Design and Construction
The Pegasus 800 measures 7.85 metres overall, with a 2.67-metre beam and a displacement of two tonnes 0. Her fibreglass hull was available with a fin keel, twin bilge keels, or a centreboard [1]2. The fin-keel version draws about 1.37 metres, the bilge-keel version 1.00 metre, and the centreboard version 0.90 metres with the board up and 1.70 metres with it down. That shallow board-up draft gives access to shallow marinas and the Norfolk Broads, where many centreboard versions were used [0]2.
Iron ballast weighs 860 kg, giving a ballast ratio of 43.7 percent—higher than two-thirds of comparable designs [0]2. The builder credited this with giving the boat great stiffness and allowing her to drive hard in all weathers 0.
A partly balanced, skeg-mounted rudder was said to provide remarkably responsive steering, while the high freeboard was claimed to keep the boat dry 0. The builder described the 800 as solidly built, nicely detailed, and well finished. The uncluttered foredeck had no trip hazards, and the double guardrails were strongly mounted 0.
Rig and Handling
The 800 carries a masthead sloop rig, with a narrow, high-aspect mainsail and a large overlapping genoa. The builder also noted the vee’d forward sections and said the high-aspect rig let her point high without slamming 1.
As many as ten controls could be led aft to the cockpit through turning blocks integrated into the cabin-top grab rails. Foot blocks let into the coamings provided a clean jib-sheet lead to the winches 0.
Testers writing in Practical Boat Owner found the helm light and sensitive without being over-twitchy. The surveyor classified the 800 as moderately fast for her size, with a theoretical hull speed of about 6.1 knots [1]2. Her capsize screening value of 2.14 means she wouldn’t be accepted for ocean races. With a Motion Comfort Ratio of 16.8, however, she rates as more comfortable than a third of similar designs 2.
Cockpit and Deck
The large, self-draining cockpit has two lockers for fenders, warps, and sails. Its contoured seats help hold occupants steady when the boat heels, while a boarding ladder on the pushpit makes it easier to return from a swim or dinghy 0.
Forward, the deck has a deep anchor well, a substantial stemhead fitting with twin rollers, and a glazed flush forehatch. Together with the controls led aft and the uncluttered foredeck, these features make the deck layout suitable for short-handed sail handling 0.
Accommodation
Below, six-foot headroom and a surprisingly spacious saloon distinguish a boat described as a six-berth cruiser but far more practical for two to four 1.
In the main saloon, deep chesterfield-style seating wraps around an extendable table. The teak galley is to starboard and includes a two-burner stove. To port, the chart table and galley slide back to reveal quarter berths 0.
Ten cupboards with sliding doors sit above the berths, including two hanging lockers. Another cupboard holds crockery and cutlery, while a bin beneath the sink provides space for pots and pans 0.
The forecabin contains an easy-clean compartment for a chemical or marine toilet, along with a washbasin, mirror, and forward sail shelf. Optional cushions convert this space into a twin berth, increasing the nominal total to seven berths 0. Curtains, deep-pile carpet, and teak trim finish the interior. Ventilation comes from the forehatch and a main-door washboard angled to act as a louvre 0.
Engine and Systems
Engine installations varied during production. Original options included a shaft-driven 6 hp Dolphin petrol engine or a 7.5 hp Volvo diesel with saildrive [0][1]2. The 800 was also offered with an optional 7 hp Volvo diesel on a low-maintenance Sailboat Drive unit, and later with a Volvo Penta MB2 50S inboard [0][1]2.
The builder’s standard installation was a petrol twin-cylinder motor in a separate compartment, isolated from the cabin and accessed through a large hatch in the cockpit sole 0. Many petrol-powered boats have since been re-engined. With the MD5A, the calculated maximum speed under power is about 4.3 knots [1]2.
The Verdict
The Pegasus 800 is a thoughtfully detailed pocket cruiser that offers more space and capability than her length might suggest. She is stiff, dry, and responsive, with a genuinely roomy, well-finished interior and a rig arranged for convenient cockpit control. Her choice of fin, bilge, or centreboard configurations—and the modest draft available—broadens the range of cruising grounds she can reach. Centreboard and petrol-engined examples, however, warrant the closest inspection.
Pros
- High 43.7 percent ballast ratio, credited with stiffness in all weathers
- Six-foot headroom and a spacious saloon for a 26-footer
- Choice of fin, bilge, or centreboard configurations for different cruising grounds
- Control lines led aft and a clean foredeck for short-handed sailing
Cons
- Capsize screening value excludes her from ocean racing
- Petrol-engined examples have often been re-engined; verify the drivetrain
- Nominally up to seven berths, but practical for only two to four people
