Designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates and built by Paceship/AMF from 1972 to 1981, this 26-footer represents solid construction from sailing's production boom era. With 364 hulls launched over nearly a decade, the Py 26 earned a reputation as an affordable entry into serious sailing.
The masthead sloop configuration and fin keel design deliver respectable performance for coastal cruising and day sailing. Her moderate displacement of 6,000 pounds, combined with 2,200 pounds of ballast, provides good stability without sacrificing maneuverability in lighter conditions. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing today.
At 26 feet overall with a 22.5-foot waterline, she offers comfortable accommodations for a small crew while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing. The transom-hung rudder system, while requiring occasional maintenance, keeps costs reasonable and simplifies repairs. Her sail area of 339 square feet provides adequate power for coastal waters without overwhelming novice sailors.
This boat suits weekend cruisers and sailing enthusiasts seeking an honest, unpretentious vessel for exploring protected waters. While not designed for extended offshore passages, the Py 26 delivers reliable performance for club racing, day sailing, and short coastal hops along familiar shorelines.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
26.33 ft / 8.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length)
22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam
9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft
4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement
6,000.00 lb / 2,722 kg
Ballast
2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast Type
Iron
Sail Area (Reported)
339.00 ft² / 31.49 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type
Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type
Masthead Sloop
Construction
FG
Designer
C. Raymond Hunt Assoc.(John Deknatel)
Builder
Paceship/AMF
First Built
1972
Last Built
1981
Number Built
364
Associations
Paceship/AMF Yachts Website
Owner Reviews
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
Performance Ratios
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
16.48
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.
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
235.16
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
19.55
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
2.09
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.
6.36 kn
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
2.27
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.
763.75 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc)
Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure.
16.49
