The Frances 26 is a traditional, long-keeled, double- ender, well mannered, seaworthy sailing cruiser, with a deceptive turn of speed. This example has been professionally maintained in her present ownership since 2006, with many recent upgrades including new standing rigging and sprayhood in 2018 and much more, including 2025 boatyard invoices of approx £5,000 for work carried out. A good opportunity to acquire an attractive cruiser with a replacement Nanni diesel engine in 2007. Full survey July 2024. Viewing by appointment through Howard Ford Marine Sales.
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL
Located abaft the companionway. Nanni 2.50HE 14hp diesel engine (2007).Fresh water cooling via heat exchanger. Electric Start. Shaft drive to fixed bronze three blade propeller (2025). Single lever engine control. Flex mounts. Cruising speed 4 knots. Maximum speed 5/6 knots.
Alternator charging to 2 x 12 volt batteries (2022)
12 volt switch panel
240v shore power with Ctec M15 battery charger (2022)
Sterling inverter (2007)
Bengco Stainless steel charcoal heater. Removed but can be refitted
DESCRIPTIONS
SAILS, SPARS AND RIGGING
Keel stepped masthead cutter rigged. Silver anodised aluminium mast and boom. Slab reefing to main. Furlex 105S furling system (2012). Stainless steel standing rigging (2018). Terylene running rigging 2019 as required.
Main sail - Dacron fair
Jib - Dacron fair
Genoa - Dacron fair
Staysail - fair
DECK EQUIPMENT
Bruce 10 Kg anchor with 40m chain & 40 M rope
Danforth kedge anchor
Stainless steel pulpit & pushpit
Alloy stanchions & guard wires
Sprayhood (2018)
Sail covers 2016
Dodgers (unused by present owner)
Cockpit tent (unused since 2010)
Various fenders & warps
Boat hook
Andersen 12T sheet winches
Halyard winches
NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
Plastimo Offshore steering compass (glass obscure)
Garmin 152/GPS
Icom M505 DSC vhf radio with aerial
Icom IC-M71 handheld vhf radio
NASA Target 2 depth sounder
Wind vane
Full navigation lights
Stereo radio
Clock & barometer
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
1 x manual bilge pump and 1 portable hand pump
1 x fire extinguisher (will need replacing)
1 x fire blanket
Liferaft Ocean Safety Offshore 4 person 2018 (needs service)
Harness x 2
Emergency tiller
Gas detector
Floating line
Safety lines & guard rails
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT - Available by separate negotiation
R M twin axle road trailer. 1986. Unused since overhaul in 2007. Stored, chocked up under fixed roof cover. Regularly checked and serviced 2025.
CONSTRUCTION
Built in 1986 by Victoria Yachts to a design by Chuck Paine. White GRP hull with green cove line. White GPR superstructure with teak laid decks, cockpit sole and seating. Teak capping rail, cockpit coamings and handrails. Encapsulated long keel. Self draining cockpit, with stowage locker to starboard. Tiller (2015) steering to keel hung rudder. Self draining gas and chain locker. Western red cedar bow sprit (2018). New washboards 2020.