Impulse26

The Impulse 26 is a mono-hull performance racing sailboat circa mid 1980s. Designed by Bill Cook the Impulse 26 has a seven eighths fractional rig that features a mast forward design resulting in a dwarfed "J" measurement. This translates to an extended space in the cockpit and an unusually large mainsail. The boat is known to be extremely fast upwind in light winds (1-8mph) with a calm sea state. The boat is very stable in moderate to heavy wind states; However, it does not excel in these conditions like other boats of it's era.

Design Variations

The Impulse 26 is known to have two different variations on design. There is some confusion as the variations were a slow progression throughout three different manufacturers.

Deck Layouts

MK-I

The MK-I deck layout featured a lift off hatch at the companionway that could be stowed. The deck itself is foam cored. The cockpit also has blunt edges to the interior bench. The main winches are precariously located aft near the main traveler. The tortured transom also has a slightly smaller step. The MK-I is built noticably light and has been know to oil can under high rig loads. This probably adds to it's already sub par performance in moderate and above conditions. Though in mild conditions being built lean probably adds slightly to it's already stellar performance.

MK-II

The MK-II deck layout features a sliding companionway hatch. The deck itself is balsa cored. The winches in the cockpit are centered between the main traveler and cabin making for more centered leverage for trimming. The edges are also rounded off making crew work more ergonomic. The tortured transom has a wider step. The MK-II also features a beefier structural build with noticably larger stringers and hull thickness.