Albin 78 vs Dawson 26
How do the Albin 78 and Dawson 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 78 | Albin 78 | Dawson 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Waterline length | 21.8 ft6.65 m | 22.2 ft6.76 m |
| Beam | 9.1 ft2.76 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.49 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 5,291 lb2,400 kg | 4,700 lb2,132 kg |
| Ballast | 2,205 lb1,000 kg | 1,165 lb528 kg |
| Sail area | 366 ft²34.0 m² | 270 ft²25.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.29 | 15.40 |
| Displacement / Length | 227 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.9 | 19.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.08 | 1.91 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| Average used price | €5,000 | — |
Albin 78 vs Dawson 26: the short version
- The Albin 78 and Dawson 26 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.6 ft7.80 m ).
- The Albin 78 is heavier, displacing about 13% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Albin 78 carries the more powerful rig (19.3 vs 15.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dawson 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dawson 26 rates better for offshore work (1.91 vs 2.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.