I have a 1977 Dawson 26 I purchased this summer.  From what I can tell I am the 5th owner.  This boat was originally purchased by Mr. Parker who later purchased Dawson and became Parker Dawson.  He purchased the boat in Las Vegas, sailed in some of the bigger lakes out west. He towed it back to Maine.  Sailed around Maine, up to Canada and down to Buzzards Bay.  He trailered it down to Florida and sailed in the keyes and to the Bahamas.  He finally sold the boat in the Anapolis Boat Show.
My Wife absolutely loves the boat.  She handles really well although I could use some new sails.  Mine are orginal.  The dual cabins give the benefit of privacy but have the drawback of limiting living space inside the cabins.  We spent almost every weekend on the boat during season, often for 3 days.
We sail the boat in Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island Sound.  Have been in 25 knot winds with waves up to about 8 feet.  Boat handled extremely well.  Several other larger boats stayed in harbor saying it was too rough.
My boat has the Yanmar YSE-8 diesel engine.  Bininacle has been moved back and offcentered to give more cockpit space.  Otherwise no other mods as of yet.
I moor the boat in the Westport river. Mooring is in less than 3 feet of water at low tide.  Love the swing keel option and ability to drop the mast on the water.
Looking forward to next spring and a full season of sailing.

Dan Underwood

#264....I bet that boat was built in Florida, not Las Vegas. I think production stopped in Las Vegas in 1974, but I could be wrong..What is the full ID number? She looks good!