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Impulse 26
Designer: William Cook  ·  Builder: Johnson Boat Works/New Orleans Marine  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Impulse 26

With limited technical specifications available, the Impulse 26 represents a more obscure entry in the 26-foot sailboat category that requires careful research before purchase consideration. This boat appears to have had a relatively small production run, which may present both opportunities and challenges for prospective buyers. Given its 26-foot length, this sailboat would typically fall into the small cruiser or daysailer category, making it potentially suitable for coastal sailing, weekend getaways, and protected water cruising. The limited availability of detailed specifications suggests either a boutique manufacturer or a model that didn't achieve widespread market penetration. Potential buyers should exercise particular diligence when evaluating an Impulse 26, as parts availability and manufacturer support may be limited. The scarcity of readily available technical data means that hands-on inspection becomes even more critical, with special attention to hull construction quality, rigging condition, and the functionality of all systems. While the boat's relative obscurity might translate to attractive pricing in the used market, prospective owners should carefully weigh the potential maintenance challenges against the acquisition cost. Those comfortable with self-reliant boat ownership and basic marine repairs may find the Impulse 26 an interesting alternative to more common production boats.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.58 ft / 6.58 m
Beam 8.42 ft / 2.57 m
Max Draft 4.58 ft / 1.40 m
Displacement 2,750.00 lb / 1,247 kg
Ballast 1,305.00 lb / 592 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 327.00 ft² / 30.38 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer William Cook
Builder Johnson Boat Works/New Orleans Marine
First Built 1984
Last Built 1987
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
135
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
26.72
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
10.86
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
2.41
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. 6.22
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
5.17
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. 649.25
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 29.42
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.67
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.17
SA Fore 125.04
SA Main 198.8
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