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292data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CHRYSLER 26 buyer’s report
CHRYSLER 26

CHRYSLER 26

Chrysler Marine🇺🇸· Design: Halsey Hereshoff
$5,583 avg$2,000 – $9,500 (6 listings)from 1977
$1.1K – $2.9K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFinVariable
Chrysler Sailors

Specifications

Hull

LOA25.98 ft
LWL22 ft
Beam8 ft
Draft6.17 ft/ 2.25 ft min
Displacement5,000 lb
Ballast1,900 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.3 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height31.5 ft
Jforetriangle base10 ft
Pmainsail luff26.13 ft
Emainsail foot8 ft
FLforestay10 ft
Mainsail270.4 sq ft
Jib (100%)157.5 sq ft
Spinnaker267.8 sq ft

About the CHRYSLER 26

When TMI bought the molds, they ca;;ed it the C-26. Later the T-26 Courser Also available with a fixed fin keel. Draft: 3.92'/1.19m Disp.: 5500 lbs./2495 kg. Reported sail area: -Main - 106 ft² -110% Genoa - 151 ft² Available in two deck versions. The Cruiser (see drawing above) or the Courser with a more traditional coach house roof (pictured above). Thanks to Adam Hunt for the photo and other updates.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Halsey Hereshoff and built by Chrysler Marine (USA) in 1977, the Chrysler 26 is a compact masthead sloop with a displacement of 5000.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, this model represents a specific era of American production with a comfort ratio of 20.87.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable 25.98 ft LOA package that is easy to trailer and dock. Its moderate displacement and fin keel configuration make it suitable for protected waters and short offshore passages rather than heavy-weather bluewater cruising.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.87 and a D/L ratio of 209.63, the Chrysler 26 is designed for coastal cruising rather than serious offshore passage-making. Its relatively light displacement of 5000.0 lb and fin keel suggest it is best kept within sight of land or in protected waters.
Comparables:
Comparable boats from this era include the O'Day 26 and Pearson 26, which share similar dimensions and target the same coastal cruising market. These vessels offer similar interior volumes and performance characteristics for sailors looking for a 26-foot trailerable sloop.

Performance

Comfort20.9
Capsize1.87
SA/Disp14.1
Disp/Len210
Bal/Disp38.0

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 5 listings
Low
$3,108
Estimated Value
$3,885
High
$4,139
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

6 listings · boat years 19741979 · median $5,000

$0$5k$10k$15k$20kmedian $5,000197519801978 Chrysler 26 · $2,000 · Florida, US1974 Chrysler 26 · $5,000 · New York, US1977 Chrsyler 26 · $4,000 · New York, US1979 26 · $9,500 · AL, US1977 Chrysler 26 · $3,5001979 Chrysler chrysler 26 · $9,500 · ALAsking 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 25.98ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.1K – $2.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

21 reported issues across 9 systems for the CHRYSLER 26, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

6 critical8 major7 minor
Structural6Deck3Rigging3Rudder2Hull2Engine2Keel1Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CHRYSLER 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 21 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

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Which engine powers your CHRYSLER 26?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Atomic 4, Perkins — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the CHRYSLER 26

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