C26 with inboard diesel

[Aint2proud]

Hello everyone- first time poster, long time lurker.

I have been looking at trailerable sailboats for some time. I am 6-12 months from beginning my search in earnest, but am leaning heavily toward the c26. I have three boys under the age of 7, lots of lakes nearby and am three hours from the coast with lots of gunkholing possibilities. It seems to fit the bill on several fronts. I haven't done much sailing other than a few ASA classes, but I understand the c26 is stout and forgiving.

I just ran across an ad for one with an inboard diesel. Does anyone have experience with this? It comes with a trailer so I believe it is the swing keel model. It sounds like the diesel might have some advantages for coastal sailing (following waves won't swamp it?). I imagine the inboard will take up some interior space though. Are there other advantages/disadvantages I should take into consideration? Does the inboard add significant ballast that would improve (or worsen) the sailing characteristics? Thank you very much.

[hp18carr]

Hope you are having a good 4th and welcome to the group, sorry I know nothing about the diesel good or bad. With kids however you may find that you could use the extra room down the road.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26' 1980
Pandora (for now)

[EmergencyExit]

Welcome aboard ! Board member 'Monty' has a C26 with the diesel I think. Thet do take up space in the rear berth, but from what I've seen nobody (except me lol) likes sleeping back there anyway

[Chrysler20%26]

Welcome good to have you on board. In board diesel, I think is the best way to go. 1: more ballast 2: easer to steer, by having prop forward of rudder, 3: Prop lower in water, better in ruff water. 4: You could but an outboard on the stern as a back up. Be for you buy a C- 26 that requires a truck to move it. An is a bit of a pain to step the mast. An all the work that most sailers but in to them. I have a c-26, an a 1983 Macgregor 25 that can be moved with a mid-size car. Wight is 1/2 of the C-26, mast is easy to step. An I have never needed to work on it. So be for you buy look at many boats. An Good Luck

[Aint2proud]

Thanks for the replies. The boat was sold by the time I called on it. Good point on the extra room. Thanks again.