Built during Cape Dory's golden era of traditional sailboat construction, this 26-footer exemplifies the builder's commitment to sturdy, seaworthy designs that prioritize safety and comfort over racing performance. Cape Dory earned a stellar reputation among cruising sailors for producing boats that could handle challenging conditions while remaining manageable for smaller crews. This model follows Cape Dory's design philosophy of moderate displacement hulls with generous beam and comfortable accommodations. The boat features the builder's characteristic solid fiberglass construction and attention to detail that made the Cape Dory name synonymous with quality in the cruising community. Her traditional lines and well-balanced sail plan create a forgiving sailing experience that appeals to both novice and experienced sailors. Primarily suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, the Cape Dory 26 offers the perfect balance of size and capability for exploring protected waters and making short offshore passages. Her reputation for seaworthiness exceeds what many would expect from a 26-foot boat, making her an excellent choice for sailors seeking a reliable, well-built vessel that won't break the budget while delivering authentic sailing satisfaction.
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What is the Cape Dory 26's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cape Dory 26 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.05. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cape Dory 26's comfort ratio?
The Cape Dory 26 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.15. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cape Dory 26 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cape Dory 26 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.84. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cape Dory 26?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cape Dory 26 is 5.88 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cape Dory 26 weigh?
The Cape Dory 26 has a displacement of 5,300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 25.92 ft.
How much does a used Cape Dory 26 cost?
Based on 6 recent market listings, used Cape Dory 26 sailboats typically sell for between $7,500 and $18,500, with a median asking price of $10,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Cape Dory 26?
The Cape Dory 26 was designed by Carl Alberg, first built in 1984.