Hunter 26.5 Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 26.5 was introduced in 1985, a period when Hunter Marine, under the leadership of Warren Luhrs, was strategically shifting its focus from purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs. Production of the 26.5 continued until 1987. This model exemplifies Hunter's commitment to balancing performance with the growing demand for user-friendly, comfortable family cruisers. During this era, Hunter Marine emphasized robust construction and innovative features, stemming from a philosophy of applying efficient production methods learned from their powerboat manufacturing background. The Hunter Design Team was responsible for its creation. While specific design goals for the 26.5 aren't explicitly detailed, it aligns with Hunter's broader aim of offering boats that were enjoyable to sail and livable, a hallmark of their designs in the mid-1980s. There is no indication of significant variations or "Mk" versions during its relatively short production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.14, the Hunter 26.5 exhibits good light-air performance, suggesting it can move smartly even in lighter breezes. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.409 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of about 174.0 places the Hunter 26.5 in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. Owners often describe the 26.5 as quick and enjoyable for club racing, handling well and moving smartly on various points of sail, except potentially directly upwind in tight racing scenarios. The wing keel design, with a maximum draft of 3.5 feet, contributes to its stability while allowing for access to shallower anchorages. However, some owners note that the prop may come out of the water in approximately 4-foot seas. The fractional sloop rig, with all lines reportedly led to the cockpit, makes the Hunter 26.5 manageable for single-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 26.5 is generally considered roomy for its size, designed to maximize liveability for weekend cruising. While specific headroom figures are not always available, one owner noted the galley can be challenging to use due to limited headroom. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley area, and a head. The fold-up table in the salon helps create a larger boat impression. The water tank has a capacity of 23 gallons. Owners have praised the interior headroom for a boat of this size. The finish quality often features wood trim, contributing to a classic sailboat aesthetic. Storage solutions are integrated for cruising needs, and ventilation is typically achieved through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Hunter 26.5 for its ease of sailing and relatively fast performance compared to other boats of similar size. Many find it a comfortable boat for spending two to four-day weekends aboard, appreciating its livability. The fact that all lines are led to the cockpit is a frequently mentioned positive, making it easy to single-hand.

However, some common issues and areas for attention have been noted. A recurring point is the propeller coming out of the water in moderate seas. Some owners have reported problems with various systems, including AC/DC electrical, fresh water plumbing, raw water plumbing, and waste tank plumbing, necessitating attention in older models. Water intrusion into the bilge after heavy rain or snow has also been mentioned. While the porta-potti system generally causes fewer issues compared to traditional marine heads, some owners have reported minor issues with the rudder, such as fine cracks along the trailing edge. Despite these potential maintenance items, the Hunter 26.5 retains a strong owner community, with many looking forward to years of continued enjoyment on their vessels.