Albin 78 vs Parker Dawson 26
How do the Albin 78 and Parker 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 | Parker Dawson 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.7 ft7.83 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 | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Ballast | 2,205 lb1,000 kg | 1,100 lb499 kg |
| Sail area | 366 ft²34.0 m² | 270 ft²25.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.29 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 227 | 164 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.9 | 16.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.08 | 2.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| Average used price | €5,000 | — |
Albin 78 vs Parker Dawson 26: the short version
- The Albin 78 and Parker Dawson 26 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.7 ft7.83 m ).
- The Albin 78 is heavier, displacing about 32% 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 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Albin 78 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Parker Dawson 26 rates better for offshore work (2.02 vs 2.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.