Balt 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Balt 26 emerged from Balt Yacht's facilities in Augustów, Poland, commencing production in 2012. The builder, Balt Yacht, established in 1990, had, by this time, become a significant European manufacturer of GRP yachts, having honed its expertise through strategic partnerships with esteemed brands like Jeanneau and X-Yachts. This extensive experience in subcontracting for leading international boat builders instilled in Balt Yacht a commitment to refined manufacturing processes and quality standards. The Balt 26, designed by Wojciech Spisak, was conceived as a light and reasonably good-performing sailboat. Owners have noted that the yacht allows for the full realization of its design intent, performing very well in coastal areas. Throughout its production, the Balt 26 offered optional configurations, including a choice between a shallow or fin keel, and the option of a steering wheel instead of the standard tiller.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Balt 26 is characterized as a light sailboat with reasonably good performance. Its design, featuring a fractional sloop rig and a single outboard rudder, contributes to its ease of handling. The boat is noted for being reasonably stable and stiff, possessing a good righting capability. Owners report that the Balt 26 offers first-class sailing characteristics and is easy to handle, performing well in various conditions, particularly in coastal waters. The option of a centerboard keel provides flexibility, allowing for shallow draft access to coves and anchorages while offering improved upwind performance when deployed.

Accommodations and Layout

The Balt 26 is notable for offering ample space for a boat of its size, capable of accommodating up to six people. With a maximum headroom of 6.1 feet, the interior provides comfortable standing room, a significant advantage in a 25-foot vessel. While specific interior layout details are not fully detailed in available specifications, reviews emphasize its practical and spacious arrangement. Typically, boats of this size feature a V-berth forward, a compact galley, a main salon area that often converts into additional berths, and a head compartment. The emphasis in Balt Yacht's designs is on robust construction and thoughtful layouts that maximize interior volume and comfort, utilizing materials that balance durability with a pleasant aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Balt 26 generally express satisfaction with the vessel, highlighting its effectiveness in fulfilling its design purpose as a coastal cruiser. The boat is described as a "great boat" by some owners. The combination of its easy handling characteristics, respectable sailing performance, and surprisingly spacious interior are frequently praised. The option for different keel types and steering configurations also contributes to its appeal, allowing owners to choose a setup best suited for their sailing grounds and preferences. No pervasive or recurring common problems are widely reported in publicly available owner reviews.