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Edel Cat 26
Designer: Sylvestre Langevin  ·  Builder: Edel (Fra)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Edel Cat 26

Designed by Sylvestre Langevin and built by French manufacturer Edel starting in 1983, this distinctive catamaran represents an innovative approach to affordable multihull sailing. The twin-keel configuration offers exceptional shallow-water capability with just 1.80 feet of draft, making it ideal for exploring thin waters, beach landings, and coastal cruising where monohulls fear to venture. At 27 feet with a generous 13-foot beam, this fiberglass catamaran provides remarkable stability and interior space relative to its modest displacement of 1,653 pounds. The fractional sloop rig carries 355 square feet of sail area, delivering a spirited sail area-to-displacement ratio of 40.72 that promises lively performance in moderate conditions. This high ratio suggests the boat rewards skilled sailors with responsive handling and good speed potential. The Edel Cat 26 excels as a coastal cruiser and day sailor, particularly suited for shallow bays, protected waters, and short-handed sailing. Its twin-keel design allows for convenient drying out at low tide, expanding anchoring options significantly. While not intended for serious offshore work, this catamaran offers an accessible entry point into multihull sailing with practical advantages for exploring coastlines and enjoying relaxed coastal adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.23 ft / 8.30 m
Beam 13.45 ft / 4.10 m
Max Draft 1.80 ft / 0.55 m
Displacement 1,653.00 lb / 750 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 355.00 ft² / 32.98 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sylvestre Langevin
Builder Edel (FRA)
First Built 1983
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
59.51
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
3.27
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
4.56
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.45 kn
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. 6.67 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Dufour 27, Hunter 27, Sun Way 27 Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Edel Cat 26 ★
27.2 ft
Dufour 27
27.2 ft
Hunter 27
27.2 ft
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
27.2 ft
LWL
Edel Cat 26 ★
Dufour 27
20.3 ft
Hunter 27
22.0 ft
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
21.5 ft
Beam
Edel Cat 26 ★
13.5 ft
Dufour 27
9.2 ft
Hunter 27
9.2 ft
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
9.5 ft
Displacement
Edel Cat 26 ★
1 lbs
Dufour 27
5 lbs
Hunter 27
7 lbs
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
5 lbs
Ballast
Edel Cat 26 ★
Dufour 27
1 lbs
Hunter 27
3 lbs
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
1 lbs
Sail Area
Edel Cat 26 ★
355 sq ft
Dufour 27
Hunter 27
303 sq ft
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
277 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Edel Cat 26 ★
Dufour 27
186 s/nm
Hunter 27
213 s/nm
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Edel Cat 26 ★
Dufour 27
Hunter 27
13.2
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
15.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Edel Cat 26 ★
Dufour 27
34.0 %
Hunter 27
42.9 %
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
38.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Edel Cat 26 ★
3.3
Dufour 27
Hunter 27
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
16.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Edel Cat 26 ★
4.56
Dufour 27
Hunter 27
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
2.21
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Edel Cat 26 ★
59
Dufour 27
309
Hunter 27
293
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
225
Hull Speed
Edel Cat 26 ★
6.5 kts
Dufour 27
Hunter 27
Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
6.2 kts
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