The Pearson Ariel 26, introduced in 1961, stands as a quintessential example of the "plastic classic" era, representing one of the earliest successful applications of fiberglass in a production cruising yacht. Designed by the legendary Carl Alberg, the Ariel 26 carries the unmistakable hallmarks of his design philosophy: a traditional full keel with an encapsulated lead ballast, a narrow beam, and elegant, sweeping overhangs. With approximately 440 units produced before the model was retired in 1967, the Ariel established itself as a rugged, sea-kindly vessel capable of coastal cruising and, in the hands of determined sailors, significant offshore passages. It was built during a transitional period at Pearson Yachts, sharing the production floor with its larger sibling, the Triton 28, and helping to cement the brand’s reputation for structural integrity.
Pearson Ariel 26 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Pearson
- Model
- Ariel 26
- Builder
- Pearson Yachts
- Designer
- Carl Alberg
- Number Built
- 440
- Production Year(s)
- 1962 - 1966
Below are the most recent Pearson Ariel 26 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | 1 | $5,000 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | $1,600 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sadler 26 | 25.75' | $12,133 | 18 | 11 |
| Contessa 26 | 25.5' | $10,643 | 16 | 7 |
| Cape Dory 28 | 28.1' | $17,500 | 13 | 3 |
| Pearson 35 | 35' | $25,000 | 13 | 7 |
| Whitby 37 | 37.17' | $34,330 | 10 | 3 |
| Pearson 27 | 26.92' | $7,000 | 10 | 4 |
| Pearson 26 | 26.12' | $4,500 | 8 | 1 |
| Pearson Vanguard 33 | 32.58' | $15,000 | 5 | 0 |
| Alberg 30 | 30.25' | $5,000 | 4 | 1 |
| Pearson Ariel 26 | $3,300 | 2 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,300 | 2 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Pearson Ariel 26 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Pearson Ariel 26 over the past 12 months is $3,300. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Pearson Ariel 26 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 2 Pearson Ariel 26 listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- What are similar sailboats to the Pearson Ariel 26?
- Comparable models include the Sadler 26, Contessa 26, Cape Dory 28. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.