Sailing Performance & Handling
Gordon Harris’s design philosophy for the 800 focused on a forgiving but rewarding sailing experience. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "moderate" category typical of its era, the boat is known for its predictable tracking and steady motion in a seaway. The yacht was frequently rigged as a 7/8 fractional sloop, often featuring a self-tacking jib—a revolutionary feature for a production boat of this size at the time—which made it an ideal choice for single-handed sailing or navigating narrow channels.
Editorial reviews in Practical Boat Owner highlight that while it is not a "bleeding-edge" racer, the fin keel version is surprisingly nimble and points well, while the twin keel (bilge) variant offers the utility of drying out in tidal harbors without a significant penalty in stability. The 800’s relatively high ballast ratio ensures it stands up well to its canvas, making it a "stiff" boat that instills confidence in novice crews. The deep cockpit provides a sense of security, and the high-ratio rudder allows for precise control even when the boat is heeled.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The Pegasus 800 was marketed as a "five-berth family cruiser," and its interior volume was a major selling point. Unlike many 26-footers of the era that felt cramped, the 800 utilized its beam and coachroof height to provide approximately six feet of standing headroom in the main saloon. The layout typically features a V-berth in the forepeak, a heads compartment (usually with a marine toilet and sink) separating the saloon from the forward cabin, and a main cabin with a dinette that converts to a double berth, complemented by a single settee berth and a quarter berth to starboard.
Rydgeway Marine offered several trim levels; early models often featured more utilitarian wood-grain Formica, while later versions incorporated more substantial teak joinery. The model was part of a broader family of Harris designs; the Pegasus 700 served as a smaller sibling that shared a similar design language but lacked the full standing headroom, while the Pegasus 900 catered to those seeking more offshore-oriented capabilities and increased waterline length. Some 800s were also fitted with "wing keels," a later development intended to offer fin-keel performance with a shallower draft.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Pegasus 800 has a significant presence in British yachting literature and regional media, particularly within the Norfolk Broads sailing community. It is often cited as the ideal "crossover" boat that can transition from river cruising to North Sea passages. The model has been featured in numerous "Used Boat Tests" by prominent UK magazines, cementing its reputation as a modern classic that remains relevant for modern budget-conscious sailors.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Synthesizing reports from owner groups and technical reviews, prospective buyers should focus on several specific areas during a survey:
- Chainplate and Bulkhead Integrity: The deck-stepped mast puts significant compression loads on the structure. If the chainplates have not been re-bedded, water ingress can compromise the plywood bulkheads beneath, which are critical for rig tension.
- Engine Service Life: Many 800s were fitted with the Volvo Penta MD series or the Yanmar 1GM10. Given the age, checking the exhaust elbow for carbon buildup and inspecting the saildrive diaphragm (on models so equipped) for its mandatory 7-year replacement interval is vital.
- Hull Blistering: While Rydgeway Marine used high-quality resins for the time, some hulls have shown signs of osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test on the hull below the waterline is a standard recommendation for these GRP hulls.
- Window Seals: The large, iconic coachroof windows are prone to leaking over time. Many owners have found it necessary to replace the original acrylic panels and sealant to prevent cabin dampness.
- Keel Bolts: Particularly on the bilge keel versions, the internal keel reinforcement should be checked for stress cracks or weeping around the bolts.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and historical documentation is the Pegasus Owners Association. This organization maintains an archive of original brochures, rigging guides, and technical drawings specifically for the 800, 700, and 900 models, providing an invaluable resource for restoration and maintenance.
The Verdict
The Pegasus 800 is a masterclass in maximizing the utility of a 26-foot hull. It remains one of the most practical entry-level cruisers on the used market, offering a blend of coastal capability and inland versatility that few modern designs can match.
Pros:
- Excellent interior volume and standing headroom for its length.
- Fractional rig with self-tacking jib makes for exceptionally easy short-handed handling.
- Robust build quality and stable sailing characteristics.
- Available in multiple keel configurations to suit different cruising grounds.
Cons:
- Original engines may be nearing the end of their service life and require expensive repowering.
- Interior styling in early 1970s models can feel dated due to extensive use of plastics.
- Common maintenance issues like window leaks are almost guaranteed on non-refitted examples.
