Balboa 26 Used Boat Test
As with all of Lyle Hess designs, the Balboa 26 statistics reveal the underpinnings of a seaworthy coastal cruiser. The Balboa's 3,600-pound displacement includes 1,200 pounds of ballast, by no means a lead mine, but the B26's 8-foot beam was carried well aft, and its reasonably full sections contributed form stability and helped make the little sloop a seakindly performer. With 293 square feet of working sail area, the B26 is close in potential performance to the Excalibur 26, Cal 25, and Columbia 26, all vaunted designs of the same era.
Hallberg Rassy 342 New Boat Test
Like all the Hallberg Rassys in production, the Hallberg Rassy 342 was designed by Argentine naval architect German Frers (who aficionados claim designs some of the best cruising sailboats), and 146's clear from crunching the numbers on this relatively small cruising sailboat that the Swedish boat builder wanted peppier performance than its predecessor, the Hallberg Rassy 34. Everything about this Hallberg Rassy is bigger: its waterline is longer, its sail area is greater, and, of course, its price tag is higher. In Practical Sailors new sailboat test, we find the end product to be a well-balanced modern cruising sailboat, though we still find a few things to complain about.
Ericson 41, Used Sailboat Review
The Ericson 41, a classic, well-made sloop designed by Bruce King continues to draw followers with its classic lines and solid performance. With the right upgrades, the well-mannered Ericson 41 makes for an excellent cruising sailboat that stands apart from the crowd. Watch for deck core problems and hidden rudder-stock corrosion within the spade rudder.
Valiant 42
With a taller rig and layout choices, Bob Perrys classic comes of age.
Fast and the Farr-ious
The Farr-designed 10R charts new waters for century-old Beneteau.
Hunter 49
Is this wannabe passagemaker for real?
C&C 115
The nimble C&C 115 offers good value for the racing sailor.
Finngulf 37
Treading the fine line between racing and cruising.
Shannon Shoalsailer 35
With just 30 inches of draft, this model simplifies the fine art of gunkhole cruising.
Tartan 3400
Treading a fine line between speed and comfort, Tim Jackett’s new 34-footer takes advantage of an epoxy hull and carbon spars