Pearson 26 vs Pearson 28
How do the Pearson 26 and Pearson 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pearson 26 
Pearson 28 | Pearson 26 | Pearson 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.98 m | 28.5 ft8.67 m |
| Waterline length | 21.7 ft6.61 m | 24.5 ft7.46 m |
| Beam | 8.7 ft2.64 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb2,449 kg | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Ballast | 2,200 lb998 kg | 3,530 lb1,601 kg |
| Sail area | 322 ft²29.9 m² | 392 ft²36.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.74 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 237 | 213 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.4 | 20.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.98 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 6.6 |
Pearson 26 vs Pearson 28: the short version
- The Pearson 28 is the larger boat at 28.5 ft8.67 m LOA versus 26.2 ft7.98 m for the Pearson 26.
- The Pearson 28 is heavier, displacing about 30% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Pearson 28 carries the more powerful rig (17.1 vs 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Pearson 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pearson 26 rates better for offshore work (1.98 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.