1968 Pearson 26 vs Catalina 250 — Comparison
1968 Pearson 26
Catalina 250
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1968 Pearson 26 | Catalina 250 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Catalina |
| Year | 1968–1975 | 1994–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 6.78 m (22.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 24.5 m² (264 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 42 L (11.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1968 Pearson 26 and Catalina 250 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Pearson 26 is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the Catalina 250 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1968 Pearson 26 was penned by William Shaw. The Catalina 250 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1968 Pearson 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Catalina 250 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1968 Pearson 26 is 0.30m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1968 Pearson 26 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1968 Pearson 26 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.06 and 27.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 250, with an SA/D of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 250 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1968 Pearson 26 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 250 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 42.2% for the 1968 Pearson 26 and 38.5% for the Catalina 250, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1968 Pearson 26 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Catalina 250 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L water and 30L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1968 Pearson 26 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Catalina 250 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1968 Pearson 26 · Catalina 250