This Lyle C. Hess - designed 26 foot trailerable sailboat is in excellent condition - complete, clean and ready to go, with:
Re-built trailer (new tires, bearings, electric brakes, lighting / wiring)
Sails: Main, Genoa, Jib, Storm Jib, Gennaker
Yachtwin 9.9 long shaft outboard, electric start
Sleeps 5, swing keel for low draft & trailerability, 5' 6" headroom
Balboa 26 Specifications:
LOA 25'7"
LWL 20'10"
Beam 7'11 1/2"
Draft keel down 5'
Draft keel up 1'10"
Displacement 3600 lb.
Retractable keel 1200 lb.
Towing weight ~5000 lb.
Sail area 293 sq.ft.
Jib 158 sq.ft.
Main 135 sq.ft.
Genoa 252 sq.ft.
Gennaker ~350 sq.ft., with Sock and whisker pole included
Previous owner: 2007/2014
We sailed it regularly on Lake Champlain for 4 years but the boat has been under cover in my driveway for a few years now.
In 2008 I had the trailer mechanicals rebuilt -- new axles, bearings, tires , lighting / wiring, and electric brakes ($2000). The next owner may want to replace the fenders but is well set for extensive trailering if desired.
Also new 3/16" stainless keel winch cable installed.
The previous owner performed upgrades and maintenance on the boat itself during his 6 years of ownership including:
2005: Interior ceiling epoxy painted and interior bulkhead replaced with beautiful 3/4 in Mahogany. Original laminated wood was old and worn. Chain plates reinstalled.
2003: Hull sanded and blasted any blisters were faired and the hull was epoxy coated and bottom painted. Winch box reinforced with new fiberglass. New vapor liner in V-Berth installed.
2002: Anchor well installed (awesome feature), Nicro Vent installed in hatch, and upper deck rot removed around mast due to sag and redone with fiberglass. Awl grip was used to coat the upper deck. NO sag anymore. Head serviced. (Full working head with storage tank (nice feature)).
New Harken main sheet traveler and track installed on tabernacle (Awesome Balboa upgrade)
2001: New wiring throughout the vessel, new switch panel, shore power installed with breaker . Deck was repaired on the port side core removed and replaced with all fiberglass (professionally done). New headliner, new VHF Standard Horizon Radio, Onboard permanent fuel tank installed in starboard aft with gauge. topping lift installed. Bright work performed and deck fitting rebed. New Bomar hatch installed to replace fiberglass hatch.
Known Issues: Fore deck is solid, however, delamination can be felt in a small area if stood on by a heavy person. The Marine Grade Plywood used for construction is strong and lends to the solid feel to the boat. I expect in the future this could be a winter project to repair this area in the fore deck. Under the window in the head on port side, there is evidence of some delamination. Again, no structural or operational problems noticed, however, it is visible from within the vessel. The windows leak occasionally a drip at most.
This is a great boat and sails beautifully. The Balboa 26 is a trailer sailors Cadillac. Big boat feel in a trailerable package. She has many good years left for a caring owner.
