Buying a Tollycraft 26 - Any Advice ?

[aaronupnorth]

I'm new to the forum, thought I would ask for advice...
I'm looking for a small boat in the 26' range to buy. We live on the Fraser River just outside of Vancouver and would like a boat that is small enough to be manageable but big enough to do some weekend cruising in the Gulf Islands.
I have been looking at the 26' Tollycrafts and they seem to meet my needs: big enough for my wife, my 2 year old and myself, they have a head with some form of a shower, nice design, simple layout, apparently easy to handle.
I am looking at a couple of boats both of which have been re-engined and redone in the interior (I'm not that handy so I don't want to buy a real project boat) and they are in the 25-35K range which fits my budget.
My questions:
General thoughts on the Tollycraft 26's?
Any thoughts on similar boats I should consider? (I looked at a couple of Bayliners but I like the flybridge on the Tolly better)
Any specific problems with Tollycraft's that would change my mind?

Thanks for any help!
Aaron

[Mike56]

Nothing against the Tolly, but have you considered the 26 Commander? It's a strong, BC built boat (Port Moody), and there's usually a couple used ones on the market.

I own a 1979 model and spend a lot of time on her.

Mike

[Butler]

Two Tollycrafts here and have spent time out on one of them... I think they are both about 30'. Both owners are very happy with their boats and the one I hang out on sometimes is very reliable and comfortable.

There are the pre-blister (or post blister?)Uniflites as well, been on those again comfortable and reliable... used in Nam where they were called jokingly"Uniflush" they shared the manufacturing with some of the Valiant 40 sailboats both using a fire retardent roving that unfortunately caused blistering problems so you have to choose the right year.

Consider diesel... as you might figure those same owners love their boats but hate the bill for fuel... both have thirsty twin chevy's and their outings get pricey.

[Butler]

If I were to switch to power this would be my direction...

Single Perkins Diesel... not fast for sure but strong!

1947 GRANDY 30' DOUBLE ENDER - $3500

[brutb]

Aaron,

I had a 34' sedan with flybridge that was very comfortable for weekend and longer cruuising in Pudget Sound. Mine had 351 gas fords and vdrives. Easy to handle, easy to dock. The only problem at this time is the price of fuel. Those little 351's had a large mouth for fuel. If you can stand to keep the speeddown ,it is not to bad, but once you get on plane expect your fuel bill to grow quickly. I know there are several Tollys in the Seattle area that are in the 30 to 34' range for about what you are looking at to spend on the Tolly 26. I little larger is going to make a lot of difference as your baby gets a little bigger in the next several years. I assume you are going to keep your new boat at a marina and not trailer it? HAPPY BOATING to you and yours.

[aaronupnorth]

In the end I bought a Uniflite 28' Mega for a great price. She's got a few blisters, but has been a great boat to take out and enjoy!
The Commanders are also really nice boats, but I got my Uni for a price I couldn't say no to
Aaron

[James S]

Originally Posted by Butler

If I were to switch to power this would be my direction...

Single Perkins Diesel... not fast for sure but strong!

1947 GRANDY 30' DOUBLE ENDER - $3500

A real classic beauty Butler...Very nice!

[Butler]

Congrats Aaronupnorth! The Uniflight ought to be fun!

She's just down the road James. Lovely old salmon boat and in pretty good shape for her age. She will need to get back on a maintenance schedule soon however. Hope someone picks her up.

[James S]

I'm ready for a project like that....but its all about location, location, location..

[johnmartin348]

Tollys are different than most boats. The Tollycraft is a (excuse the term) semi-displacement hull. It doesn't have the "dead zone" where it wants to plane but just labors in a giant wake with the bow high in the air.

[brutb]

Tollys are heavy, but they will plane. My 34'FB would do at 23 or 24 mph if I elected to pay the fuel bill. Mostly I used it as a comfortable off plane boat in Comement Bay in Tacoma. I did have trim tabs to assist getting on plane.

[gdguesser]

I am looking to upgrade the sliding windows on my 1974 26' Tolly. The options all seem to lead to Diamond Sea Glaze ($$$). The appear to be above reproach but is there a more affordable manufacturer out there that provides a good replacement window in BC or Washington?

[James S]

Welcome to the forum gdguesser, and good luck with your window project.

[nave]

I also have a 1974 26 Tolly that needs side windows, so any help would be welcomed

[captainUni]

Congrats on your Uni! I got a 28' sportfisher and I love every bit of it! Super strong hull...ok engine...think thirsty! If you have the time and willing to invest some labor, a remodel of the interior would make this a superb vessel. I'm thinking about repowering the Chrysler 318s with a pair of 350s. Btw, I had a 2003 Bayliner cruiser and I sold it after crashing it into a mid sized wave and got this instead. Newer Bayliners has great layout but the hull is questionable especially in where I live the Bay Area. Water here tends to be a bit rough. The Uni has no problem even in the ocean or coast. I'm thinking about replacing my windows too....have u gotten a quote from Diamond Sea Glaze?