Seacart 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Seacart 26 was launched in 2011, emerging from the same lineage as Oceanlake Marine's larger and equally performance-oriented Seacart 30. Designed by the renowned Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, the Seacart 26 was created with the specific goal of delivering exceptional performance for its size within a one-design class. Oceanlake Marine, in collaboration with experts in composite construction, aimed to produce a trimaran that not only offered impressive speed but also remained manageable and versatile for both short course and distance racing.

While the builder generally employed advanced composite materials like carbon fiber in their high-performance vessels, the Seacart 26 features a hull and deck constructed from fiberglass solid, often with epoxy/PVC foam sandwich and carbon reinforcements to ensure a strong yet lightweight structure. A key design feature is its daggerboard, which allows the boat to achieve a minimal draft of just 0.8 feet when raised, enabling access to shallow waters or close-to-shore sailing, while extending to a maximum draft of 4.92 feet for optimal upwind performance. The yacht also incorporates three rudders, a common characteristic for high-performance trimarans, contributing to precise steering and control. There were no widely publicized MkI or MkII variations, but forum discussions do touch upon specific design elements, such as the curved centerboards.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to Oceanlake Marine's reputation, the Seacart 26 is lauded for its impressive speed and agile handling. With a light displacement of just 1,543 pounds and a generous reported sail area of 407 square feet, she is designed to accelerate quickly and deliver thrilling speeds on the water. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight its capacity for speed, with anecdotal reports of the boat easily clearing 14 knots and even achieving over 20 knots in strong conditions.

As a fractional sloop rigged trimaran, the Seacart 26 is intended for dynamic sailing, easily handled by a crew of three or four, yet manageable enough for single-handed excursions. Its multi-hull configuration, combined with the lifting daggerboard, provides inherent stability and enables excellent performance across various wind conditions. The cockpit is ergonomically designed, making sailing more intuitive and efficient. While generally fast, some discussions note that the Seacart 26, particularly with its foils and centerboard, can be comparatively slower in very light winds due to increased drag when compared to some other designs.

Accommodations and Layout

The Seacart 26 is primarily a performance-oriented day-racer, and as such, its interior accommodations are minimal, focusing on functionality rather than extensive comfort or cruising amenities. There is no specific information available regarding maximum headroom or detailed interior layouts such as V-berths, galleys, or dedicated heads. The design emphasizes an efficient deck layout and cockpit ergonomics for active sailing rather than a comprehensive living space. This sparse interior aligns with its purpose as a high-speed coastal and inshore racing platform, where the focus is firmly on performance and ease of handling during day trips or competitive events.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seacart 26 generally praise its exhilarating performance and its suitability as a fast day sailer and racer. The boat's ability to be sailed effectively single-handed or with a small crew is a frequently mentioned strength. However, due to its niche market and performance-centric design, specific owner reviews and forum discussions can be somewhat limited. Some owners have sought information regarding basic aspects like waterline markings and have discussed specific design elements such as the centerboard, with some comments indicating potential maintenance considerations for certain components. Despite these minor points, the core appeal lies in its speed, agility, and the pure joy of high-performance sailing it offers to a dedicated community of enthusiasts.