Stone Horse 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Stone Horse 26 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that behaves with the dignity of a much larger ship. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 320, it is decidedly "stout," utilizing its weight to punch through head seas rather than bouncing over them. The full keel with a protected aperture for the prop ensures exceptional tracking; once the sails are trimmed, the boat often finds a groove and holds its course with minimal helm correction.

The cutter rig is the defining feature of its sail plan, providing a versatile array of gears for varying wind strengths. In heavy weather, sailing under a reefed main and the staysail allows the boat to remain upright and controllable while lighter boats are forced to seek shelter. However, the trade-off for this sea-kindliness is found in light air. With a modest sail area-to-displacement ratio, the Stone Horse can feel sluggish in winds under 8 knots, requiring the auxiliary engine or a specialized reaching sail to maintain progress. Handling is predictable, though the full keel necessitates a learning curve for backing under power, as the boat tends to follow its own mind until steerage way is established.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its dimensions, the Stone Horse 26 offers a remarkably cozy and functional cabin, largely due to Edey & Duff’s commitment to high-quality joinery. The interior typically features a classic "two-plus-one" or four-berth arrangement, with a V-berth forward and two settee berths in the main cabin. Because the boat lacks a full standing headroom for taller sailors—offering approximately 4' 10" to 5' 0"—life below deck is conducted primarily from a seated position, which enhances the "salty" cabin feel.

Edey & Duff utilized an Airex foam core in the hull construction, which provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, preventing the "sweating" common in solid fiberglass boats and keeping the cabin quieter at anchor. Variations of the model include the "Cruising" version, which maximizes storage and galley amenities for overnights, and a rarer "Daysailer" configuration with a larger cockpit and a more spartan interior. The use of bronze portlights and extensive teak or mahogany trim creates an atmosphere that mimics a traditional wooden yacht without the associated structural maintenance of a wooden hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Stone Horse 26 with a focus on its specialized construction and age. While the Airex core is generally robust, any deck hardware that has been improperly re-bedded over the decades can allow moisture into the core. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading around cleats and stanchion bases is essential.

The original power plants were often small diesel engines like the Farymann or Westerbeke; while reliable, many are reaching the end of their service life and may require replacement or significant overhauls. Additionally, because many Stone Horses were equipped with wooden spars (sitka spruce), the mast and boom require a close inspection for "checking" or rot, particularly at the spreaders and the mast base. Finally, the chainplates, which are crucial for the cutter rig’s tension, should be inspected for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, as they are a known "gotcha" for boats of this vintage.

Community & Resources

The Stone Horse enjoys a dedicated following among traditionalists and "small boat" voyagers. While the original builder, Edey & Duff, is no longer in operation, the legacy of the model is preserved by Ballentine's Boat Shop, which acquired many of the molds and provides technical support and parts for the lineage. Owners often congregate in informal associations and regional groups focused on Crocker designs, sharing technical insights on maintaining the boat’s extensive brightwork and traditional rigging.

The Verdict

The Stone Horse 26 is not a boat for the sailor in a hurry, nor for those who demand "condo-style" standing headroom. It is a vessel for the maritime romantic who values offshore capability, timeless aesthetics, and the tactile satisfaction of a well-built traditional yacht.

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and heavy-weather stability.
• Timeless, "head-turning" classic aesthetics.
• High-quality Airex-cored construction provides superior insulation.
• The cutter rig offers excellent sail handling options.

Cons:

• Limited standing headroom (under 5 feet).
• Slow performance in light wind conditions.
• High maintenance requirements for exterior wood and optional wooden spars.
• Challenging maneuverability in reverse due to the full keel design.