FRANCES 26

About the FRANCES 26

Approximately 100 boats built by Morris Yachts, (USA). Also available with a cutter rig. Flush deck and full coachroof versions. Headroom in the full coachroof version is 5.0 ft Rig measurements above are for the fractional sloop. Rig measurements for the cutter: Jib (Yankee) leech = 25.5 ft Staysail leech = 22 ft. J = 9.25 ft P = 30.5 ft E = 11.75 ft Another version is called the VICTORIA 26. According to the designers blog, this was his first design, which he sailed, single handed, to the Newport Boat Show. Plans for this and many other Paine designs can be purchased on his web site.

Designed by Chuck Paine and built by Morris Yachts (USA) and Victoria Marine (UK), the Frances 26 is a compact, heavy-displacement cruiser with a production run of 200 hulls starting in 1975. Its robust construction and fractional sloop rig make it a popular choice for coastal cruising, though owners frequently report structural and mechanical maintenance challenges.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize seaworthiness and interior volume over high-speed performance, particularly those willing to manage ongoing maintenance of older systems.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 6800.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.73, the Frances 26 is generally considered capable of offshore passages due to its heavy ballast and full keel design, though its age and reported structural issues require careful vetting.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Cal 25 and O'Day 23, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and heavy displacement characteristics from the mid-1970s, offering comparable interior layouts and coastal cruising capabilities.