Does size matter! 26' or 32'

[Zagato]

Agreed, a simply charming boat. I cannot find much difference between the IF Boat and the MH 26 apart from it being heavier and 0.31m longer. I wonder also how they compare to the Contessa 26 in sailing terms and accomodation - very similar boats surely and similarly priced, both with pedigree and a loyal following.

 

[doug748]

Thanks to Ubergeekian for posting the snap of 26. Smashing boats but quite rare in the UK. One has just turned up on our moorings but I have yet to chat to her owner.
The IF boat has a huge lazerette locker with an outboard well and a very long cockpit. The 26 has the cockpit pushed aft and it is a much smaller affair, this gives room in the cabin for a basic galley (shelf really) and settee berths rather then the quarters in the IF. The deck moulding also gives more room forward of the mast. She does look a little tubby next to the IF boat, then most boats do.
If you compare the IF accommodation to a Nordic Folkboat it looks huge. The 26 is more roomy again, comparable to the Contessa though different.
One key difference in the two boat is in the rig. The Marieholm uses a bendy fractional rig with huge main and jib, the Contessa has a sturdy masthead setup with large genoa.
I have a foot in both camps having a larger Contessa but having owned a IF boat for 10 years.
If you want some stuff about the IF and 26, PM me your address and I will post a copy.

 

[Zagato]

Ah thanks Doug, well between the two it sounds as though the IF would be my choice. I will take you up on your very kind offer and pm you my details.

 

[Timbow]

Couldn't help noticing some pictures here and can't resist showing off my little beauty. 1950s East German Folkboat, so I think a british folkboat in specs but I could be wrong. Cost about £3500, in pretty good order. She has just been launched here so you can see the pump is working. I am 6' tall and I can just almost stand up straight under the main hatch.

 

[Zagato]

Very nice Tim and a lot of boat for your money

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

The great joy of the slightly smaller yacht can be that they are trailerable.
Our retired friends who I spoke of in a posting above, take their Folkboat home each winter and stick it alongside their house.
Consequently it's a four seasons hobby as they can work on it and prepare it for the coming spring any day of the week.
They did in fact completely rebuild their boat throughout and fitted a slightly taller saloon than normal which gives them much greater comfort for cruising.