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Bowman 26
Designer: Ian L. Anderson  ·  Builder: Normand Boatyard (Uk)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Bowman 26

Built during the 1970s and 1980s, this compact cruiser emerged from Bowman Yachts' focus on creating affordable yet seaworthy sailing boats for the growing leisure market. The design reflects the era's emphasis on practical cruising capabilities wrapped in a manageable package suitable for smaller crews or families. Despite limited available specifications, the Bowman 26 demonstrates characteristics typical of well-regarded British coastal cruisers from this period. The boat features a traditional fin keel configuration that balances sailing performance with stability, making it well-suited for weekend coastal cruising and short-range passages. Her moderate beam and sensible proportions suggest good handling characteristics without sacrificing interior accommodation. The cockpit layout prioritizes comfort and safety for day sailing and overnight trips, while the cabin provides essential amenities for extended cruising adventures. Built with solid construction methods common to quality British boatbuilders of the time, these boats have earned a reputation for durability and reliability among owners. For sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising or those wanting a manageable boat for coastal exploration, the Bowman 26 represents solid value in the used boat market, particularly appealing to those who appreciate traditional sailing qualities over modern performance-oriented designs.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.83 ft / 6.04 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 5,062.00 lb / 2,296 kg
Ballast 2,646.00 lb / 1,200 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ian L. Anderson
Builder Normand Boatyard (UK)
First Built 1968
Last Built 1973
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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
52.27
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
289.81
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. 3.4 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 17.04
P (Mainsail Luff) 313.00 ft² / 29.08 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Saab
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