Seafarer 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Seafarer 26 began production in 1977, marking a continued prolific period for Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts. The company, which transitioned from importing to direct boat building in 1965, established a reputation for well-regarded fiberglass sailboats. The collaboration with McCurdy & Rhodes was a defining characteristic of this era, with the firm designing a wide range of models for Seafarer, from smaller cruisers to larger yachts. McCurdy & Rhodes, established in 1965 by James A. McCurdy and Philip "Bodie" H. Rhodes, focused on providing comprehensive design and consulting services, ensuring that their vessels were well-engineered and suitable for professional construction. The Seafarer 26 was specifically designed by McCurdy & Rhodes as a cruiser. While many Seafarer designs aimed for "racing-inspired hull designs," suggesting a performance orientation alongside cruising comfort, the 26 was clearly intended for comfortable passage making. Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts ceased operations around 1985, meaning the Seafarer 26's production run concluded sometime in the mid-1980s.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seafarer 26 is a masthead sloop with a fin keel, designed to provide a balanced sailing experience for cruising. With a length overall of 25.75 feet and a waterline length of 22.75 feet, she offers a respectable hull speed of 6.39 knots.

To understand her performance characteristics, several key ratios can be interpreted:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp): At approximately 15.6, this ratio suggests the Seafarer 26 is a moderately powered boat. While not a light-air flyer, she is designed to be a comfortable cruiser, capable of good performance when the wind fills in.
• Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp): With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.385, the Seafarer 26 demonstrates reasonable stability. This indicates a fairly stiff boat, capable of standing up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, providing a secure feel for her crew.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL): A Displacement-Length Ratio of approximately 174.17 places the Seafarer 26 in the moderate displacement category for her length. This balance contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, blending aspects of both lighter, more performance-oriented boats and heavier, more traditional cruisers.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Seafarer 26 can be competitive in casual racing, indicating capable sailing characteristics. The fin keel provides good upwind performance, while the skeg-hung rudder offers robust steering control. Owners have noted that the boat handles well for day sails and overnight excursions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Seafarer 26 offers a surprisingly functional interior layout, optimized for cruising comfort. The cabin typically features a comfortable V-berth forward, providing sleeping quarters for two. A spacious main cabin follows, often including a large fold-down table that can convert for dining or additional sleeping arrangements. While some owners feel the interior might be a bit "crammed" for its size, it provides excellent interior space for a boat of this length.

The interior arrangement usually includes a galley area, likely with a sink and space for a stove, and often a dedicated head compartment. Storage is typically found beneath berths and in various lockers throughout the cabin. The boat carries a generous water capacity of 43 gallons, supporting extended stays aboard. Fuel capacity is 12 gallons. The general finish quality typically reflects the builder's reputation for solid fiberglass construction, which often included wood trim to enhance the interior aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seafarer 26 generally appreciate the boat's design and its capabilities as a cruiser. Many find it to be a suitable vessel for day sailing and short overnight trips due to its ample interior space for its length. Owners frequently laud the inherent strength of Seafarer's fiberglass construction, noting the robust build quality that allows these classic yachts to endure.

However, like many older vessels, the Seafarer 26 can present some common maintenance considerations. Recurring issues noted by owners include potential rudder shaft and keel bolt concerns, which warrant inspection. Some owners have also reported problems with the original deck fittings, particularly where teak strips are screwed into the cabin top, potentially leading to leaks that require re-bedding. Electrical systems can also be a point of attention, as is common with boats of this vintage. Despite these potential maintenance items, the enduring community of Seafarer owners and the continued presence of these boats on the water are a testament to their overall appeal and the solid foundation provided by their design and construction.