Albin 79 vs Dark Harbor 17 1/2
How do the Albin 79 and Dark Harbor 17 1/2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 79 | Albin 79 | Dark Harbor 17 1/2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.9 ft7.90 m | 25.8 ft7.87 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 17.5 ft5.33 m |
| Beam | 8.8 ft2.67 m | 6.3 ft1.92 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 4,200 lb1,905 kg | 3,420 lb1,551 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653 lb750 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 259 ft²24.1 m² | 311 ft²28.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.92 | 21.92 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 285 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.6 | 22.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.17 | 1.67 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 5.6 |
Albin 79 vs Dark Harbor 17 1/2: the short version
- The Albin 79 and Dark Harbor 17 1/2 are close in length (25.9 ft7.90 m vs 25.8 ft7.87 m ).
- The Albin 79 is heavier, displacing about 23% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 carries the more powerful rig (21.9 vs 15.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dark Harbor 17 1/2 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 rates better for offshore work (1.67 vs 2.17).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.