Dark Harbor 17 1/2 vs Parker Dawson 26
How do the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 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.
Dark Harbor 17 1/2 | Dark Harbor 17 1/2 | Parker Dawson 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.8 ft7.87 m | 25.7 ft7.83 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 22.2 ft6.76 m |
| Beam | 6.3 ft1.92 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 3,420 lb1,551 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 1,100 lb499 kg |
| Sail area | 311 ft²28.9 m² | 270 ft²25.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.92 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 285 | 164 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.8 | 16.7 |
| Capsize screening | 1.67 | 2.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 6.3 |
Dark Harbor 17 1/2 vs Parker Dawson 26: the short version
- The Dark Harbor 17 1/2 and Parker Dawson 26 are close in length (25.8 ft7.87 m vs 25.7 ft7.83 m ).
- The Parker Dawson 26 is heavier, displacing about 17% 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 17.1), 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 2.02).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.