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Bahama 26 Islander

Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Islander Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Bahama 26 Islander

Built during the 1970s, this compact cruiser represents an era when sailboat manufacturers focused on creating affordable entry points into blue water sailing. The Bahama 26 Islander emerged as part of the broader trend toward smaller offshore-capable vessels that could satisfy weekend coastal sailing while maintaining the structural integrity needed for longer passages. Design characteristics reflect the period's emphasis on seaworthiness over speed, with a relatively heavy displacement hull that provides stability and comfort in various sea conditions. The Islander configuration suggests enhanced accommodations compared to standard racing-oriented designs of similar length, making it particularly appealing to couples or small families seeking cruising capability. This sailboat suits coastal cruising and protected water sailing exceptionally well, though its robust construction allows for occasional offshore ventures in experienced hands. The design prioritizes safety and comfort over performance, making it an excellent choice for sailors transitioning from smaller day sailors to cruising boats. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Bahama 26 Islander's reputation centers on reliability and forgiving sailing characteristics. Its modest size keeps maintenance costs reasonable while still providing enough interior space for extended cruising adventures along coastlines and between nearby islands.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.67 ft / 6.61 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 3.90 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast 1,965.00 lb / 891 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Islander Yachts (USA)
First Built 1976
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
35.73
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
241.29
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 4.64 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 15.55
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 302.00 ft² / 28.06 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 241.29
How It Compares

vs. Capri 26 Catalina, Chrysler 26 Fk, Pembroke 26 Westerly, S2 80 B, Yankee 26

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bahama 26 Islander ★
26.0 ft
Capri 26 Catalina
26.0 ft
Chrysler 26 Fk
26.0 ft
Pembroke 26 Westerly
26.0 ft
S2 80 B
26.0 ft
Yankee 26
26.0 ft
LWL
Bahama 26 Islander ★
21.7 ft
Capri 26 Catalina
22.5 ft
Chrysler 26 Fk
22.0 ft
Pembroke 26 Westerly
21.3 ft
S2 80 B
21.4 ft
Yankee 26
20.7 ft
Beam
Bahama 26 Islander ★
10.0 ft
Capri 26 Catalina
9.1 ft
Chrysler 26 Fk
8.0 ft
Pembroke 26 Westerly
8.3 ft
S2 80 B
8.0 ft
Yankee 26
8.7 ft
Displacement
Bahama 26 Islander ★
5 lbs
Capri 26 Catalina
4 lbs
Chrysler 26 Fk
5 lbs
Pembroke 26 Westerly
6 lbs
S2 80 B
4 lbs
Yankee 26
5 lbs
Ballast
Bahama 26 Islander ★
1 lbs
Capri 26 Catalina
1 lbs
Chrysler 26 Fk
2 lbs
Pembroke 26 Westerly
2 lbs
S2 80 B
1 lbs
Yankee 26
2 lbs
Sail Area
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
268 sq ft
Chrysler 26 Fk
257 sq ft
Pembroke 26 Westerly
210 sq ft
S2 80 B
282 sq ft
Yankee 26
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
213 s/nm
Chrysler 26 Fk
Pembroke 26 Westerly
S2 80 B
Yankee 26
228 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
16.0
Chrysler 26 Fk
13.2
Pembroke 26 Westerly
9.6
S2 80 B
16.4
Yankee 26
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
35.7 %
Capri 26 Catalina
37.5 %
Chrysler 26 Fk
43.6 %
Pembroke 26 Westerly
37.7 %
S2 80 B
Yankee 26
40.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
15.2
Chrysler 26 Fk
23.0
Pembroke 26 Westerly
26.6
S2 80 B
19.5
Yankee 26
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
2.22
Chrysler 26 Fk
1.82
Pembroke 26 Westerly
1.78
S2 80 B
1.93
Yankee 26
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
241
Capri 26 Catalina
172
Chrysler 26 Fk
230
Pembroke 26 Westerly
302
S2 80 B
Yankee 26
269
Hull Speed
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
6.4 kts
Chrysler 26 Fk
6.3 kts
Pembroke 26 Westerly
6.2 kts
S2 80 B
6.2 kts
Yankee 26
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Bahama 26 Islander ★
Capri 26 Catalina
Chrysler 26 Fk
1.6
Pembroke 26 Westerly
S2 80 B
2.6
Yankee 26
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