1968 Pearson 26 vs Beneteau First 20 — Comparison
1968 Pearson 26
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1968 Pearson 26 | Beneteau First 20 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Beneteau |
| Year | 1968–1975 | 2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | William Shaw | Sam Manuard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 5.90 m (19.4 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 5.39 m (17.7 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.34 m (7.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.30 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 660 kg (1,455 lbs) |
| Ballast | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 165 kg (364 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 19.5 m² (210 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Lifting |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 4 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | — |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 10 L (2.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1968 Pearson 26 and Beneteau First 20 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Pearson 26 is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the Beneteau First 20 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1968 Pearson 26 was penned by William Shaw. The Beneteau First 20 was designed by Sam Manuard.
In terms of size, the 1968 Pearson 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Beneteau First 20 at 5.90m (19.4ft) with a 2.34m beam. The 1968 Pearson 26 is 2.02m longer than the Beneteau First 20. The 1968 Pearson 26 displaces approximately 209% 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 Beneteau First 20, with an SA/D of 26.16 and 19.5 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 20 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 Beneteau First 20 has a comfort ratio of 10.6 and a capsize screening value of 1.08. The ballast ratios are 42.2% for the 1968 Pearson 26 and 25.0% for the Beneteau First 20, 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 Beneteau First 20 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 10L water and unspecified fuel.
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 Beneteau First 20 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1968 Pearson 26 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 · Beneteau First 20