There's no such thing as a stupid question, right? : What's the difference between an Ariel and a Pearson 26? One of the latter is listed for sale on CL out of Edmonds, WA. $4500
The Ariel is a full-keeled boat and a true cruiser, the P-26 has a fin keel, and would be more at home staying closer to land.
There was a Pearson 26 posted here a while ago: Pearson 26 For Sale (http://pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?t=1431)
Robert Lemasters (http://pearsonariel.org/discussion/member.php?u=92) would be a good resource on this question since he has first hand experience on all three boats. There are some good Pearson 26 sites out there too, just "Google" 'em.
But personally, though a bit less roomy than the P26, I think the Ariel/Commanders are waaaaaay more shapely... :)