stainless Steel Bow Scuff Plate with Lifting Eye

The stainless bow scuff plate protects the gelcoat from trailer chocks and provides for a lifting eye.

Vinyl Ester Barrier Coating

The additional layer of resin coating provides superior protection against hull blistering.

Windshield & Canvas Features

Tinted, tempered and curved windshield.

When you buy a Regal, you know you are buying an un-compromised product. Regals feature a stylish one-piece windshield.

Aft Stateroom Features

Spacious mid-cabin, cabin features.

Fusion Apollo RA670 Marine Stereo

The Fusion radio has full integration for your smart phone via Bluetooth and has AM/FM radio capabilities.

Fusion Marine Sound - 2 Cabin Speakers

Two 200 watt Fusion speakers make the cabin sound like a home theater.

Hull Side Windows

The large hull side picture windows let in an abundance of natural light, making your salon feel like home.

Galley Features

Hand-crafted cabinetry.

The hand-crafted cabinetry looks stunning as you enter the cabin.

Refrigerator

A 4.2 cubic foot refrigerator will store more than enough for your next boating adventure.

Head Features

Toilet paper holder.

Regals feature designated storage for all of your amenities.

Technical & Systems Features

Automatic bilge pump.

The automatic bilge pump takes action before you even realize what is wrong.

Bow Thruster

This transversal propulsion device tremendously increases maneuverability; docking becomes a breeze.

Dual Battery Switch

Regal features a smart battery management system by using one battery for starting and the other for all your electronics. Of course, they are both equally charged via a VSR and can be combined for emergency situations.

Integrated Self Bailing Cockpit System

Keep a clean bilge with all your wash down and rain water draining directly overboard.

NMMA, ABYC, USCG & CE Certified

Regal makes sure that it meets the highest standards of safety in the industry.

SeaStar Electric Steering

There is nothing like fingertip control created by the power steering.

Pressurized Water System

A pressurized water system is standard, complete with sinks, water pump, tank, and a filter.

Weather Resistant Deutsch Connectors

On a Regal, you'll find Deutsch connectors for superior protection and durability.

Performance Reports

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