Excalibur 26 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Excalibur 26 begins in the mid-1960s with Excalibur Marine Corp., which produced approximately 25 units of the boat. Recognizing the design's potential, Islander Yachts, a prominent California builder known for creating robust and well-designed cruising yachts, acquired the molds. Under Islander's stewardship, production significantly increased, with around 200 more Excalibur 26s hitting the water. Following Islander's tenure, the molds were again transferred, this time to Iona Yachts, who built a few additional boats.

The design itself is an early work of William Crealock, an architect known for his efficient and often performance-oriented lines. While detailed design philosophies for this specific model are not widely documented, Crealock's approach typically aimed for boats that were "quick and fast" within their categories. The Excalibur 26, characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, reflects this pursuit of responsive handling and respectable speed for a cruiser of its era. The hull and deck were constructed from solid fiberglass, a common and durable material choice for the time, aligning with Islander Yachts' reputation for solid construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Excalibur 26 exhibits a notable blend of characteristics that contribute to its sailing performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.0, the boat is well-powered, suggesting good performance in lighter winds where it can efficiently use its sail plan to generate speed. This high SA/D ratio indicates a boat that is relatively quick for its size.

Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at a healthy 42.57%, indicating a stiff and stable platform capable of standing up to a good breeze and resisting excessive heeling. This substantial ballast contributes to its seakindliness, making it feel secure even in choppier conditions. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 369 points to a relatively heavy boat for its waterline length. While this might suggest a more traditional cruiser, in combination with its high SA/D and good ballast ratio, it likely translates to a comfortable motion offshore and the ability to carry sail well without being overly tender. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Excalibur 26 is a "quick and fast little boat" with stable upwind performance, benefiting from its deep fin keel. It is often equipped with an outboard engine in a well.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length of just under 26 feet, the Excalibur 26 generally offers a functional interior layout designed to maximize space for its crew. While specific headroom details are not consistently available, interior reviews suggest a typical arrangement for a boat of this size from its era. The forward section usually features a V-berth for sleeping, followed by a main salon area that likely includes opposing settees that can serve as berths, often with a folding table in between.

The galley area, if present, is typically compact, often positioned along one side, potentially featuring a sink and space for a portable stove. Storage is usually provided through various lockers and under-berth compartments. A small, enclosed head compartment would typically be found forward of the main salon or aft, depending on the specific layout and production variant. The finish quality often reflects the robust, utilitarian approach of its builders, with a focus on durability, though some variations in wood trim or fiberglass liners would be common depending on the specific production run (e.g., Excalibur Marine, Islander, or Iona).

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Excalibur 26 frequently praise its solid construction and surprising sailing performance for a boat of its size. Many owners appreciate its ability to perform well in various wind conditions, often describing it as a "quick and fast" vessel. Its fin keel is noted for contributing to stable upwind performance. The deep keel also offers some protection to the spade rudder.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around the practicalities of a smaller boat, such as limited interior volume compared to more modern designs. The reliance on an outboard engine, often situated in an engine well, is also a frequently mentioned characteristic. Despite its age, the Excalibur 26 continues to attract interest from those seeking a capable and affordable cruiser or weekender, with active communities discussing restoration and maintenance.