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Sailboat Specifications

Hughes 26

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Sparkman & Stephens · Built by Hughes Boatworks Ltd. · First built 1976

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LOA 26.00 ft  ·  Beam 9.00 ft  ·  Displacement 4,598.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 296.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Hughes 26 Sailboat

With limited documentation available, the Hughes 26 represents one of the more elusive designs in the 26-foot sailboat category. This scarcity of information suggests either a small production run or a boat that didn't achieve widespread market penetration during its era. Despite the sparse historical record, the Hughes 26 appears to have been conceived as a coastal cruiser, fitting into the popular mid-1970s to early 1980s trend of affordable weekend sailboats. Like many boats of its size class, it would have been designed to balance reasonable accommodations below with manageable sailing characteristics for small crews or single-handed operation. The limited availability of specifications and owner reports makes evaluating this design challenging for prospective buyers. This rarity could appeal to sailors seeking an uncommon boat, though it also means finding parts, documentation, or experienced advice may prove difficult. Anyone considering a Hughes 26 should conduct thorough research into the specific boat's construction quality and condition, as individual examples may vary significantly. The boat's obscurity in sailing circles suggests it never developed the strong following or proven track record that characterizes more successful designs from the same period.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.25 ft / 6.17 m
Beam 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 4,598.00 lb / 2,086 kg
Ballast 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 296.00 ft² / 27.50 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Hughes Boatworks Ltd.
First Built 1976
Owner Reviews

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Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 12
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hughes 26's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Hughes 26 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.18. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Hughes 26's comfort ratio?

The Hughes 26 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 17.32. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Hughes 26 safe for offshore sailing?

The Hughes 26 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.17. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Hughes 26?

The theoretical hull speed of the Hughes 26 is 6.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Hughes 26 weigh?

The Hughes 26 has a displacement of 4,598.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.00 ft.

Who designed the Hughes 26?

The Hughes 26 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1976.