CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26 ft |
| LWL | 21.33 ft |
| Beam | 8.42 ft |
| Draft | 3 ft |
| Displacement | 6,700 lb |
| Ballast | 2,799.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Pmainsail luff | 13.65 ft |
About the CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY)
Base on the CENTAUR but with an aft cabin/center cockpit, bowsprit, and std. wheel steering.
Designed by Laurent Giles and built by Westerly Marine Ltd. (UK), the Chieftain 26 is a compact, heavy-displacement cruiser with a production run of 79 hulls from 1972–1976. Its robust construction and classic lines reflect Giles' reputation for seaworthy, comfortable small boats.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize comfort and stability over raw speed, making it ideal for couples or small families seeking a manageable, low-maintenance vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 6700.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.79, the Chieftain 26 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering exceptional stability and safety in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Westerly Falcon and other Laurent Giles designs like the Clipper 26, these boats share similar heavy displacement, twin-keel configurations, and a focus on safe, comfortable cruising rather than racing performance.
Direct variants of the CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 26ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 documented issues across 4 systems, documented on the near-identical sister model CENTAUR 26 (WESTERLY). The CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY) shares its hull, rig and keel, so these findings apply.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY)? 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 5 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes (from sister model CENTAUR 26 (WESTERLY), rig/keel differences flagged)
- ✓ 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
Which engine powers your CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY)?
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Used sails that fit the CHIEFTAIN 26 (WESTERLY)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…