ETAP 26i
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Exterior
1. Construction
In common with all members of the ETAP family, the ETAP 26i has ETAP’s unique double-skinned structure. This makes it unsinkable, provides extra hull stiffness, insulates hull and deck to ensure almost condensation-free cabins and gives a unique interior finish. The ETAP 26i is certified unsinkable by the French Merchant Marine, the only official body in the world authorized to issue certificates of unsinkability for sailing yachts. The ETAP 26i has category three certification and is also approved to CE design certification B. The ETAP 26i is a sporty, comfortable ocean-going yacht with a modern hull profile, long waterline and a rounded leech on the mainsail, giving it the capability to show a high turn of speed. This superb yacht features a carefully-designed deck layout combining wide gangways with a deep cockpit and capacious stowage space. Special attention has been given to ensuring exemplary handling characteristics, making the ETAP 26i easy to sail solo.
2. Hull
The hull is built of fibreglass-reinforced polyester (ortho and iso) with a protective iso-NPG coating to give a totally waterproof finish. The first layer of laminate is made up of short separate glass fibres (roving) with no chopped strand mats or wovens. This layer is applied entirely by hand to provide optimum protection against osmosis. The unique ETAP double hull construction creates a number of unique benefits, including:
a high-stability floor structure in the interior hull ensures a very stiff hull construction
the floor panels can be recessed between the floor supports, producing a highly attractive finish the protective iso-NGA gel coat gives the polyester surface a durable, easy-maintenance finish using a separate mast heel (not a through-deck mast) allows the mast base to be integrated into the hull structure.
Polyurethane foam with a minimum 95% closed cells is injected into the space between the two hulls, providing sufficient buoyancy to ensure that the boat will stay afloat even if it suffers serious damage. Substantial volumes of polyurethane foam are located fore and aft to provide impact protection and longitudinal stability in the event of damage.All the reinforcing and mounting plates in the hull and deck are made of aluminium or stainless steel: no balsa is used.
3. Deck
The deck is also double-skinned, giving a very high standard of interior finish and eliminating the need for additional decorating materials, many of which might not be waterproof. The unique ETAP (ship-in-ship) method fully insulates the deck to give a practically condensation-free structure. Highly effective nonslip deck pads are fitted to the deck surface, with each nonslip area protected by a raised bumper. Aluminium toe rails are fitted over the entire length of the deck to provide better support. These also allow fenders to be attached without burdening the sea rail, act as fastening points for mooring ropes and provide securing points for lifelines in heavy weather. Four mooring cleats are fitted, plus a 45 cm-high plastic-coated stainless steel sea rail with 6 stainless steel stanchions. Aluminium grab rails are secured onto the deck construction. The stainless steel pulpit and split pushpit facilitate boarding and disembarkation. The deck construction is designed to allow crew members to walk right round on the nonslip pad surface when the boat is heeling, while remaining fully protected by the sea rail. Fuel and water caps and ventilators are located diametrically opposite each other and coloured differently to avoid any possibility of confusion. The ETAP 26i has a self-draining anchor and chain well with a base for mounting the anchor winch. Other deck fittings are as follows:
2 halyard winches with 2 winch handles
turning blocks to allow running rigging to be controlled from the cockpit
8 halyard clutches
1 flagpole and holder
3 folding padeyes to attach the mainsheet block
rail for a self-tacking jib with genoa sheet block and sheet jammers. The jammers can be moved to secure the genoa sheet block: this can be useful when either running with the wind or heaving to.
The laminate is reinforced and aluminium reinforcing plates are fixed at locations where deck fittings are installed or may be installed as options.
4. Deck to hull connection
The tension in the standing rigging is taken up by stainless steel tie rods on shroud plates in the hull. The unique ETAP External Chainplate System (ECS) - an innovative system with the shroud plates mounted as far outside the hull as possible - reduces forces between the mast and hull by around 30%. The deck is laid into the hull after the plates are laminated in. This forms an optimum triangle of forces between the standing rigging, mast, deck and hull. The deck is first fixed to the hull mechanically, then bonded to form a whole with it using reinforced polyester resin. Finally, a heavy PVC buffer is attached to give mechanical protection.
5. Cockpit
The ETAP 26i has a very spacious and ergonomically-designed self-draining cockpit, with extra-safe seating on the gangway behind the back rests for when the boat is heeling. A nonslip structure is incorporated into the gelcoating of the hull floor for ease of cleaning. The ETAP 26i has an integral bathing platform at the stern, complete with a folding bathing ladder. The engine control console is protected by a plexiglass cover. A control lever is mounted on the transom edge to allow the engine to be operated from a standing position: this is extremely convenient when manoeuvring under power. A capacious, entirely double-walled cockpit stowage locker with an internal shelf is located to starboard. A manual bilge pump is also mounted. The self-draining gas well is fully separated from the boat’s interior. The gas installation has triple safety protection through a pressure relief valve and stop-cock on the gas cylinder, the main stop-cock in the aft cabin and a bimetal valve on the gas cooker. The gas hob is supplied with an on/off tap, relief valve and flexible pipe.
6. Rigging
The ETAP 26i has a Seldén mast with one set of aerofoil spreaders and 7/8 rigging. The spinnaker boom ring is fitted as standard. The mast is attached to an on-deck mast heel, not stepped through, thus ensuring that the structure is watertight and easily stepped. Junctions with all electric cables from the mast are located under the deck. The boom has an outhaul and 2 reef lines which are carried aft to the cockpit. All standing rigging is made from 5 mm stainless steel wire with rolled cotter terminals and Hasselfors bottlescrews on deck. The boom is supported by a combination of a rodkicker and permanent gas-sprung boom downhaul, so that it cannot fall onto the deck or on the spray hood when reefing. The mainsail and jib halyard have a D-shackle and a snap fastening for easy sail attachment. A flag line is fitted on the starboard spreader, a windex is mounted on the masthead and pilot lines are provided for all unsupported running rigging such as the spinnaker, etc.
7. Sails
The ETAP 26i has a partially battened mainsail with a free foot, made by internationally renowned sail makers. The mainsail area is 22.3 m2 (240 sq.ft.), and it has 3 sets of reefing points and a rounded leech. The two upper battens extend from leech to luff for ideal shape stability, while the two lower are shorter in order to avoid placing too high a pressure on the cringles (eyelets) and to facilitate hoisting and reefing the sail. The detachable sail cover is attached to the boom with a rope foot and is not attached to the mainsail. Lazy jacks guide the mainsail into the sail cover. The self-tacking jib has an area of 7.8 m2 (84 sq.ft.) and is cut with a straight leech. The mainsail carries the ETAP logo, both sails are fitted with tell-tales and leech tensioners, and all sails are supplied with a sail bag.
8. Engine and engine compartment
The ETAP 26i is supplied with a type 2010 2-cylinder Volvo Penta marine diesel engine. Closed-circuit cooling gives a longer service life and greater operational reliability. The engine has a rated power of 7 kW (10 H.P.) at 3.600 rpm. The engine is efficiently mounted on a specially designed mount incorporated into the inner hull, with rubberized mounting blocks to absorb vibration and attenuate engine noise. The engine is accessible from fore and aft through hatches fitted with quick-release clips. Transmission is by Volvo Saildrive with a zinc anode, giving better vibration absorption and maintenance-free, watertight transmission through the hull. A fixed-pitch two-bladed Volvo Penta propeller is fitted. The engine is equipped with an optical and acoustic oil pressure and temperature alarm, rev counter, running time counter and oil pressure, engine temperature, battery charging and glow plug warning lights. The engine compartment is fully insulated with sound-absorbing and insulating material and is permanently ventilated by an electric fan blower. The stainless steel fuel tank has a capacity of 50 litres, and is fitted with a separate draw pipe for diesel forced-air heating and with a fuel gauge. The fuel supply can be shut off from the cockpit. An additional fuel prefilter, complete with water separator, is fitted in an easily accessible location.
9. Electrical equipment
The chart table has a switch panel with automatic circuit breakers, a fuel gauge, a voltmeter and a 12 V electrical socket. The 70 Ah maintenance-free battery is charged by a 60 A alternator, and 3 battery switches are fitted ready for installation of a second battery. Two separate circuits are provided for interior lighting. Of a total of 5 lighting points, 2 are adjustable halogen spot lamps recessed into the internal surface of the deck. Navigation lights are fitted to European specifications, with a 25 W steaming light, 25 W bow-mounted combined side lights, a 15 W stern light and a 5 W riding (anchor) light. All wiring is led through rigid PVC conduits and all cables are numbered. Spare conduits are fitted to allow for the wiring of additional instruments. Electrical layout diagrams are supplied with the boat.
10. Water
An 80-litre water tank is mounted under the port-side sofa. The level gauge is mounted on the tank. As an option, waste pipes from the galley and toilet may be connected to a holding tank. An electric water pump supplies potable water to the toilet and galley.
11. Keel
The ETAP 26i has a cast iron fin-and-bulb keel. The bulb at the base of the keel lowers the centre of gravity, while its hydrodynamic shape acts like a wing and generates extra lift. Draught is 1.55 m with the standard keel. An optional keel is available, giving a draught of 0.90 m (ETAP tandem keel). The keel is mounted in an integral keel housing which forms part of the external and internal hulls. It is bolted on in the traditional manner, with stainless steel mounting plates fitted in the hull. This gives an extremely good watertight seal and very strong construction by ensuring maximum transmission of the keel loading to the hull.
12. Rudder
A prebalanced rudder ensures highly efficient operation. The one-piece fibreglass-reinforced rudder blade is made by a closed mould technique, and the rudder-stock is certified AlMgSi1F31 aluminium alloy.
13. Skin fittings
The skin fittings have fast-closing ball valves, and reinforced hoses are attached with double stainless steel hose clamps. Hulls can be supplied without skin fittings on request.
14. Ventilation and light
A sliding hatch and an outward-opening hatch on the deck allow natural ventilation and lighting. The ETAP 26i has three opening portholes, two in the aft cabin and one in the toilet compartment. A further two fixed windows, two circular windows with permanent ventilation and a panoramic window are built into the deck structure. The aft cabin is permanently ventilated. The engine compartment is ventilated by an electric fan blower while the engine is running.
Interior
1. General
The ETAP 26i has a stylish, modern interior finish of steamed and sanded beech woodwork treated with three coats of waterproof acrylic varnish. All furnishings have solid beech frames, and the floorboards are of laminate with beech edging. Floorboards are screwed down using threaded sockets recessed into the polyester, thus allowing easy removal of the screws if required. The companionway has three curved aluminium treads coated with a nonslip finish. The washboard is made of maintenance-free material, with permanent ventilation. Headroom in the companionway area is 174 cm. The interior surface under the deck is characteristic of the unique ETAP double-skinned construction, with a structured polyester finish which eliminates the need for waterproof decorating materials. This gives a low-maintenance finish which retains its new appearance over many years of use.
2. Salon
The salon contains two long sofas with an open forepeak, which can be used as a double cabin. The ergonomically-shaped,divided cushions are protected by a decorative strip on the port and starboard sides; no velcro-type fastenings are used. The rotatable, height-adjustable table is located in the centre of the salon. An extra cushion is supplied to fill in the space between the two sofas. The panoramic window allows an ample supply of light into the salon, giving a uniquely spacious and airy feeling. This helps to create a very pleasant, open interior and allows the crew below decks to enjoy the sailing experience. Bottle storage space is provided to both port and starboard behind the sofas. Extra stowage space is provided under the starboard sofa and a potable water tank is located under the port side sofa. Closed cupboards line the entire length of the salon on both the port and starboard sides, plus further stowage space under the forepeak and on both sides. Hand grips are fitted along the length of the salon and on both sides of the companionway.
3. Galley
The ETAP 26i has a 2-burner gas hob with flame-out protection connected to a fixed gas installation. A main stopcock is fitted in the aft cabin hanging locker. Underneath the extra-deep stainless steel sink is a large stowage space with a cutlery drawer and bin bag holder, plus ample room for pots and pans. Galley work surfaces are finished in grey formica. A heavily-insulated and easily accessible 45-litre capacity coolbox is provided, complete with drainage hose for disposal of condensation and cleaning water. Galley fittings are trimmed with solid beech.
4. Chart table
A 75 cm x 60 cm chart table is located on the starboard side next to the companionway. A spacious chart storage rack and a large stowage locker are provided under the chart table. The switch panel is clearly laid out with automatic circuit breakers, a voltmeter and a 12 V electrical socket. All electrical cables are numbered.
5. Aft cabin
The aft cabin has a double berth 195 cm long, 141 cm wide at the forward end and 100 cm wide at the aft end. A hanging locker and stowage lockers are fitted, with open stowage space running along the whole length of the cabin. Permanent ventilation is provided by a ventilation grille and two opening portholes. The inspection hatch has quick-release clips for easy access to the engine compartment and the Saildrive. The aft cabin headroom is 167 cm.
6. Toilet compartment
The toilet compartment is located to starboard of the companionway. A spacious locker mounted behind the toilet forms part of the cockpit stowage locker, but is accessible from the toilet compartment, which is equipped with a traditional sea toilet. A holding tank may be installed behind the bulkhead as an optional extra. The washbasin is fitted with a shower head and fed by a pressurized cold water supply. There is a capacious wet locker with drainage, cupboards above and below the washbasin and large mirror fixed onto the door. An opening porthole and a fixed acrylic circular ventilation opening provide light and ventilation. The headroom is 167 cm.
Options
A full list of options for the ETAP 26i, with current prices and/or additional technical documentation, is available on request from your ETAP dealer. Some of the main options are :
1. High-aspect jib (10.7 m², 115 sq.ft.) and deck fittings
The jib can be replaced by a high-aspect jib. This offers a 37% increase in sail area, although it is not self-tacking. Self-tailing turning blocks are fitted in the gangways for the clew tracks, plus extra folding padeyes with removable turning blocks at the cabin entrance level. Extra sheet winches (type 16 AST) must be installed in the cockpit. These are self-tailing, and can also be used for the asymmetric spinnaker. As a further option, both the optional high-aspect jib and standard jib can be fitted with a furling reef installation for maximum sailing comfort. This allows the jib to be fully furled around the forestay.
2. Mainsheet rail
A mainsheet rail can be installed in the cockpit to optimize mainsail trimming. The rail runs the full width of the cockpit and allows continuous adjustment of the mainsheet block position. Two extendable bolts with quick-release nuts allow the rail to be dismantled easily without requiring any tools. The rail can be stored in the cockpit stowage locker.
3. EVS ® (ETAP Vertical Steering) System
Instead of a standard hand tiller, the ETAP 26i can be fitted with the revolutionary ETAP Vertical Steering (EVS ® ) system. This system combines the precision of a tiller with the advantages of a wheel, while eliminating the disadvantages of both. The boat is then steered via an ergonomically-shaped stainless steel control which moves in the vertical plane athwartships. The EVS ® system is supplied with an emergency hand tiller.
4. Heating
A Webasto Air Top 2000 diesel heater can be installed in the aft services compartment, with an insulated exhaust through the hull. Because of its superb thermal insulation, an ETAP yacht very quickly becomes comfortably warm. The internal temperature is controlled by a room thermostat mounted in the main cabin. The system can also be used to ventilate the boat by blowing unheated air.
5. Holding Tank
The sea toilet and other outflows (galley, handbasins, etc.) can be connected to a holding tank. This tank can be mounted in the cockpit storage locker, and is fitted with an extra manual pump to allow evacuation of the contents via a stern drain. A lead to the deck is also provided for use with harbour pump-out systems. An electronic level alarm is mounted on the tank to indicate when it is full. The entire installation is carefully executed for operational reliability and simplicity of use.
6. Etap Tandem keel
The ETAP tandem keel is a new type of keel developed by ETAP Yachting to improve performance while reducing draft. The system involves mounting two short keels in tandem at an optimum distance apart, connected by a wing-bulb section. The ETAP tandem keel gives a better aspect ratio and generates greater lift. In addition to increased stability, the wing-bulb also provides enhanced hydrodynamic characteristics. Fitted with an adapted rudder, the ETAP tandem keel gives the same performance as a conventional shallow keel while reducing the draught significantly, as demonstrated by various independent tests. With the ETAP tandem keel, the ETAP 26i has a draught of 0.90 m.
7. Bowsprit with integral anchor pulley ( bow roller )
The bow roller is integrated into the bowsprit to reduce the likelihood of damaging the very vertical face of the ETAP 26i prow when raising the anchor.Nonslip coating on the bowsprit allows it to be used as a convenient footboard for boarding and disembarkation. The bowsprit also serves as an attachment point for the asymmetrical spinnaker control line.
8. Service battery
A 70 Amp-hour service battery can be supplied as an optional extra. A separate battery switch is fitted and a diode bridge splitter is installed between the two batteries, allowing them to be charged at the same time but preventing them from discharging each other. The standard 70 Ah battery is reserved exclusively for engine starting, giving increased operational reliability. A third main switch is fitted to allow isolation of the negative side of the electrical circuit.
Documentation
Every ETAP is supplied with a full set of electrical layout diagrams and a 100-page two-language instruction manual (in Dutch/French or English/German). The manual contains detailed explanations of all the boat's functions and is illustrated with numerous schematic diagrams.
Guarantee
ETAP Yachting gives a two-year guarantee in respect of all parts manufactured by ETAP. The supplier's guarantee applies to all other components. Full details of warranty terms and conditions are given in the company's Standard Terms and Conditions of Trading and in the instuction manual.
Measurements and weights are indicative and are not binding. ETAP reserves the right to change construction and equipment specifications without notice.