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140data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this C&C 26 buyer’s report
C&C 26

C&C 26

C&C Yachts🇨🇦· Design: C&C
$8,475 avg$2,500 – $15,000 (8 listings)from 1976
$1.1K – $2.8K est. annual maintenance
Coastal CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA25.58 ft
LWL23.58 ft
Beam10.42 ft
Draft4.6 ft
Displacement5,400 lb
Ballast2,040.1 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.5 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height34.5 ft
Jforetriangle base11.16 ft
Pmainsail luff29.25 ft
Emainsail foot9.5 ft
FLforestay11.2 ft
Mainsail342.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)192.5 sq ft
Spinnaker327.3 sq ft

About the C&C 26

One variant of this design was called the C&C 26 ENCOUNTER. Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The C&C 26 is a compact masthead sloop designed and built by C&C Yachts, with production records indicating a build year of 1976. While the exact total hull count is unspecified in the authoritative data, this model represents a specific era of C&C's small cruiser line, characterized by a 25.58 ft LOA and 5400.0 lb displacement.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, trailerable package with a 4.6 ft max draft that allows access to shallow harbors. Its 15.21 comfort ratio suggests it is best suited for protected waters rather than heavy offshore passages.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.38 and a displacement/length ratio of 183.87, the C&C 26 is primarily a coastal cruiser with limited bluewater capability, though its fin keel and 2040.1 lb ballast provide adequate stability for short offshore trips.
Comparables:
Comparable boats from this era include the Pearson 26 and O'Day 26, which share similar dimensions and roles as entry-level coastal cruisers. These models are comparable due to their similar beam (approx. 10 ft) and displacement ranges, targeting the same market of novice to intermediate sailors.

Performance

Comfort15.2
Capsize2.38
SA/Disp17.3
Disp/Len184
Bal/Disp37.8

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 8 listings
Low
$3,982
Estimated Value
$6,993
High
$9,140
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

8 listings · boat years 19771979 · median $10,000

$0$5k$10k$15k$20kmedian $10,00019801977 C&C 26 · $2,500 · Texas, US1978 C&C 26 · $5,500 · New York, US1979 C&C 26 · $4,000 · New York, US1978 C&C 26 · $10,000 · Outside United States1977 C&C 26 · $11,800 · Iowa, US1977 C&C 26 · $11,000 · Outside United States, CA1977 C&C 26 · $15,000 · Outside United States1977 26 · $8,000 · RI, USAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 25.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.1K – $2.8K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

19 reported issues across 7 systems for the C&C 26, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

6 critical7 major6 minor
Structural4Engine4Rigging3Hull3Deck2Rudder2Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a C&C 26? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 19 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

Similar Sailboats

Engine Parts & Maintenance

The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on Amazon or eBay matched to its part number.

Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.

Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Used sails that fit the C&C 26

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…