1988 Morris Frances 26
$49,000
Boat in Yarmouth, ME 04096 US
Frances 26
1 Engine (Volvo)
26 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Stormy, designed by Chuck Paine and built by Morris Yachts in Bass Harbor in 1987 in Maine, is a flush-deck cutter. Purchased by the current owner in 2022, Stormy underwent extensive restoration and upgrading, especially to accommodate short-handed sailing. The work took place at Yankee Marina in Yarmouth, ME where Stormy has also been stoored in a heated indoor building for the winter months. This is a true classic, and is in exceptional condition with over $100,000 invested in the restoration.
CONSTRUCTION & DETAILS
- Double-ender with tiller steering
- Solid fiberglass hull and deck with cored cabin top
- Blue hull/white whale stripe, Awlgripped in 2019
- Rudder replaced (1996)
- Bottom stripped and repainted (2023)
- All deck hardware removed and rebedded, non-skid on deck refinished (2023)
- Teak toerail removed and replaced with new teak toerail (2023)
- All teak on deck, including sliding hatch cover, removed and finished with 8 coats of varnish (2023)
- Forward Lexan hatch removed/replaced with new hatch (2023)
- Cowl vents replaced with Vetus cowl vents (2023)
- Lifelines replaced with new lifelines and removeable backrests in cockpit (2023)
- 2 Bronze mooring cleats installed on bow (2023)
- Rub strakes installed at all 4 mooring cleat chocks (2023)
- Bowsprit removed and replaced with new varnished douglas fir sprit (2023)
- Instrument panel relocated to cockpit (2023)
- Automatic bilge pump installed (2024)
- Cabin floorboards refinished (2024)
ACCOMMODATIONS
- 2 berth layout with large galley and full size chart table
- Storage in cabin lockers, under berths, under cockpit seats, and forward in bow
- Lavac head plumbed to 10 gallon holding tank in forward cabin area, upgraded by installation of macerator and overboard discharge seacock/thru-hull supplementing deck pump out (2023)
- Sink with Fynspray pump. Sink was removed sink drain re-bedded and hose clamps replaced (2023)
- Force 10 Seacook offshore cooking stove
- Insulated ice box
- Propane cabin heater (not operational)
- 2 water tanks, one under each berth, total capacity 15 gallons
ENGINE
- Volvo Penta Marine Diesel motor, model 2002 B8686H 18 HP
- Engine Hours: 495 when boat was purchased in 2022. There is no hour meter on new engine panel, but boat has been used only sparingly since 2022.
- Engine thoroughly inspected, overhauled and repainted, and hoses, belts, gaskets and clamps replaced (2023)
- Exhaust elbow inspected, and gaskets and o-rings replaced (2023)
- Stuffing box re-packed (2023)
- Manual bilge pump hose replaced (2023)
- Oil pressure guage bezel installed (2023)
- Muffler removed, pressure tested, and painted. Exhaust hose and muffler fittings replaced (2023)
- Coolant circular pump and related plumbing removed and cleaned (2023)
- Old fuel tank removed and replaced with new 12 gallon fuel tank (2023)
- Fuel guage installed (2023)
- Sea strainer replaced (2023)
- Primary fuel filter replaced with Racor (2023)
SAILS & RIGGING
- North Mainsail and sail cover (2024)
- North high-clew genoa (2025)
- New Harken Mark IV Furler (2025)
- New Inner forestay (2023)
- Self-tacking North staysail on Harken furler (2023)
- All running rigging replaced
- Installed Tides Marine sail track (2024)
- Installed rigid Harken boom vang (2024)
- Replaced cabin top mainsheet winch with Harken 20 STC winch (2024)
- Reconfigured mainsheeting system, added traveler to bridgedeck (2023)
ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION
- Raytheon ST-2000 Tiller Pilot
- New Instruments on swing-arm: Garmin GPS Chartplotter, Garmin GNX wind instruments (2023)
- New Icom IC-M330 VHF (2023)
- 2 new batteries (2024)
- Removed radome, preserved radar wiring in mast (2023)
- Replaced VHF cable (2023)
- 4 cabin lights and navigation lights
- Compass on varnished drop-board (2023)
- Masthead Windex, nav light and VHF antenna
EQUIPMENT
- Dodger with frame (not currently deployed)
- Docklines
- 3 covered fenders (2023)
- 11 LB Lewmar anchor (2023)
- Anchor rode/chain and rope (2023)
- Throwable horseshoe (2023)
- 2 fire extinguishers (2023)
- Brass kerosene lamp
- Safety equipment
- Float cushions
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/9/26 | Initial price | $49,000 |
1988 Morris Frances 26 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1988 Morris Frances 26
Customers praise the 1988 Morris Frances 26 for its classic design and exceptional craftsmanship
Many highlight its sturdy construction and smooth sailing performance, making it ideal for both coastal cruising and longer voyages. Owners appreciate the spacious and comfortable interior layout, which maximizes livability despite the boat’s modest size. The Morris Frances 26 is also noted for its timeless aesthetic, combining traditional lines with practical functionality. Overall, reviews emphasize the boat’s reliability, charm, and the enjoyable sailing experience it offers.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1988 Morris Frances 26 is a classic daysailer that offers a blend of traditional design and practical performance. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Classic Aesthetics: The Morris Frances 26 features timeless lines and beautiful craftsmanship, making it a standout on the water.
Stable and Comfortable: With a moderate beam and well-balanced hull, it provides a stable and comfortable sailing experience suitable for day trips and casual cruising.
Quality Construction: Built in 1988 with solid materials, the Morris Frances 26 is known for its durability and long-lasting build quality.
Easy Handling: The sail plan and rigging are designed for straightforward handling, making it accessible for sailors of varying experience levels.
Shallow Draft: Its relatively shallow draft allows access to a variety of coastal and inland waters.
Cons
Limited Cabin Space: As a daysailer, the Morris Frances 26 has minimal cabin accommodations, which may not be suitable for overnight trips or extended cruising.
Older Design: While classic, the 1988 design may lack some modern conveniences and innovations found in newer sailboats.
Maintenance Requirements: Being a vintage vessel, it may require regular upkeep and potential restoration work to maintain its condition.
Performance in Heavy Weather: The boat is best suited for fair weather sailing and may not perform optimally in heavy seas or strong winds.
Made For
The 1988 Morris Frances 26 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, well-crafted cruiser that offers a blend of traditional design and reliable performance. Perfect for those who appreciate timeless aesthetics combined with practical features, this boat suits individuals or small families looking for comfortable coastal cruising or weekend getaways. Its manageable size and solid construction make it a great choice for both experienced sailors and those stepping up from smaller vessels, providing a rewarding sailing experience with ample space and classic charm.
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