Pearson 26 vs Pearson 303
How do the Pearson 26 and Pearson 303 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pearson 26 
Pearson 303 | Pearson 26 | Pearson 303 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.98 m | 30.3 ft9.23 m |
| Waterline length | 21.7 ft6.61 m | 25.4 ft7.73 m |
| Beam | 8.7 ft2.64 m | 10.9 ft3.33 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb2,449 kg | 10,100 lb4,581 kg |
| Ballast | 2,200 lb998 kg | 3,500 lb1,588 kg |
| Sail area | 322 ft²29.9 m² | 459 ft²42.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.74 | 15.72 |
| Displacement / Length | 237 | 276 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.4 | 24.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.98 | 2.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 6.7 |
Pearson 26 vs Pearson 303: the short version
- The Pearson 303 is the larger boat at 30.3 ft9.23 m LOA versus 26.2 ft7.98 m for the Pearson 26.
- The Pearson 303 is heavier, displacing about 87% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Pearson 26 carries the more powerful rig (16.7 vs 15.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Pearson 303 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 2.02).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.