Chris, I've had a '78 26 for 4 years now and it is the perfect boat for my current needs. We are the 3rd owner and it was well maintained throughout its life here in Miami where it gets year-round use in the heat and humidity of South Florida.
When we first got it I had to replace the head on the engine -- a SB8 like yours and have the -- and clean out the raw-water cooling system. Parts were fairly easily available, but it took some time on the phone to locate them. The deck needs attention under the pulpit and stanchion basses and the toe rail could use a complete re-bedding, but a bead of calk along the deck stopped all leaks for now. The main hatch and handrails also needed removal and re-bedding. Also the wood in the lazerett needed some attention. Those were all jobs that are pretty obvious and shouldn't be unexpected at its age. I have just recently discovered the mast step needs replacing -- first the door to the head started getting tight at the top, then I notices a little deformation on the tops of the bulkheads and, after a critical inspection, I discovered some flattening of the cabin to around the mast step. Further exploration led me the the mast step where I could feel some soft wood on its underside all the way forward where it joins the bulkhead under the king post. I've consulted with a rigger friend and we figure we can do the repair fairly easily and can probably do it without pulling the mast -- probably 2 or three days work, which I will do once it cools down here later this fall. I think the bulkheads will be OK, but might need some reinforcement -- I'll know once the step is done and the rigging tuned again. It's a lovey coat and I don't mind these projects considering what we paid for it. And figure we will get many, many, years of service once it's taken care of. Good Luck with your search. Jim Hesketh C&C 26 Whisper Coconut Grove, FL Hi there, > This weekend I’m heading up the coast to take a look at a 26 footer in > very good condition with an inboard Yanmar SB8 (Which I believe may be the > original engine)? > > As I inspect the boat, is there anything that I should be looking at in > particular? Deck to Hall joints, chain plates, …? Anything that stands out > with the 26 in particular? Ill do the usual inspection but was just > wondering if there might be something in particular that may have plagued > this design? > > Chris >
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