The Frances 26 is widely regarded as the definitive "pocket cruiser," a vessel that prioritized seaworthiness and aesthetic grace over the maximize-at-all-costs interior volume trends of the late 20th century. Designed by the esteemed American naval architect Chuck Paine in 1974, the boat was originally conceived as a personal project—a vessel small enough to be handled solo but stout enough to cross an ocean. While the design originated in the United States, it found a spiritual and commercial home in the United Kingdom, where it was produced in significant numbers by Victoria Yachts and later Northshore Yachts. Built with a traditional canoe stern and a full-length keel, the Frances 26 remains a cult favorite for sailors who value "shiptimeliness" and the ability to weather heavy conditions in a hull just under 26 feet.
Frances 26 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Frances
- Model
- 26
- Builder
- Morris Yachts /Victoria Marine
- Designer
- Chuck Paine
- Number Built
- 200
- Production Year(s)
- 1975 - ??
Below are the most recent Frances 26 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date |
|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | 1 | $55,000 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | $56,500 |
| Sep 2025 | 4 | $23,669 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | $20,223 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | $11,160 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $55,000 |
| Mar 2026 | 3 | $49,000 |
| Apr 2026 | 4 | $16,909 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sadler 26 | 25.75' | $12,140 | 18 | 11 |
| Victoria 26 | $22,996 | 17 | 7 | |
| Contessa 26 | 25.5' | $10,649 | 16 | 7 |
| Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 | 27.25' | $59,995 | 15 | 4 |
| Westerly Centaur 26 | 26' | $6,757 | 11 | 3 |
| Hallberg-Rassy 26 | 26.08' | $19,500 | 10 | 5 |
| Saffier SE 26 | 26.25' | $81,298 | 10 | 6 |
| Pearson 26 | 26.12' | $4,500 | 8 | 1 |
| LM 26 | 26.57' | $19,912 | 7 | 4 |
| Pacific Seacraft 25-2 | 27.93' | $20,250 | 6 | 0 |
| Westerly Griffon 26 | 26' | $12,354 | 2 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $19,580 | 10 | 5 |
| United States | $52,000 | 4 | 2 |
| Mexico | $55,000 | 2 | 0 |
| Italy | $31,812 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Frances 26 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Frances 26 over the past 12 months is $22,996. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Frances 26 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 17 Frances 26 listings over the past 12 months, with 7 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Frances 26 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Frances 26 has decreased by 17.65% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Frances 26?
- United Kingdom currently has the lowest median asking price at $19,580, while Mexico is the most expensive at $55,000 — a 181% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Frances 26?
- Comparable models include the Sadler 26, Contessa 26, Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.