EVOLUTION 26
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.75 ft |
| LWL | 20.5 ft |
| Beam | 9.33 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft/ 1 ft min |
| Displacement | 4,853 lb |
| Ballast | 1,600 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 31 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 27 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 10 ft |
| Mainsail | 274.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 155 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 263.5 sq ft |
About the EVOLUTION 26
Some had fractional rigs. A BMW diesel was offered as an option. Thanks to the designer for providing corrections. Last 40 boats built by Fletcher Sportsboats Ltd.
Designed by Julian Everitt and built by Evolution Yachts Ltd. (UK), the Evolution 26 is a compact coastal cruiser with a production run of 75 hulls completed in 1976. Its lightweight displacement of 4853.0 lb and masthead sloop rig reflect a design philosophy focused on agility and ease of handling for short-handed crews.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, particularly for single-handers or couples who prioritize easy trailering and dockability over heavy offshore endurance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 4853.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.21, the Evolution 26 is not recommended for extended bluewater passages due to its light construction and limited reserve buoyancy.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar dimensions and roles as popular, trailerable coastal cruisers designed for ease of use and storage.
Direct variant of the EVOLUTION 26
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
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 4 systems for the EVOLUTION 26, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a EVOLUTION 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 5 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
Which engine powers your EVOLUTION 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, Bukh — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the EVOLUTION 26
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…