Tom Thumb 26

Description

The Bruce Roberts Tom Thumb 26, introduced in the 1970s as part of the acclaimed Tom Thumb series of pocket cruisers, is a versatile, owner-buildable sailboat renowned for its seaworthy multi-chine hull and compact yet capable design for solo sailors or couples tackling coastal adventures and modest offshore passages, with numerous examples constructed worldwide in steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or wood-epoxy for affordability and durability. Measuring 25 feet 11 inches LOA with a 23-foot-9-inch LWL, 10-foot-4-inch beam, 4-foot shoal draft (options for long or twin keels), and a displacement of 9,000 pounds including 3,000 pounds of ballast, this gaff-, Bermudan-, or junk-rigged sloop (with cutter modifications available) delivers a sail area suited to 6-7 knot speeds in 10-25 knot winds, ensuring stable performance without excessive weather helm, augmented by a 15- to 25-horsepower diesel auxiliary like the Yanmar 2GM. Its classic lines feature a clipper bow, moderate sheer, and efficient cockpit, paired with a surprisingly roomy interior offering 6-foot-3-inch headroom, two berths plus convertible settee for four, compact galley, enclosed head, and practical storage alongside 40 gallons of fuel and 60 gallons of water for weekend autonomy. Proven in real-world trials like Bass Strait crossings and over 1,000-mile summer cruises by 1990s builds, the Tom Thumb 26 exemplifies economical craftsmanship with step-by-step plans—including full-size patterns and bonus engineering details—making it an ideal first project for aspiring bluewater enthusiasts seeking big-boat qualities in a trailerable, head-turning package.