Pearson 26 vs Yamaha 26
How do the Pearson 26 and Yamaha 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pearson 26 
Yamaha 26 | Pearson 26 | Yamaha 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.98 m | 26.2 ft7.98 m |
| Waterline length | 21.7 ft6.61 m | 21.0 ft6.40 m |
| Beam | 8.7 ft2.64 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 5.1 ft1.55 m |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb2,449 kg | 4,343 lb1,970 kg |
| Ballast | 2,200 lb998 kg | 1,433 lb650 kg |
| Sail area | 322 ft²29.9 m² | 290 ft²26.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.74 | 17.43 |
| Displacement / Length | 237 | 209 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.4 | 15.5 |
| Capsize screening | 1.98 | 2.25 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 6.1 |
Pearson 26 vs Yamaha 26: the short version
- The Pearson 26 and Yamaha 26 are close in length (26.2 ft7.98 m vs 26.2 ft7.98 m ).
- The Pearson 26 is heavier, displacing about 24% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Yamaha 26 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 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 2.25).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.