"Jim Cate" wrote in message
...
I didn't like the swing keel and open keel chamber in the bottom of the
hull. - On the 26M, it has been replaced by a more narrow, dagger
board, providing better upwind performance (from everyone I have talked
with who has sailed the boat), and it be raised or lowered incrementally
to more closely match the current conditions. (The swing keel, if not
kept in the fully down position, would alter the center of resistance.)

Although I generally prefer the daggerboard, the ability to shift the CLF
(Center of Lateral Resistance) aft is very handy.



I also didn't like the idea of relying totally on the water ballast. -
The 26M includes both water and permanent ballast, and provides more
versatility for motoring without the water ballast.

The permanent ballast was required because the V hull raised the Center of
Gravity too much.



I also had problems with the hull shape, which was relatively flat
throughout the length of the boat for enhanced planing ability.

Meaning the new hull will not plane as easily.