1968 Pearson 26 vs Hunter 260 — Comparison
1968 Pearson 26
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1968 Pearson 26 | Hunter 260 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Hunter |
| Year | 1968–1975 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1968 Pearson 26 and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Pearson 26 is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1968 Pearson 26 was penned by William Shaw. The Hunter 260 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1968 Pearson 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Hunter 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1968 Pearson 26 is 0.07m longer than the Hunter 260.
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 Hunter 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 260 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 Hunter 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 42.2% for the 1968 Pearson 26 and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, 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 Hunter 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L 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 Hunter 260 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hunter 260 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1968 Pearson 26 · Hunter 260