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Proud new owner of a G26 looking for advice

8K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  QuickMick 
#1 ·
I have just bought my first sailboat a 1975 Grampian 26 which according to surveyor is in quite good shape. I have very little sailing experience but very excited about learning. I plan to sail in the St-Lawrence river near Quebec city for my first few seasons. I would be interested in hearing from sailors with G26 experience about upgrades done and things to watch on this boat.

Also, mine is equipped with a 2-stroke 1978 OMC saildrive engine in fairly good condition for its age. I would like to know your thoughts on such motor.

Thanks in advance for your replies.:)
 
#2 ·
Check this site out:

GRAMPIAN 26

Some pretty good info there. I'm in the middle of a complete rebuild of my G26 right now. As far as things to check, check the tightness of the keelbolts, and the condition of the stem piece. The stem piece is cast aluminum, and is prone to breaking. This will bring down the mast, generally a bad thing.

If you want to see all the mods I've done/am planning, PM me.
 
#3 ·
Thanks Bermuda, after initiating this thread, I had the occasion to read about the nice work you've been doing on your G26. It looks great! I'll definitely PM you once I have a better understanding of my new boat to get good ideas on upgrades. From what I can tell, the stem piece looks in good condition. Any sign in particular I should be looking for?

I went on the site you suggested and it was a surprise to see the very first picture at the top of this web page. It is exactly the picture I use as my avatar... it is my new boat (named Gromit)... same picture that the previous owner sent to me at the beginning of my discussions with him!
 
#4 ·
I had a 1974 G26 and it was a great boat. They don't point well to the wind, but are very stable and forgiving. I loved the standing room for a short boat and the big cockpit.

As far as things to watch out for, nothing in particular. Just keep her in tip top shape and you'll have her for a longtime. Some nice additions would be a furler if you don't have one. What kind of holding tank do you have? Mine was aweful, it flushed with the contents of the holding tank....so basically flushing with old piss. It reaked after a few days. Check it out and let me know. I would recommend changing that ASAP.

Good luck, she's a great boat.

Ray
 
#5 ·
Thanks CSM, it is always reassuring after purchasing a first boat to hear from others who owned one similar having good words about it. I will check for sure the holding tank given what you describe! I Have not had much time to spend around the boat in the first two weeks since the purchase but I am starting my vacation in two days and will spend many hours learning all I can about her! Can't wait! :D
 
#6 ·
Pat,

Keep us up on what you learn! As far as holding tanks, mine came without one, so I routed it to use raw water (The seacock was already there, indicating that was the original design) for flush and pumps into the tank or over board via macerator pump.

Let me know if you have any questions, and enjoy your vacation!
 
#7 ·
Forgot! CHECK YOUR SEACOCKS!!!!

Grampians came from the factory with gate valves for seacocks. This is a bad thing. Take a look at them if they look like the same valve you use to turn on your garden hose, they need to be replaced with proper ball valved ones (lever handle). Mine were frozen solid (in the open position of course), and would have resulted in bad things would one of the hoses let loose. If you would like, I can send youa write up on how I replaced mine with the correct ones.
 
#8 ·
Good luck with your boat

We have sailed our 1973 Grampian 26 for 17 years in the Montreal region.
My main concerns have been possible leakage of water through the chainplates, which come through the deck, to which are attached the shrouds. The chain plates are bolted to blocks inside the hull and are not easy to inspect. I wonder if these blocks can rot leading to failure. It is easy though to chaulk this point on the deck.
If you have the aluminum toe rail water always accumulates on the deck at the low point next to the jib sheet winch boss. This looks a mess. The original design had a wooden toe rail and at this point there was a gap for the water to run off.
The rudder on one G26 we know regularly got saturated and had to be rebuilt. Check it for cracks and remove rudder and store indoors in winter possibly. I have a bronze rudder shaft and bushings. The bushings are now worn causing the rudder to vibrate slightly. These bushings cannot easily be removed. Some G26s have a "nylon" bushings which probably could be replaced.
The teak cabin top hand rails become thin and weak especially if owners like to sand and varnish. I see them often replaced. I broke one. Similarly the companian way teak becomes thin.
I have a couple of soft spots in the cockpit floor.
Be very careful if you unstep the mast for winter. Do not twist the aluminum casting at the foot of the mast. It could break.
The window rubber gaskets perish with time.
None of these points ever gave me any real problems so far. So I would look after your boat and it should do well.
I have an outboard and sail in fresh water. One neighbour (not a G26)with a saildrive sailed to the Bahamas. The foot corroded through so be careful in salt water and ensure you have the proper galvanic protection.
 
#10 · (Edited)
G26 owner

Hello patbarbeau,

I received a heads up on your enquiry from another recent new owner of a g26. I have made several modifications to my g26, not the least of which was greatly improving the main sheet attachment for safety. I'd be happy to send you a list of thing and pics too if you wish - send me your regular email address, mine is ken2mor-net.on.ca.
Re: OMC 2 stroke. My boat is a 1982 I believe and the engine has never given any problem. I've covered hundreds of miles on St. lawrence and
Lake Ontario. Most important is the mixture to avoid smoke and plug problems; I use ~75:1 in premium gas. The boat is very stable, doesn't bob around like lighter boats and there is lots of head room inside for a 6' person. I'm very happy with mine.
Ken

I have just bought my first sailboat a 1975 Grampian 26 which according to surveyor is in quite good shape. I have very little sailing experience but very excited about learning. I plan to sail in the St-Lawrence river near Quebec city for my first few seasons. I would be interested in hearing from sailors with G26 experience about upgrades done and things to watch on this boat.

Also, mine is equipped with a 2-stroke 1978 OMC saildrive engine in fairly good condition for its age. I would like to know your thoughts on such motor.

Thanks in advance for your replies.:)
 
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