1986 Anderson Custom Boats Anderson 26

Anderson 26: The Largest Easily Trailerable Workhorse

1. General Information

The Anderson 26 is a bold, bulletproof 7.92 m pilothouse boat designed in 1986 to meet the needs of California's booming sea urchin fishery. As the urchin fleet spread north to Point Arena and beyond, divers wanted a larger, tougher platform they could tow around the state, and the Anderson 26 was engineered as the largest easily trailerable hull in the range. Built to a commercial standard, it has since won over many recreational owners who value its pedigree, strength and seakeeping. With room for a galley, settees and large sleeping areas for three to five people, and the option of a flybridge, it is as suited to multi-day fishing and diving trips as it is to hard commercial work.

2. Construction and Design

The Anderson 26 is hand-built around a hand-laid fibreglass hull, with decks and cabin hand-constructed in fibreglass over wood and finished with non-skid surfacing. Its 2.59 m beam, 0.61 m hull draft and dry weight of around 2,948 kg create a stable, load-carrying platform: the builder notes it was designed to carry more than 2,268 kg of product at speeds of 20 knots and above. Fuel capacity of roughly 568 to 946 L delivers serious range. Inside, the cabin can be fitted with a galley, seating and generous berths, turning a rugged workboat into a comfortable base for extended trips. Pilothouse and centre console versions are available, each custom finished to the owner's needs.

3. Key Features

Trailerable size: Engineered as the largest easily towed hull in the range, so it can follow the fishing or diving around the coast.

Serious payload: Designed to carry over 2,268 kg of catch at 20 knots and above.

Liveable cabin: Space for a galley, settees and berths for three to five, with an optional flybridge.

Hand-built strength: Hand-laid fibreglass hull and fibreglass-over-wood deck and cabin built to commercial standards.

Choice of power: Single or twin outboards, gas or diesel sterndrive, or a diesel inboard.

4. Summary

The Anderson 26 is for owners who need a big, tough, long-range boat that can still be trailered to new waters. It suits commercial divers and fishermen, charter operators and recreational anglers who want commercial-grade build quality with real comfort for overnight and multi-day trips. For buyers seeking a proven Californian pilothouse with payload, range and a custom finish, this versatile workhorse is a compelling choice.