Mull Ranger 26-2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ranger 26-2 is characterized by the light-air agility typical of Gary Mull designs, yet it possesses a more forgiving motion than the original 26. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio that places it firmly in the light-to-medium displacement category, the boat is remarkably responsive to trim. The 26-2 features a tall, high-aspect masthead rig which, when paired with the boat’s lead fin keel, provides impressive upwind pointing ability.

Handling is generally described as "finger-tip" sensitive. Unlike many 26-footers of the era that suffered from heavy weather helm when pressed, the 26-2 maintains its balance deep into the breeze, provided the sails are reefed appropriately. Anecdotal evidence from regional PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) racing suggests the 26-2 remains a formidable opponent in club racing, often outperforming modern boats of similar length in light-to-moderate conditions due to its low wetted surface area. The rudder is a spade configuration, which offers high maneuverability in tight marinas but requires the helmsman’s attention when running downwind in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the "striped-out" racing interiors of the early 1970s, the Ranger 26-2 was engineered to provide genuine weekend livability. The most notable achievement of this model is its standing headroom—approximately 5'10"—which was a significant marketing point for Jensen Marine at the time of its release. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by an enclosed marine head, a rarity for a boat of this size.

The main salon utilizes a settee arrangement that can be converted into additional berths, while the galley is positioned aft near the companionway for optimal ventilation. Materially, the 26-2 moved toward more extensive use of teak veneers and molded fiberglass liners, which reduced maintenance but also gave the interior a more finished, "big boat" feel. Sibling models from the same design era include the Ranger 23, which offered a scaled-down version of these lines, and the Ranger 30, which shared much of the 26-2's design DNA regarding the cabin trunk profile and interior aesthetic.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Ranger 26-2 with a specific focus on the structural hallmarks of Jensen Marine’s 1980s construction:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the 26-2 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step is a common "gotcha." Spongy sections underfoot or brown staining near interior bulkheads are immediate red flags for core delamination.
• Keel Bolt Inspection: The 26-2 carries a substantial lead keel. Owners on technical forums have occasionally noted the need to check the torque of the keel bolts and inspect for "smile" cracks at the hull-keel joint, which may indicate the boat has experienced a hard grounding.
• Rudder Post and Bearings: The spade rudder is susceptible to "play" over decades of use. Check for excessive vibration at the helm or visible weeping around the rudder post tube where it meets the hull.
• Engine Maintenance: Many 26-2 models were equipped with the Yanmar 1GM or 1GM10 diesel engines. While reliable, these small units are sensitive to salt-water injection elbow clogging and require a rigorous cooling system flush.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Ranger 26-2 benefit from a dedicated community of Gary Mull enthusiasts. The Ranger Yachts Owners Association remains a vital source for technical drawings and historical brochures that were originally issued by Jensen Marine. Additionally, because many Ranger parts were standardized across the Bangor Punta brands (including O'Day and Cal), technical wikis for Cal Yachts often provide overlapping solutions for hardware and rigging issues found on the Ranger 26-2.

The Verdict

The Ranger 26-2 is an exceptional choice for the sailor who refuses to sacrifice performance for the sake of a cabin. It remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing 26-footers from the 1980s, offering a "sleeper" racing pedigree in a package that can comfortably host a weekend getaway.

• Pros:
  • Excellent light-wind performance and pointing ability.
  • Unexpectedly generous standing headroom for its class.
  • Strong resale value among enthusiasts of Gary Mull designs.
  • Enclosed head provides significantly better privacy than the "potty-under-the-v-berth" found in rivals.
• Cons:
  • Balsa-cored decks require vigilant maintenance to prevent rot.
  • Spade rudder can feel twitchy for novice helmsmen in heavy air.
  • Rigid interior liners can make access to the hull or wiring more difficult.