Hello! I am in search of a bit of advice from those wiser than myself on the potential purchase of a Pearson Ariel 26. My husband and I are considering investing in a sailboat this year. I am new to sailing but my husband had considerable experience in a Cape Dory typhoon years ago. Through talking with friends and sailing last summmer on a J30, we have concluded that a 25 foot boat is likely what would be the best match for us. Cruising and overnights on Lake Champlain in Vermont, perhaps a bit of racing if we get inspired. We had focused on the Cape Dory but I found a Pearson for sale for $6500.00 with 1980 trailer. I have not contacted the owner yet. It appears the sails, rigging and other equipment may be original. I do not know the year of manufacture but can safely assume mid 60's. From the photos, the boat appears to be in good condition but I know better than to rely on pics for much more than a first impresion. The selling price has peaked my interest in the boat but I am concerned that a bargain could turn into a financial nightmare quite easily!!! I also do not know the year of the motor although it is noted there are very few hours on it. I would appreciate any insight on the necessary investment to replace sails, rigging, etc. if these are actually original to the boat. Should I stay away from this type of boat and wait until $$$ are a bit more plentiful for the purchase of a newer boat??!?! I would appreciate any wisdom that might be offered!!
Pearson Ariel 26 - Good buy or Huge project?
- Thread starter Pearl1288
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The Ariel was a very good boat - for its time. The boat came with either an outboard or an Atomic 4. Check either for its health. The outboard must have a long shaft or it will lift out of the water in a steep chop. Replacing sails and any other required work will be about the same cost as the boat, so shop wisely. The value of the boat will not change much even with new sails.
I raced against an Ariel in the 70's. I then had a C&C. I would beat the Ariel in anything under 15kn. and it would beat me in anything over 20kn. The Ariel would easily sail to it's PHRF rating.
You can get much info on the boat from:
www.pearsoninfo.net
www.pearsoncurrent.com
Hope this helps you in your decision.
Dave
s/v Ariel
Pearson 36-2
I raced against an Ariel in the 70's. I then had a C&C. I would beat the Ariel in anything under 15kn. and it would beat me in anything over 20kn. The Ariel would easily sail to it's PHRF rating.
You can get much info on the boat from:
www.pearsoninfo.net
www.pearsoncurrent.com
Hope this helps you in your decision.
Dave
s/v Ariel
Pearson 36-2
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your advice about the Ariel! I appreciate the info on your experience with the Ariel. Sounds like a Pearson would be a great boat for us but I am proceding with caution in shopping. Doesn't seem to make much sense to invest in renovating/re-fitting such an old boat if the end result won't improve the value much. I also have some info on the restoration of an Ariel and I plan to learn a lot more before I start looking at boats so I know exactly what I am getting into! Hopefully we will be sailing next year! Thanks for taking the time to give me the info!!
Pearl1288
Thanks for your advice about the Ariel! I appreciate the info on your experience with the Ariel. Sounds like a Pearson would be a great boat for us but I am proceding with caution in shopping. Doesn't seem to make much sense to invest in renovating/re-fitting such an old boat if the end result won't improve the value much. I also have some info on the restoration of an Ariel and I plan to learn a lot more before I start looking at boats so I know exactly what I am getting into! Hopefully we will be sailing next year! Thanks for taking the time to give me the info!!
Pearl1288
The Pearson Ariel was a good boat in its day. One of the early Alberg Designs
from Pearson mid 60`s vintage. A friend of mine had a pearson commander
about 10 years ago. Same boat as the ariel but with a smaller cabin and bigger
cockpit. Pros: Well built boat, will track true as most long keel boats do. Cons:
These boats were fine in their day 40 years ago but by todays standards are considered slow wet and tender. My friends boat, I sailed on it many many times had an outboard well in the stern, when the boat heeled in a breeze water would invariably slosh from the well into the cockpit. I got in the habit of wearing rubber boots to keep my feet dry on windy days. $6500 for a 40 plus year old ariel is on the high end of the $ scale especially if the sails are original
and the boat has an old and questionable outboard. If the boat has an 40 year old gas inboard I would stay away. In any case if you decide to go foreward hire a competent marine surveyor to look at it. Finally: (my opinion) 9 years ago I bought a 1975 Pearson 26: The boat was on Lake champlaine: The pearson 26 was The production series following the ariel/commander. The boat was in good shape with decent sails a good outboard and needed only minor reconditioning. The P26 is highly regarded stiffer, faster and more comfortable. I paid much less than $6500 and the boat came with a good road trailer. Dont take my word for it go ask around.
There are many good 26' boats out there Good Luck
from Pearson mid 60`s vintage. A friend of mine had a pearson commander
about 10 years ago. Same boat as the ariel but with a smaller cabin and bigger
cockpit. Pros: Well built boat, will track true as most long keel boats do. Cons:
These boats were fine in their day 40 years ago but by todays standards are considered slow wet and tender. My friends boat, I sailed on it many many times had an outboard well in the stern, when the boat heeled in a breeze water would invariably slosh from the well into the cockpit. I got in the habit of wearing rubber boots to keep my feet dry on windy days. $6500 for a 40 plus year old ariel is on the high end of the $ scale especially if the sails are original
and the boat has an old and questionable outboard. If the boat has an 40 year old gas inboard I would stay away. In any case if you decide to go foreward hire a competent marine surveyor to look at it. Finally: (my opinion) 9 years ago I bought a 1975 Pearson 26: The boat was on Lake champlaine: The pearson 26 was The production series following the ariel/commander. The boat was in good shape with decent sails a good outboard and needed only minor reconditioning. The P26 is highly regarded stiffer, faster and more comfortable. I paid much less than $6500 and the boat came with a good road trailer. Dont take my word for it go ask around.
There are many good 26' boats out there Good Luck
Ariels and other old boats
I too am looking for a good value in a Pearson and although I love the Renegades and Tritions, i've been looking for an Ariel. For folks new to the sport of sailing, this business of buying an older boat is tricky. thank you for your input on what to expect. I live in Oklahoma and I need all the help i can get. jon
I too am looking for a good value in a Pearson and although I love the Renegades and Tritions, i've been looking for an Ariel. For folks new to the sport of sailing, this business of buying an older boat is tricky. thank you for your input on what to expect. I live in Oklahoma and I need all the help i can get. jon
Pearson Ariel
My hubby and I have a saying, and that is to buy the best boat you can afford. We tend to gravitate toward boats in better shape. You can spent a boatload of money and time fixing an old boat up and in the end, you'll have had less time on board and the same amount (or more) money in her.
The Pearson Ariel is a sweet boat. Classic lines, well built, sails like a dream. But $6500 for a 40+-year-old 26 footer sounds a bit steep to me unless it's been completely refurbished including a new motor and new sails. Of course the trailer might be what's driving that cost up.
My hubby and I have a saying, and that is to buy the best boat you can afford. We tend to gravitate toward boats in better shape. You can spent a boatload of money and time fixing an old boat up and in the end, you'll have had less time on board and the same amount (or more) money in her.
I have an Ariel, hull 216, and it is perfect for the activities you describe. Cabin is roomy enough for weekenders but I use mine mostly for day-sailing. The shape of the hull is built for speed so she should do well in races of similar-sized boats. Original sails could be a problem but if the hull is sound, the rigging in good shape and the engine is running, your investment should be well worth it. I have no idea what sails will cost these days but would not be surprised if it costs another 3500 - 5000 clams.
If you want to read of my exploits on the Coral Lee try Crossing the Chesapeake and you'll find my (out-of-date) sailing blog at WeBlog - Just for Fun!
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Wishing you 'Fair Winds and Following Seas',
ERyc sends.
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"It is not the going out of port, but the coming in, that determines the success of a voyage."
-- Henry Ward Beecher
If you want to read of my exploits on the Coral Lee try Crossing the Chesapeake and you'll find my (out-of-date) sailing blog at WeBlog - Just for Fun!
--
Wishing you 'Fair Winds and Following Seas',
ERyc sends.
-----
"It is not the going out of port, but the coming in, that determines the success of a voyage."
-- Henry Ward Beecher
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