Haida 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Haida 26 is engineered for stability and predictable tracking rather than outright racing speed. Featuring a full keel with a cutaway forefoot and a transom-hung rudder, the boat exhibits excellent directional stability, making it a "forgiving" vessel that can be balanced to sail nearly itself in a steady breeze. With a displacement of approximately 5,600 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a 26-footer, a trait that contributes to a comfortable, dampened motion in choppy waters.

According to historical design notes from Ray Richards, the hull was intended to handle the "square" chop common in the Strait of Georgia without the pounding associated with flatter-bottomed modern designs. While it may struggle in very light air due to its high wetted surface area, the Haida 26 shines when the wind freshens, remaining stiff and upright long after lighter production boats have been forced to reef. The masthead sloop rig is simple and robust, often featuring a shorter boom that keeps the center of effort forward, further aiding in the boat's renowned resistance to weather helm.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era and size, the Haida 26 offers a surprisingly functional interior that reflects Philbrook's heritage in fine cabinetry. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a compact head compartment (often featuring a marine toilet and a small hanging locker). The main salon consists of opposing settees, with some models featuring a drop-down table that converts the area into a larger berth.

Materials are high-quality, with significant use of teak and mahogany joinery that provides a warmth rarely found in modern "plastic" interiors. Headroom is modest, generally around 5’8”, which is standard for a 26-foot boat of this vintage but may feel cramped for taller sailors. Philbrook’s also produced a larger sibling, the Haida 30, which shares the same Richards design DNA but offers a more expansive galley and standing headroom. Variations of the Haida 26 primarily involve the transition from early wood-trimmed cabin tops to later, all-fiberglass decks, which improved long-term water resistance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Haida 26, the primary concern is the age of the fiberglass and the integrity of the core materials.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats built in the 1960s and 70s, the Haida 26 uses a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Buyers should check for "soft spots" around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step, as leaking hardware can lead to core rot.
• Rudder Hardware: The transom-hung rudder is a simple system, but the pintles and gudgeons are subject to significant stress. Check for play in the rudder bushings or signs of stress cracking in the transom fiberglass.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Many of these boats still carry original or aged standing rigging. Inspect the chainplates where they pass through the deck; historical owner reports often note that internal bulkheads can show signs of water damage if these seals have failed.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early Philbrook’s hulls were built with high-quality resins, but given their age, "osmotic blisters" are a common find on the hull below the waterline. A moisture meter test is recommended during a haul-out.

Community & Resources

The Haida 26 enjoys a cult following in British Columbia and Washington State. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-supported class association, the "Haida Owners" community is active within broader Pacific Northwest sailing forums and local yacht clubs in Sidney and Victoria. Information regarding technical drawings and original specifications is often preserved through the legacy of Ray Richards’ designs, which are frequently discussed in regional maritime history archives.

The Verdict

The Haida 26 is a "big" small boat, offering the seaworthiness of a much larger cruiser in a package that is easy to dock and maintain. It is an ideal vessel for the traditionalist who prioritizes build quality and sea-kindliness over modern interior volume and planing speeds.

Pros:

• Exceptional tracking and heavy-weather performance for its size.
• High-quality Philbrook's interior joinery.
• Relatively affordable entry point into classic PNW cruising.
• Transom-hung rudder allows for easy inspection and repair.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement leads to sluggish performance in light winds.
• Limited headroom for taller individuals.
• Aging deck cores and hardware require diligent maintenance.