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Ariel 26 Pearson
Designer: Carl Alberg  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1962
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About the Ariel 26 Pearson

Originally manufactured by Pearson Yachts, the Ariel 26 represents a classic example of mid-20th century American sailboat design philosophy. This trailerable cruiser was built during Pearson's prolific era when the Rhode Island-based manufacturer was establishing itself as a leading producer of fiberglass recreational sailboats. The Ariel 26 embodies the traditional virtues that made Pearson boats popular among weekend sailors and coastal cruisers. Built with solid fiberglass construction typical of the period, these boats earned a reputation for durability and seaworthiness that has kept many examples sailing decades after production ended. With its modest size and manageable proportions, the Ariel 26 appeals to sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser that won't overwhelm a small crew. The design strikes a practical balance between sailing performance and creature comforts, making it well-suited for weekend getaways and extended coastal exploration. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Ariel 26's enduring presence in harbors and marinas speaks to its fundamental soundness as a design. For sailors drawn to classic American fiberglass boats with proven track records, the Ariel 26 offers an entry point into Pearson's respected lineage of recreational sailboats.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.58 ft / 7.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.50 ft / 5.64 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.70 ft / 1.13 m
Displacement 5,120.00 lb / 2,322 kg
Ballast 2,300.00 lb / 1,043 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder Pearson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1962
Last Built 1966
Number Built 440
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
44.92
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
361
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 3.17 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.58
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 307.00 ft² / 28.52 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Atomic 4 or OB
How It Compares

vs. Balboa 26, Irwin 25, Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
25.6 ft
Balboa 26
25.6 ft
Irwin 25
25.4 ft
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
25.6 ft
LWL
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
18.5 ft
Balboa 26
20.8 ft
Irwin 25
20.5 ft
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
23.3 ft
Beam
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
8.0 ft
Balboa 26
8.0 ft
Irwin 25
8.0 ft
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
8.8 ft
Displacement
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
5 lbs
Balboa 26
3 lbs
Irwin 25
5 lbs
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
4 lbs
Ballast
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
2 lbs
Balboa 26
1 lbs
Irwin 25
2 lbs
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
Sail Area
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
306 sq ft
Irwin 25
315 sq ft
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
328 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
219 s/nm
Irwin 25
207 s/nm
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
20.9
Irwin 25
16.4
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
19.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
44.9 %
Balboa 26
33.3 %
Irwin 25
40.7 %
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
15.8
Irwin 25
23.8
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
16.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
2.08
Irwin 25
1.83
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
2.14
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
361
Balboa 26
177
Irwin 25
279
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
159
Hull Speed
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
6.1 kts
Irwin 25
6.1 kts
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
6.5 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Ariel 26 Pearson ★
Balboa 26
3.4
Irwin 25
1.9
Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee
3.5
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