balboa 28 sailboat

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Balboa 26 Used Boat Test

Designed by lyle hess, this unsung, affordable pocket cruiser offers a big bang for the buck. capable of trailering to windward and skimming through shallow water, it offers all the versatility of todays trailer sailers at one-tenth of the price. the swing-keel hinge pin and rigging deserve a close look, however, and a cosmetic makeover can require some serious sweat equity..

As with all of Lyle Hess designs, the Balboa 26 statistics reveal the underpinnings of a seaworthy coastal cruiser. The Balboas 3,600-pound displacement includes 1,200 pounds of ballast, by no means a lead mine, but the B26s 8-foot beam was carried well aft, and its reasonably full sections contributed form stability and helped make the little sloop a seakindly performer. With 293 square feet of working sail area, the B26 is close in potential performance to the Excalibur 26, Cal 25, and Columbia 26, all vaunted designs of the same era.

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The Balboa 26 is a bargain-priced pocket cruiser thats stood up well to the test of time. Even after three decades of use, these $4,000-$15,000 boats still remain a popular choice for those with a big dream and a small budget. Its swing keel, shallow draft, and ability to be trailered upwind to cruising destinations all over the country make it more versatile than your average 26-foot, plastic production boat.

Billy Black (www.billyblack.com)

Part of the mystique of the Balboa 26 is its birth on the drawing board of legendary pocket-cruiser designer Lyle Hess, whose love of small, functional cruising sailboats dates back to Blackfoot, Idaho, when a boy daydreamed of ocean sailing even though the Snake River was the only water in sight.

Finally arriving in Long Beach, Calif., in 1928, Hess and 11 siblings set out to carve a new life amidst a Southern California in transition. At 16, Hess designed and built a hard-chine, 17-foot, vest-pocket cruiser and explored Catalina Island with his brother, Lee. Boatbuilding proved to be a labor of love, but the housing boom associated with the end of World War II proved more lucrative. Lyle Hess dove in, spending the post war years as a family man, house builder, and part-time yacht designer.

The advent of fiberglass and collaboration with die-hard wooden boat aficionado Larry Pardey, moved Hess back into a full-time commitment to sailboat design. Pardey chose Hess Renegade design as the boat hed build and eventually sail with his partner, Lin.

At about the same time, Larry Pardey introduced Hess to Richard Arthur. Arthur saw him as the right designer to create a fiberglass “folk boat” in Southern California, and Arthur Marine kicked off production of the Hess-designed Balboa 20 and 26 in 1972. Their instant popularity lives on today.

A key part of the Hess design credo was that a sailboat must have the sea-keeping ability to take a crew offshore and return them home safely. As with all of his designs, the Balboa 26 statistics reveal the underpinnings of a seaworthy coastal cruiser. The Balboas 3,600-pound displacement includes 1,200 pounds of ballast, by no means a lead mine, but the B26s 8-foot beam was carried well aft, and its reasonably full sections contributed form stability and helped make the little sloop a seakindly performer. With 293 square feet of working sail area, the B26 is close in potential performance to the Excalibur 26, Cal 25, and Columbia 26, all vaunted designs of the same era. But with a swing keel, short rig, and retractable rudder that can morph 5 feet of draft into a 30-inch shoal water gunkholer, the Balboa 26 is both a skinny-water cruiser and a proficient coastal passage maker thats capable on all points of sail.

DECK LAYOUT

A molded toerail and nonskid pattern works in conjunction with cabinhouse handrails and a single lifeline to help insure that the crew stays on board. The trade-off associated with spacious accommodations is a wide cabinhouse that all but eliminates the sidedecks. Cleats and chocks are small but adequate, and the cockpit works well for a couple. Put more than three aboard, and theres a scramble to find deck space to alleviate the crowd in the cockpit.

The mast step features a hinge that helps in the stepping and un-stepping process, an essential part of the trailer sailors routine.

The aft lower shrouds on these boats are set well inboard and fastened to a chainplate thats attached to the cabinhouse. The acute angle between the shroud and mast increases the loading on the wire and hardware.

A close, point-by-point inspection of the standing rigging should be carried out annually, and care needs to be taken while stepping and un-stepping the rig to make sure that the turnbuckles are not bent during the process. Most riggers feel that a 10-year lifespan is about all they can recommend for average recreational use. Many older boats have standing rigging twice that age, and relying on such rigging is sailing on borrowed time. Its a dangerous and costly wager to make. All it takes is for one small component to fail and the rig will end up over the side.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The layout aboard the Balboa 26 makes it a fine warm-weather boat, with a huge companionway hatch that opens up the interior and provides lots of light and air, a useful trait at anchor or sailing in light-air conditions. Shelter from sunlight can be provided by a convenient collapsible bimini top that arches over the cockpit and companionway. Its ideal when at anchor, but when underway it can creates excess windage.

The saloon is surprisingly spacious for a 26-foot boat. A dinette to port converts into a big berth, and when the table is up, it works as a nav station, dining table, and an all-around good spot to hangout, read, or swap yarns with cruising friends. This portion of the cabin has the feel of a bigger boat, despite the swing keel slot, which is well hidden by a molded liner shell. Pans and liners are a mixed blessing in that they offer a smooth surface for cleaning and aesthetics, but they hide access to parts of the inner hull skin and bilge that makes the cleaning or re-bedding of leaking hardware fasteners more difficult.

The galley is minimal: a one- or two-burner, fixed stove; small sink with an ice box to port; and a locker for pots and pans to starboard. Its basically enough space for a backpacker to feel pampered, but by no means an optimum set-up for those thinking of longer-term, comfortable cruises.

The same holds true of the head arrangement, which, in this era of discharge regulations, has evolved into a dedicated location for a port-a-potty. Its location adjacent to the V-berth offers ample motivation for frequent trips ashore, or at least a yearning for the days of a cedar bucket. Originally there was a marine head and a sink, but fitting a holding tank is tough. It still irks us that while the worst polluters can buy credits to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules, sailors—an easy target, it seems—will never be able to exchange hours spent under wind propulsion for an overboard discharge or two in remote, well-flushed bodies of water. Trying to put a holding tank in a small vessel with barely enough room for a 20-gallon water tank almost inevitably gives a boat the ambiance of an outhouse.

PERFORMANCE

A couple of months ago, Practical Sailor had the chance to sail a 30-year-old Balboa 26 thats still being used by the Florida Keys Bareboat Charter Co. ( www.pagancharm.com ) in its active charter trade in Marathon, Fla. The fact that this old vessel can still be counted on to perform day in and day out is a real testimony to good boat design/building and the value of a simple, easy-to-refit sailboat.

As we cleared the tight confines of the small marina using the transom-mounted 9.8-horsepower, long-shaft outboard, we were reminded that the ease of “going sailing” is inversely proportionate to the size of the boat.

The outboard auxiliary performed well, but maneuvering in reverse took some practice. It became easier once we were accustomed to having a prop situated astern of the rudder rather than ahead of the blade. As we motored away from the marina, it was clear that an 8- or 9-horsepower outboard provided plenty of push. In fact, those interested in saving some weight, money, and fuel could do just fine with a 6-horsepower, long-shaft model.

All it took was the removal of a few sail ties and an easy halyard hoist, and the manageable mainsail was up and trimmed. A tug on the leeward jib sheet spun open a big, 150-percent genoa that was tamed by a Harken headsail furling system. It was a butter-smooth operating furler that was easy to deploy and retrieve.

Less than five minutes after leaving the dock, we were fully powered and reaching smoothly through the turquoise water of the Florida Keys, watching a dolphin slip by in the shallow water.

The 15-knot puffs were fine on a reach, but when we trimmed and steered closer to the wind, it was clear that a little less genoa would decrease heel and actually improve the boats ability to go to weather. We bore off, blanketed the genoa with the main in order to depower the sail and wind in a few turns on the furler. This reduced the genoa to about a 120-percent and made the beat more efficient, giving us a couple of tenths more boat speed with less heel. We had the swing keel almost all the way down, and the soft touch of the helm convinced us that the center of effort and center of lateral resistance were right where they belonged.

Off the wind, a cruising spinnaker would have livened up the show, but the big genoa did keep us moving efficiently until we steered deeper than about 135 degrees and the mainsail began to choke off the flow over the headsail. Rolling in some of the genoa and setting a whisker pole would be another good way to deal with deep sailing angles.

The boats responsive helm made each tack quick and efficient. Line leads, winches, and cleats were in the right places and with the fairly new set of sails, the 30-year-old sloop offered 90 percent of the performance of most new pocket cruisers, yet carried a price tag less than 25 percent of a new boat price.

CONCLUSIONS

The down side of an older boat, especially one with a swing keel, is that there are usually plenty of little things to fix. When it comes to the Balboa 26, the swing keel should regularly get a close look. This includes pulling the swing keels pivot pin every couple of seasons and inspecting it, as well as the surface that supports the load. The lift cable will eventually fray and will need replacement, along with the hand-crank winch used to hoist and lower the keel. Rigging wire and hardware may look fine, but after years—maybe decades—of use, it can be an accident waiting to happen. Any inspection of the standing rigging should also include a close look at the lifelines, stanchions, and pulpits.

Tackling the cosmetic refit of a three-decades-old sailboat is more about paint than polish. Gelcoat crazing, blisters, and cracks can be fixed with epoxy fillers and primers, and one- or two-part topcoat paints can yield a better-than-new finish if the applicators skills and availability are up to the challenge. Hiring a boatyard to do the job can cost more than the purchase price of the boat, so before you commit to a long-in-the-tooth Balboa 26 (or other oldie but goodie), determine three things: How extensive a refit is required; who will do the work; and how much it will cost. If your answers are, “entirely renew the finish on all exterior gelcoat, myself, and very little,” and you have minimal painting experience, we suggest the following: Buy an old, tired dinghy, such as a small Dyer or Montgomery, and give it the makeover you have in mind for the B26. If, when youre finished, you like what you see and you still enjoy the hands-on effort of the do-it-yourself approach, you are indeed ready for a bigger challenge. If you arent as enthused with the idea, consider a B26 that costs more but has already made the pilgrimage to the co-polymer fountain of youth.

One big plus of the Balboa 26 is Hess cult-like following, which has engendered active owners groups. Discussions range from traveler upgrades to great adventures of the sort that very few boats in this price range can offer.

• Critic’s Corner: Balboa 26
• Interior Notes: Balboa 26
• Balboa 26 Construction Details
• Balboa 26 In Context

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The Balboa 26 “Resources” link above points to the obsolete Yahoo group. The active groups are: E-mail group: https://groups.io/g/BalboaSailboats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BalboaSailboats/

Thanks for the information on the E-mail and facebook. I just became the owner of a B26 that was abandoned in an aircraft hanger in central Indiana. the new owner of the hanger wanted it out of there and gave it to me, trailer and all. I’ve been able to obtain a LOST TITLE but have to get it to my place in north florida. lots of work to do as all teak is removed for refinishing. Not sure what all has to be done, as I’ve only been aboard Her one time. Will post what all I find as far as equiptment and condition. Thanks Again

I don’t know when I’ll get the boat moved to Jacksonville,Fl. I’m 81 now and have crossed over to the Abacos 9 times, all but 1 were deliveries. ‘Once in my OWENS 25 FT. cabin cruiser. Not sure I want to do it again at my age. Sometimes one has to get around on deck quickly. 20 years ago I’d cross with this boat assuming all works out with the refit. My wife says NO!! even though we have a 50 year old step son who’d like to do it. Some sea trials might come into play. We’ll cross that strait if We get to it.

Hey Charles. How are you doing? Im from Brazil, me and couple of mates are planing on sailing from florida to brazil. We are planing the trip. Do you know of a good place in florida were we could do some “repar work” before departing? We planning onto pick up a Balboa 26″ in CA drive to florida. Thanks in avance Davi

Has anyone out there done a total rework of the mast step on-a 74 Balboa.?

I probably would never take mine further than I could swim to shore. However, my Aquarius 23, thats a different story. Only a small portion of the ballast is in the swing keel. The bulk of the lead is incapsulated inside.

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Review of Balboa 27

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The boat is equipped with 79.0 liter fresh water capacity.

The Balboa 27 is equipped with a swing keel. A swing keel is a pivoting lifting keel, allowing to sail both coastal and inland waters.

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 0.76 - 0.86 meter (2.49 - 2.79 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Balboa 27 is 1.93, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.4 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Balboa 27 is about 114 kg/cm, alternatively 641 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 114 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 641 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 21m 2 (226 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Balboa 27 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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> > 27-09-2018, 11:20   27 8.2 lm In the process of one and would like any info I can get. Original info would be great Thanks 15-10-2018, 01:19   Boat: Cape Dory 30C , designed by the Lyle Hess. Good for coastal cruising, e.g. to LA, or up and down and Santa Barbara. Would not take her though. Good to hone your sailing skills on. I had one with a swing but there are fixed versions, had a tabernacle . One of the bigger trailerable . Here is a link to the Yahoo Group for its smaller sibling the 26, which is the same boat only a foot shorter 26-05-2020, 12:32   Boat: Balboa 27 right now with my pals but the Covid scare has disrupted my plans. In an effort to keep involved with sailing and i just bought a 1978 Balboa 27 sailboat and parked it outside my window. Aside from being great lawn art i am going through it to correct any deficiencies that i find. (working from home) I am now halfway through replacing the deadlights and one of the next things i want to look into the swing keel bolt. The boat came with and is still on the so i cannot see under the keel. I do not see any obvious places in/around the bilges to check on it. Thus i presume it fastens from underneath the keel. does anyone out there have one of these 27 Balboa boats and have info on the keel bolt, Is it the same fastenings as the Balboa 26? Anyone know how that one is fixed? Any other info i might find important or useful would be appreciated? I note that a user named Verner started a conversation and if he is still around i would welcome any info he has found. I do not see any useful info on the web and hardly any for it. As i live 1000 miles from the coast just picking it up for a look is going to be a big deal yet i dont want to float it without due dilligence. i could fill it up with and look for from the outside but thats just silly i know...LOL Best regards. Lee. 27-05-2020, 15:02   Boat: Cape Dory 30C 28-05-2020, 16:21   Boat: Balboa 27 inner liner which goes from seam to seam creating a full pan which includes the . So actually a full and pretty much waterproof liner! Like a big pan fiberglassed inside a hull! The liner is sealed (fiber-glassed)at every one of the under seating compartments and under the V berth. Its hard for me to believe that is where the keel bolt is accessed from on the 1978 Balboa 27. If it is accessed from inside the well that is a stupid design and i will not be chopping up the liner. Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post Dallas Monohull Sailboats 0 11-07-2010 16:00 Furian Monohull Sailboats 1 12-03-2010 16:39 Duckwheat Monohull Sailboats 5 04-04-2009 17:30 irwinsailor Monohull Sailboats 22 21-02-2007 19:22 kimberlite Marinas 0 07-04-2006 22:09 No Threads to Display. - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Go to 1979 Balboa 28 Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media Media New media New comments Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe Question about the Balboa 26 Thread starter rgranger Start date Oct 30, 2012 Brand-Specific Forums Hello Balboa owners... In the past two days, I've run across two Balboa 26 sailboats for sale. Admittedly I'm not that familiar with the Balboas. I've owned two Coronado sailboats and three MacGregor sailboats and I've sailed a Catalina with my boss when I was younger but have never run across the Balboas before. I'm looking for a 25 to 26ft TRAILERABLE sailboat and have been shopping for a Mac 26, or a Catalina 250 when I ran across these two boats. They look really nice. I'm not a big fan of spade rudders but they do look like a sturdy Balboas. Seems like a lot of boat for the price and they look sturdy. I've tried to read a bit about them and the only thing I can glean is that they are sturdy and have some issues with weather helm (I can fix that I think). I have not been able to find anything negative about them and no raving positives either. Does not seem to be that much out there on them other than they were the first 26ft trailerable on the scene. I'd love to hear some pros and cons from people who own one. What are their main issues? All boat have issue but knowing and accepting in advance is most of it ... right? Thanks in advance, rgranger   Capt Strapfoots rgranger said: Hello Balboa owners... In the past two days, I've run across two Balboa 26 sailboats for sale. Admittedly I'm not that familiar with the Balboas. I've owned two Coronado sailboats and three MacGregor sailboats and I've sailed a Catalina with my boss when I was younger but have never run across the Balboas before. I'm looking for a 25 to 26ft TRAILERABLE sailboat and have been shopping for a Mac 26, or a Catalina 250 when I ran across these two boats. They look really nice. I'm not a big fan of spade rudders but they do look like a sturdy Balboas. Seems like a lot of boat for the price and they look sturdy. I've tried to read a bit about them and the only thing I can glean is that they are sturdy and have some issues with weather helm (I can fix that I think). I have not been able to find anything negative about them and no raving positives either. Does not seem to be that much out there on them other than they were the first 26ft trailerable on the scene. I'd love to hear some pros and cons from people who own one. What are their main issues? All boat have issue but knowing and accepting in advance is most of it ... right? Thanks in advance, rgranger Click to expand Thanks Capt. That is a real nice head-2-head comparison. Let me ask you this. The keel on the Balboa is massive. Are you concerned about maintenance on something like that? I'm guessing it will take some engineering to rig a cradle and trusses and a dolly to move that keel around for keel bolt replacement and repair. I like the idea of a big heavy keel under me but I don't relish the idea of working on it. Your thoughts????   rgranger said: Thanks Capt. That is a real nice head-2-head comparison. Let me ask you this. The keel on the Balboa is massive. Are you concerned about maintenance on something like that? I'm guessing it will take some engineering to rig a cradle and trusses and a dolly to move that keel around for keel bolt replacement and repair. I like the idea of a big heavy keel under me but I don't relish the idea of working on it. Your thoughts???? Click to expand I think you guys are on to something with the Balboa 26. In my opinion, it's superior to a MacGregor 25 due to the head room to almost stand up. Few questions: 1) How much head room does the Mac 25 have? Almost 5'? 2). Am I right that the Balboa 26 has 5'6" headroom? Does that make it feel like you can almost stand up? 3) Is there a bed in the aft birth of the Balboa 26? 4) Does the Balboa 26 have a pop top? 5) After experiencing the Mac 25, what makes you like the layout of the Balboa 26 better? 6) Does the Balboa's swing keel weigh 1,200 lbs? 7) Lastly, would you trust your Balboa 26 for a blue water open ocean passage? What I really love is the Balboa 27 because it is both a trailer sailor and a blue water capable boat. But I know that I'll never have a tow vehicle that can pull it's 6,000 lbs :-( Thanks!   MacNCheese said: I think you guys are on to something with the Balboa 26. In my opinion, it's superior to a MacGregor 25 due to the head room to almost stand up. Few questions: 1) How much head room does the Mac 25 have? Almost 5'? 2). Am I right that the Balboa 26 has 5'6" headroom? Does that make it feel like you can almost stand up? 3) Is there a bed in the aft birth of the Balboa 26? 4) Does the Balboa 26 have a pop top? 5) After experiencing the Mac 25, what makes you like the layout of the Balboa 26 better? 6) Does the Balboa's swing keel weigh 1,200 lbs? 7) Lastly, would you trust your Balboa 26 for a blue water open ocean passage? What I really love is the Balboa 27 because it is both a trailer sailor and a blue water capable boat. But I know that I'll never have a tow vehicle that can pull it's 6,000 lbs :-( Thanks! Click to expand Capt Strapfoots said: ...Also I think your weight is off I think it weighs in under 4000 pounds...I say this cause in the pamplet for the boat it rates the trailer at 5200 pounds.. I pull mine with a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Click to expand Stu Jackson Pat Royce's Sailing Illustrated has some information on the Balboa 26.   Stu Jackson said: Pat Royce's Sailing Illustrated has some information on the Balboa 26. Click to expand justsomeguy MacNCheese said: Thanks. Post link? Click to expand Stu Jackson said: It's a BOOK Click to expand This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Search boats for sale Balboa 27 (sailboat) for sale Boat data Balboa 27 Technical data, buy balboa 27 - equipment cruising yacht - sailboat for sale, balboa 27 - info without obligation - cruising yacht. Other boats (like Balboa 27) - for buy and for sale MacGregor 26X Catalina 27 Shoal 28 Junk Rig These sailboats could also be of interest to you Boats for Sale Cabin Cruisers Balboa 27 for sale in Frenchville, Pennsylvania United States of America Frenchville, Pennsylvania United States of America Make & Model MEASUREMENTS Description. - Stock #Trailerable Cruiser. High-quality construction. Ready to Sail. 1980 Balboa Swing Keel Trailered Sailboat!!! One of the largest trailerable sailboats on the market, she offers a hinged mast for easy rigging when you launch her and easy storage when it's time to call it a day!!! The large Cockpit area allows for comfortable days sailing and cruising with the family, with the adjustable tiller handle the Captain can stay in full control of the boat and give everyone plenty of room. Rigged for single-handled sailing this is a great boat, down in the cabin you have a simple well-appointed galley with Icebox and Alcohol stove, ample room on the countertop to prepare full meals and lunches for the crew, a forward V berth for two Adults and a convertible dinette for two to sleep comfortably, there is a small single bunk aft, currently being used for storage but could fit a small adult or child comfortably. the very economical 15HP Mariner Outboard gives great fuel economy and range on those short trips or days when the wind is slow!!! Please submit any and ALL offers - your offer may be accepted! Submit your offer today! Reason for selling is not using/no time because of work.. At Pop Yachts, we will always provide you with a TRUE representation of every vessel we market. We encourage all buyers to schedule a survey for an independent analysis. Any offer to purchase is ALWAYS subject to satisfactory survey results. You have questions? We have answers. Call us atto discuss this boat. Selling your boat has never been easier. At Pop Yachts, we literally sell thousands of units every year all over the country. Calland we'll get started selling your boat today. Take a look at ALL ***26 PICTURES*** of this vessel on our main website at POPYACHTS DOT COM. We appreciate that you took your time to look at our advertisement and we look forward to speaking with you! Engine Count Engine Horse Power Cruising Speed Engine Tankage Gallons Per Hour Max Speed Knots Propeller Type ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Hull Material NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT GENERAL EQUIPMENT ACCOMMODATION ABOUT BALBOA 27 The Balboa 27 is 27 feet long and has a 8 feet beam. This 1980 Petrol Balboa 27 with 15 horsepower is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 7 knots and a cruising speed of 4. The Balboa 27 is made of fiberglass and can accommodate up to 8 passengers. This vessel comes equipped with anchor, battery, bilge pump, bimini as well as being equipped with compass, vhf. SIMILAR BOATS FOR SALE 1989 catalina 27 for sale. Key Largo, Florida OFFERED BY: 1981 Vancouver 27 for sale Beaufort, North Carolina Beaufort Yacht Sales 1977 Ericson 27 for sale Baltimore, Maryland 1986 S2 Yachts 27 for sale Darien, Connecticut 1979 Ericson 27 for sale Spencer, West Virginia 1985 Island Packet 27 for sale Punta Gorda, Florida Pier One Yacht Sales SIMILAR LOCATIONS Cabin Cruisers in Pennsylvania Boats in Pennsylvania BOAT OF THE YEAR Newsletters Sailboat Reviews Boating Safety Sails and Rigging Maintenance Sailing Totem Sailor & Galley Living Aboard Destinations Gear & Electronics Charter Resources Ultimate Boat Giveaway By Matts G. Djos Updated: March 5, 2008 Arthur Marine, of Costa Mesa, California, introduced the Lyle Hess-designed Balboa 26 in 1969, billing it as the largest trailerable sailing cruiser on the market. Coastal Recreation took over production in about 1972 and closed its doors in 1981. But the boat continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. The hull is heavily built with hand-laid fiberglass, and the boat is reinforced at all stress points with marine plywood laminated to the hull, deck, and cabin top. An integral fiberglass hull liner provides additional strength. A few boats were built with a fixed keel and an inboard engine. The self-bailing cockpit accommodates four people comfortably. Seat lockers provide plenty of storage, and a self-draining outboard-motor well is located aft, clear of all running rigging. The teak-trimmed saloon has 5-foot-6-inch headroom. There’s a dinette to port that converts to a double berth, and a settee lies to starboard. A Balboa feature is the world map incorporated into the laminate tabletop. Shelves outboard to port and starboard provide storage, supplementing numerous other compartments located beneath the settee, the V-berth, and the dinette seats. A shag carpet was the standard cabin-sole covering; teak was an option. The galley is directly under the oversize entry hatch. It contains an icebox and is fitted with an alcohol stove and a sink with a manual freshwater pump. The forward cabin has a partitioned area for a portapotti or an optional marine head, a hanging locker, and a double V-berth. This compact area also contains a sink and manual pump. A hatch provides fresh air, and on later models, port and starboard ports were added to admit more light. Nominally, five can sleep on the Balboa 26, but experience suggests that the optimum number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa 26 is quite stiff. The boat is fast and maneuverable, but it’s a handful for a novice sailor. The 26 has noticeable weather helm, and the tiller requires constant attention. As with most boats of this type, the swing keel has a tendency to rumble at hull speed, which is a little more than 6 knots. The masthead-rigged spar stands on a hinged aluminum mast step and is supported by fore and aft lowers and in-line cap shrouds, which also brace it while it’s being raised or lowered. A 12:1 winch is used to raise and lower the 1,200-pound swing keel. Although Balboa 26s have aged well, minor problems sometimes arise: The main chainplates are prone to leaks; the keel trunk is vulnerable around the pivot bolt and can be problematic in the event of grounding; water can splash in where the keel cable exits the trunk, especially in rough water. Some owners have reported the stainless-steel rudderstock bending or even breaking in a broach. The builder listed the towing weight of the Balboa 26, including the tandem-axle trailer, at 4,500 pounds. However, when it was fully loaded for an extended cruise, our rig never weighed in at less than 6,500 pounds. Prices can range from $2,000 for a fixer-upper without a trailer to $10,000 for a combination that’s well equipped and nicely maintained. Matts G. Djos and his wife, Jeanine, live in Colorado and have trailered their 1976 Balboa 26 to cruising grounds from the Pacific Northwest to the Golfo de California. More: 21 - 30 ft , before 2000 , Coastal Cruising , day sailing , fiberglass , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , sailboats classic plastic More Sailboats Sailboat Preview: Elan GT6 Explorer For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58 Alubat Updates OVNI Models For Sale: Little Harbor 63 Ketch From Paradise to Medical Emergency: A Bahamas Nightmare Turns Lesson Learned Free Medical Advice: The Unwarranted, Unprofessional Edition Gatekeepers of the Waterway Rigging Redo: Our Switch to Synthetic Digital Edition Customer Service Privacy Policy Terms of Use Email Newsletters Cruising World Sailing World Salt Water Sportsman Sport Fishing Wakeboarding 191 IMAGES Balboa 28 sailboat for sale Balboa 28 sailboat for sale Simplicity Balboa 27 8.2 photo on sailboatdata.com 1973 LHBInc Balboa sailboat for sale in Texas 1st image for "1974 26' Balboa Sailboat" Islander 28 COMMENTS BALBOA 27 8.2 It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5 Balboa 27 8.2 Balboa 27 8.2 is a 26′ 6″ / 8.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Lyle C. Hess and built by Coastal Recreation Inc. starting in 1976. ... Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay). D: ... BALBOA 27 8.2 Detailed Review If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of BALBOA 27 8.2. Built by Coastal Recreation Inc. and designed by Lyle C. Hess, the boat was first built in 1976. It has a hull type of Swing Keel and LOA is 8.08. Its sail area/displacement ratio 16.41. Balboa sailboats for sale by owner. Balboa preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Balboa used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... 28' Clark Boat Company San Juan 28 Narrows Marina Tacoma, Washington Asking $8,000. 28' westsail westsail 28 boca chica panama centralamerica, Asking $17,000. 39' Freedom Express Balboa 26 Used Boat Test With 293 square feet of working sail area, the B26 is close in potential performance to the Excalibur 26, Cal 25, and Columbia 26, all vaunted designs of the same era. ***. The Balboa 26 is a bargain-priced pocket cruiser thats stood up well to the test of time. Even after three decades of use, these $4,000-$15,000 boats still remain a popular ... balboa 8.2 owners Jun 25, 2007. #6. Question about trailer. My dad just got a 27' Balboa and is currently trying to get a his trailer set up for it. We are having trouble figuring out how to make the cradle for the boat. A picture of a trailer that is used on a 27' Balboa would be great help. We have a 27' boat trailer but nothing on it for this boat ... PDF Balboa Boat Review The brochure sail plan (left) shows a small sail, but a 120-percent, roller-furling genoa should be sufficient in most regions. Comparing specs with two contemporaries (below), the classic Cal 25, and the Columbia 26, the Balboa gains a performance edge in light airs with more sail area, less væight, and a longer static waterline. Review of Balboa 27 The Balboa 27 is equipped with a swing keel. A swing keel is a pivoting lifting keel, allowing to sail both coastal and inland waters. The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 0.76 - 0.86 meter (2.49 - 2.79 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below. Balboa 27 8.2 The Balboa 27 8.2 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim.It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a plumb transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a retractable swing keel.It displaces 4,900 lb (2,223 kg) and carries 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) of ballast. [1]The boat has a draft of 5.50 ft (1.68 m) with the swing keel extended and 2.42 ft (0. ... Balboa 27 8.2 Sailboat class / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The Balboa 27 8.2 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Lyle C. Hess as a cruiser and first built in 1976. The Balboa 27 8.2 is a development of the Balboa 26. Balboa 27/8.2 Owners? to learn that she is a Lyle Hess design (designer of the 28 ft LOD Bristol Channel Cutter) With its 8-foot beam, 2.5 foot (centerboard up) draft, and under 5k pounds base weight, it seems within the limits of what is trailerable without heroic measures and tow vehicles. ... We really liked the Balboa - very roomy, easy to sail, and lots of fun ... Balboa 27 8.2 Marine Service Provider. Join Date: Jul 2016. Location: Southern California. Boat: Cape Dory 30C. Posts: 39. Re: Balboa 27 8.2. Lightweight, fast boat, designed by the Lyle Hess. Good for coastal cruising, e.g. Catalina Island to LA, or up and down San Diego and Santa Barbara. Would not take her offshore though. Balboa 28 sailboat for sale Go to Sailing Texas classifieds for current sailboats for sale . 1979 Balboa 28 fully restored in and out Beautiful teak that has been masterfully restored to a perfect shine Electricity has been run throughout the vessel and owner has added a refrigerator and A/C and is set up for shipboard or shore power Interior is fully loaded Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats, Small Cruising Sailboats Balboa 26. Balboa 26 Courtesy Of Matts G. Djos. First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat's stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. What is the Balboa 20 good for Reasonably easy (2-person) trailering / launch / rigging - The Balboa 20 is very easy to rig and launch. To avoid the necessity of spreaders, Lyle Hess designed the boat with a heavier mast section than would normally be found on a 20 footer. Additionally, he gave the boat a fractional rig with shrouds aft of the mast step. Question about the Balboa 26 My last paragraph was talking about the Balboa 27, a totally different boat than yours. Google it, you'll be surprised. 6'1" headroom, shoal draft keel with 140lb centerboard. A true blue water yet trailerable boat weighing in at over 6,000 lbs. I would so love one. Yes your 26 weighs about 4,000 according to forums. Boat: 1982 Balboa 27 1982 Balboa 27. This Balboa 27 sailboat has a fiberglass hull and an LOA of 26.5 feet (length over all). The boat has a 80 inch beam. This sailboat is set up to sail as a Sloop. The craft has 295 square feet of sail area. Displacement for the boat is 4900 lbs. The draft of this sailboat is approximately 5'6". 1980 Balboa 27 Racer and Cruiser Sailboat For Sale 1980 27' 1980 Balboa 27 Racer and Cruiser Sailboat For Sale - $11,750 - Frenchville, Pennsylvania. See boat pictures, videos, and detailed specs. Advanced Search. Guides . ... 1985 28' O;apos;day 28/SL. $12,999 South Glastonbury, Connecticut. 1983 25' Cape Dory 25D. $14,500 Westbrook, Connecticut . Balboa 27: buy used sailboat Ready to Sail. 1980 Balboa Swing Keel Trailered Sailboat!!! ... Kells 28 Sailboat / sloop: Kells Corporation, used boat, GRP/polyester Length x beam: 8.53 m x 2.65 m, 8.53 x 2.65 m built: 1977, cabins: 1 Engine: Yanmar, diesel $ 8,280 Location: USA, Florida, Palmetto 1977 Balboa 27 for sale in United States of America The Balboa 27 is 27 feet long and has a 8 feet beam. This 1980 Petrol Balboa 27 with 15 horsepower is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 7 knots and a cruising speed of 4. The Balboa 27 is made of fiberglass and can accommodate up to 8 passengers. This vessel comes equipped with anchor, battery, bilge pump, bimini as well as being equipped ... BALBOA 26 Discount Sails-Balboa_26. Electric Yacht. New Rudders. Sail Trailers. SeaWaterPro. SBD App - BR. top 1 ads row1. top 2 ads row2. ... 306.00 ft² / 28.43 m² ... Like the LWL, it will vary with the weights of fuel, water, stores and equipment. A boat's actual draft is usually somewhat more than the original designed or advertised draft. For ... Balboa 26 Balboa 26 Thanks to the generous sail plan, the Balboa 26 can make good use of light breezes. Courtesy Of Matts G. Djos. Arthur Marine, of Costa Mesa, California, introduced the Lyle Hess-designed Balboa 26 in 1969, billing it as the largest trailerable sailing cruiser on the market. Coastal Recreation took over production in about 1972 and ... BALBOA 21 It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5 catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht