I put Matella stanchions on my Commander a few years ago. They are truly works of art, easy to install, aqnd, according to Practical Sailor, the strongest ones made. It seems that S.C. Johnson, the lifeline folks, now sell them (at about twice what Matella charged). While price is an issue, 25" stanchions put the top lifeline at a perfect height for an adult to pivot over them into the blue. 30" are clearly preferable, but might look a bit odd on a 26' boat, though not as odd as the boat would look from the water.