1986 Classic Elco 26 Wood Cruiser - Custom-built Reproduction
Condition: good
Engine hours (total): 650
Length overall (LOA): 26
Make / manufacturer: Elco reproduction
Model name / number: 26
We've owned Chaser for 11 years and had many enjoyable, memorable times with her. However, given our busy careers this lovely boat isn't getting the use she deserves, so we've decided it's time to put her up for sale.
Chaser is a one-of-a-kind classic beauty. She was built in Sidney, British Columbia in 1986 from the plans of a mid-1920's Elco Cruiser. Chaser is a wonderful fusion of new and old - she has the efficiency and styling of a classic boat yet her build is modern. Like the original Elco 26, she has a beam of 8'8", draws 2'3", and has a LOA of 25'11". Unlike the original, Chaser's hull is cold-molded with alternating strips of Port Orford red cedar, epoxy and fiberglass. The result is a very strong, light boat that blends the best of wood and fiberglass construction. This construction technique is time-consuming and expensive, but the results are stunning.
Chaser is powered by a 20-horse Yanmar diesel (located under the cockpit floor and accessible through flush hatches or by lifting away the cabin steps). Her engine is reliable, efficient and low maintenance. You can cruise all day at six to seven knots, burning only about a ½ gallon per hour. Engine noise and vibration are noticeably absent throughout the boat. In July of 2017 Chaser had a major engine tune-up and is running perfectly (all documentation will be provided to serious buyers).
The upper cabin has two transom seats, with the captain's chair and controls located on the starboard side. The cockpit is unusually large with great headroom. It has two side settees with cushions and storage lockers under each settee, beautiful brightwork and plank wood floors, and is enclosed with full canvas windowed panels.
Below decks Chaser is surprisingly roomy for its size. She has a small galley with a stainless steel sink, a Beacon alcohol gimbaled burner, storage cabinets, and a Newport Dickenson Diesel heater. Opposite the galley is a counter with a cabinet below and locker to the right which provides access to the electrical system, power controls, bilge switch, etc.
Chaser sleeps two adults very comfortably. There are two side settees which can be used as individual beds or you can use the table as a center section to convert the settes into a double bed. The table can also be used either above on the aft deck or down below in the main cabin. The forward bow compartment has a private head with porta-potty, wash basin, a small storage cabinet, and additional hanging storage. A large square hatch directly over the head provides ventilation and access to the fore deck.
As with all wood boats, Chaser has some 'projects' that need attending to. For example, the exterior brightwork is needing attention and there are a couple of soft spots in the deck around the house. An excellent boat yard in Anacortes that specializes in wood boats estimated the work at around $15,000. If you are interested in Chaser we fill you in on the details of this work.
Give these needed repairs, we are offering Chaser at a steep discount of $25,000 compared to her value. This discount should pay for the repairs plus an extra buffer for cost overruns.
Extra tidbits:
For those of you who have read the book "The Curve of Time", Chaser is very much like 'Caprice', the boat in that story.
For many years Chaser was the official 'Committee Boat' for the La Conner Classic Boat Show. Here are comments about Chaser posted on the Wooden Boat Forum in 2011:
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?135282-LaConner-WA-Classic-Yacht-and-Car-Show
You can read all about the history of Elco yachts on their website:
https://www.elcomotoryachts.com/products/classic-motor-yacht.shtml
