Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts from 1970 to 1983, this popular 26-footer represents classic American coastal cruising from sailing's golden era. With 1,750 hulls launched over thirteen years of production, the Pearson 26 earned a solid reputation among weekend sailors and small-boat cruising enthusiasts. The boat's fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining the stability needed for comfortable coastal sailing. At 5,400 pounds with 2,200 pounds of ballast, she offers reassuring heft without excessive weight. The fiberglass hull features a balsa-cored deck, delivering durability and reduced weight aloft. Her masthead sloop rig carries 321 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power for recreational sailing. With a comfort ratio of 20.36 and capsize screening value of 1.98, the Pearson 26 strikes a nice balance between motion comfort and reasonable safety margins for protected waters. The 6.24-knot hull speed reflects her focus on comfortable cruising rather than racing performance. This design suits coastal exploration, weekend getaways, and learning advanced sailing skills. Her moderate proportions and forgiving nature make her an excellent choice for sailors transitioning from smaller boats or those seeking a manageable cruiser for protected coastal waters.
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What is the Pearson 26's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Pearson 26 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.74. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Pearson 26's comfort ratio?
The Pearson 26 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 20.36. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Pearson 26 safe for offshore sailing?
The Pearson 26 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.98. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Pearson 26?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pearson 26 is 6.24 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pearson 26 weigh?
The Pearson 26 has a displacement of 5,400.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.12 ft.
How much does a used Pearson 26 cost?
Based on 11 recent market listings, used Pearson 26 sailboats typically sell for between $1,800 and $3,900, with a median asking price of $3,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Pearson 26?
The Pearson 26 was designed by William Shaw, first built in 1970.