ETAP 26

[Inselaffe]

Hi all,

Thinking about going a bit longer.

Currently have an Etap 22 (1981), and love her to bits..

Thinking about an Etap 26.

I want to keep all the good points of the Etap, but anyone know how the 26 sails or any other issues?

I seem to remmeber that someone in the know told me that there is one older Etap that was badly balanced, but can't remember who told me or or which one it was.

TIA

Bife

 

[seumask]

Some friends who we meet in theirs occasionally have one and it sems to be a good boat. It sails reasonably fast and can be handled by one or two people. The engine installation adds more complexity compared to the 22 but as a single cylinder diesel it seemed to be at the basic end of the scale. Very similar keel winding mechanism to the 22i IIRC which benefits from annuall greasing and checking. They have two young children and it seems to work well for them over a weekend or so.

 

[Boomshanka]

I have an Etap 26i (as opposed to the older 26) fixed keel (not tandem) and she's a great boat. The self-tacking jib makes for a stress free time in busy waters and as an etap owner already you'll know the benefits of the double skin and bouyancy (although ok, storage can be less). The only thing I would say is that due to the Bergstrom rig with sewpt back spreaders, you have to gybe a bit more as a straight down-wind jaunt puts the main onto the spreaders... my next step is to look into a spinnaker to sort that out. PM me if you want any more info.

 

[jackho]

I owned one for 5 years after upgrading from a 22 Etap. Great sailing boat. Can't think of any negative aspects. I sailed with our family of 4 kids , later bought a 30 Etap so sailed etaps for 15years. Couldn't aford a 35 so switched brands.

 

[Inselaffe]

Thanks all,

The other alternative is going a little bit bigger to the ETAP 30.

Cheers

Bife

 

[DaveS]

I had an Etap 22 for about 10 years and, as you say, it's a great boat. I seriously looked at a 26 (SWMBO & I took the sleeper from Edinburgh to London then train to Ipswitch and taxi to marina: 10 mins look at the boat and decided it was not for us - still can't explain why, and I pride myself on being rational). I eventually got an Etap 30 about 11 years ago. A brilliant boat. Big increase in size from the 22, but unless you need the lifting keel, I would say go for it.