Design and Construction
Dubois drew the Griffon 26 around a 26-foot LOA with a 21.58-foot waterline and a 9.25-foot beam, displacing 6,000 lb with 2,717 lb of ballast. The hull is solid fiberglass/GRP throughout, and the Mk II brought the refined interior trim that set it above the earlier model's plainer finish. Keel options across the family included twin bilge keels as the most common arrangement, a fin keel, and a rare lifting keel; the bilge-keel version in particular defines the boat most buyers picture. On deck, the Griffon shows wide sidedecks with good moulded non-slip and a full-height guardrail, while the pushpit carries a gate for boarding via a folding transom ladder, with stowage each side for man-overboard gear and an outboard motor.
Rig and Handling
The Griffon carries a sturdy masthead sloop rig with a single pair of straight spreaders and a full complement of cap shrouds, aft lowers, a babystay, and a split backstay. Rotostay furling headsail and cockpit-led reefing lines were standard, and the mainsheet track sits on the afterdeck, though a shortish boom rather compromises the sheeting angle. Writing in Yachting Monthly, test sailors found her tiller sensitive but not too prone to weather helm despite an unbalanced, transom-hung rudder. The bilge-keel model does not like to be sailed too close to the wind and makes some 8–10 degrees of leeway, but eased to around 45 degrees apparent in a Force 4–5 she tramps along nicely at 6 knots or more. She is well known for a steady, reasonably brisk performance for a 26-footer, has a sea-kindly manner when pushed hard, and manoeuvres easily under power in port.
Accommodations
Below, the Griffon provides a double berth in the forepeak and a double quarter berth under the cockpit, with saloon berths that can serve as singles and 1.83 m (6 ft) of headroom. The galley is minimalist and there is no shower, but an enclosed heads compartment is fitted. All Griffons are comfortable and practical above and below decks. On deck the cockpit is secure and practical, with 2 m-long seats, a spacious working area, a footwell correctly sized for bracing when heeled, and wide flat-topped coamings that are high for safety and angled for comfort. A deep cockpit locker houses the water and fuel tanks, and two large drains sit at the aft end of the cockpit sole.
Known Issues
Some early bilge-keeled Griffons had a problem with their keel attachment and were reinforced by Westerly in a recall, a point any Mk II shopper should verify against the hull's history even though the recall concerned early boats. The Mk I's basic finish and absent teak joinery is a generation contrast rather than a defect in the Mk II itself.
Refits and Ownership
Many Griffons retain their original 13 hp Volvo or Bukh engines, but some have been re-engined, often with a 20 hp Beta. The deck layout supports singlehanded sailing, and the boat is a good, economical choice for a couple or a small family, with her forte in coastal cruising and short- to medium-range offshore passages made securely and in comfort.
The Verdict
The Griffon 26 Mk II is a practical, well-built pocket cruiser that trades outright speed for a secure cockpit, sensible rig, and comfortable coastal accommodation. Dubois's replacement for the Centaur succeeds as an economical, sea-kindly 26-footer whose known structural caveat was addressed by the builder in its own recall.
Pros
- Robust solid-GRP hull with strong Westerly layup reputation
- Secure, practical cockpit with good non-slip and full guardrail
- Easy to sail singlehanded; nimble under power in port
- Comfortable below with double forepeak and quarter berths
Cons
- Bilge-keel model makes leeway and dislikes close-winded sailing
- Minimalist galley and no shower
- Early bilge-keel hulls subject to keel-attachment recall
