BayCruiser 26

This document has been written to give more information to prospective customers who may be considering the BayCruiser 26 as their next boat. Many are downsizing and want something simpler that they can handle alone if need be, but do not want to forego the performance (hence daysailing range) that a bigger boat can deliver. At the time of writing (Sept 2011), the Swallow Boats Design team are half way through the design process, so some numbers may be subject to small changes. The first customer has already been found and as such is able to influence the design, but Swallow Boats listens to all customers and have always offered a high degree of customisation. In their workshops in West Wales they have invested a great deal in CAD/CAM technology and have their own CNC facility to aid production, increase customisation and improve quality.

The BayCruiser 26 from Swallow Boats will combine graceful classic lines with thoroughly modern performance and ease of handling. She will be built using the best materials and highest quality craftsmanship to deliver a yacht that will sail exceptionally fast, and will be easy to manage singlehanded.

The boat will have a shallow stub keel with a deep ballasted centreboard that swings down within the stub, taking draught to approximately 6ft. To prevent the boat falling over when drying out, and to improve performance further, she will have twin rudders capable of taking the ground. In this way she can dry out on three points, with the hull well clear of the ground. This configuration will give her a fixed draught of around 2ft, but make her relatively easy to launch, recover and trailer. It also means that most of the centreboard structure is outside the boat, freeing up space in the cabin.

The boat will be constructed in epoxy composite, keeping the weight as low as possible. She will be built upside down over a male mould using divinycell/corecell using the same construction methods as many racing yachts. Although more labour intensive than traditional GRP layup, it produces boats that are light, stiff and strong.

The rig will be aluminium as standard, but with an option for Carbon Fibre. The mainsail will be fully battened with a modern "fat head" profile that reduces mast height (hence weight) aloft and improves the efficiency of the sailplan. The jib will be self tacking in keeping with the single handing philosophy, though there will be plenty of options here. A large asymmetric from a carbon bowsprit will be an exciting off wind option.

Propulsion will be either an outboard in a well under the cockpit floor, or (more likely) a diesel inboard. An electric hybrid system with small diesel generator will also be an option.

The interior is very much customisable but the standard form will comprise 2 quarter berths and a large vee berth forward, as well as a galley and enclosed head. At least 2 berths will be 6'8" long, possibly more if needed. The standard headroom will be approx 5ft but a pop-top option will be offered which will increase the headroom in the saloon/galley area to well over 6 ft.

The cockpit will be large in comparison to many other yachts, with an emphasis on comfortable seating. A large spray hood, or bimini (in sunnier climes) could be rigged over the cockpit and the transom will feature a walkthrough bathing platform that will allow easy boarding from a pontoon or dinghy. Large cockpit lockers for fenders and warps will also swallow an inflatable dinghy.

If you are interested in the BayCruiser 26 project then please contact Matt Newland at Swallow Boats who will be happy to discuss your requirements.
+44 (0) 1239 615482
matt@swallowboats.com