Marieholm 26: Tord Sundén's Proven Coastal Cruiser

Introduction & Design Heritage

Designed by renowned Tord Sundén, the Marieholm 26 draws directly from the celebrated International Folkboat lineage. Production ran from 1976 until 1987 at Marieholms Bruk in Sweden, resulting in exactly 260 hulls. The model emphasizes affordability, seaworthiness and simple robust construction suited to Baltic and North Sea conditions.

Construction, Technical Specifications & Design Analysis

The Marieholm 26 features solid fiberglass hull and deck construction with internal lead ballast. LOA measures 7.92 meters, beam 2.44 meters and draft 1.37 meters. Displacement sits near 2200 kilograms. The masthead sloop rig carries 25 square meters of sail area supported by robust standing rigging.

Sailing Performance & Handling Characteristics

Owners report the Marieholm 26 handles confidently in winds up to 25 knots. The boat balances well on all points with moderate weather helm. Its narrow beam and deep keel provide stiffness while remaining responsive to helm input during coastal passages and club races.

Interior Layout & Comfort Features

The cabin accommodates four berths including a forward V-berth and two settee berths. A compact galley and marine head occupy the midsection. Storage is efficient despite limited headroom that averages 1.75 meters, making the space suitable for weekend cruises and short offshore legs.

Engine, Propulsion & Technical Systems

Standard power comes from the reliable Volvo Penta MD5 diesel rated at 7.5 horsepower. The engine drives a fixed two-blade propeller through a saildrive or shaft. Owners note that regular cooling system maintenance prevents typical overheating issues common with ageing MD5 units.

Ownership Insights: Market Value, Maintenance & Real-World Experience

Current market prices for good examples range from 8000 to 15000 euros depending on condition. Common maintenance includes checking for deck leaks and hull osmosis. The boat remains popular among enthusiasts. Owners can connect through Boat Clubs (boat-clubs.net), a worldwide network of dedicated owner communities covering 40+ sailboat manufacturers.