1986 Frances 26

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. ACCOMMODATIONThe accommodation offers up to five berths in an open plan cabin. Steps leading down from cockpit with galley to port with Plastimo Neptune 2500 two burner gas hob with oven and grill. Stainless steel sink with pumped cold water supply and plenty of stowage space. Quarter berth aft to port. Settee berth to starboard with storage above and below. Settee /small berth opposite to port with storage below and drop down chart table above. Two fixed portholes and three opening ports. Escape hatch to foredeck. V berth forward with infill, creating a double berth with storage below. Heads compartment aft to starboard with Jabsco marine toilet. Opening port & wet locker and storage. Interior joinery and head linings finished in white Formica veneered plywood with varnish teak trims. Hull lining finished in hardwood slats. Teak & holly sole boards. Full interior lighting. 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) 240v shore power with Ctec M15 battery charger (2022) Bengco Stainless steel charcoal heater. Removed but can be refitted 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. Bruce 10 Kg anchor with 40m chain & 40 M rope Stainless steel pulpit & pushpit Dodgers (unused by present owner) Cockpit tent (unused since 2010) Plastimo Offshore steering compass (glass obscure) Icom M505 DSC vhf radio with aerial 1 x manual bilge pump and 1 portable hand pump 1 x fire extinguisher (will need replacing) Liferaft Ocean Safety Offshore 4 person 2018 (needs service) 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. 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, wi