
GRAMPIAN 26
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26 ft |
| LWL | 21.75 ft |
| Beam | 8.33 ft |
| Draft | 4.25 ft |
| Displacement | 5,600 lb |
| Ballast | 2,600.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 33 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.17 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 338 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 169.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 287.5 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Yanmar |
About the GRAMPIAN 26
Grampians most popular model and one the most successful boats of this size built in Canada. A keel/cb version was also produced in small numbers. Rarer still is a raised deck version, called the DISCOVERY 7.9, introduced in 1979. Grampian offered a Palmer (gas) inboard as an option. Displacement and ballast shown here are as stated for keel version on introductory brochure. Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.
Designed by Alex McGruer and built by Grampian Marine Ltd. (CAN) from 1967–1977, the Grampian 26 is a robust coastal cruiser with 980 hulls produced. Its reputation for solidity is tempered by widespread structural concerns, particularly regarding the keel sump and deck integrity.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a heavy, stable platform with a 242.98 D/L ratio and are prepared for significant maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a 1.88 capsize ratio and 5600.0 lb displacement, the Grampian 26 offers respectable offshore stability, but its bluewater capability is severely compromised by critical structural vulnerabilities in the keel sump and deck core.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Pearson 26 and O'Day 26 from the same era, as they share similar dimensions and roles, though the Grampian distinguishes itself with a heavier displacement of 5600.0 lb and a distinct fin keel design.
Direct variant of the GRAMPIAN 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
Images
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
12 listings · boat years 1968–1976 · median $6,000
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 26ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
19 reported issues across 9 systems for the GRAMPIAN 26, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GRAMPIAN 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
Which engine powers your GRAMPIAN 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, Westerbeke, Atomic 4, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the GRAMPIAN 26
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…





