Meridian vs. Ariel

[Ted]

Hi All,

The last "Good Old Boat" magazine has a picture of the Rhodes designed Meridian 26. She looks so like the Ariel that I want to know more? Alberg vs. Rhodes. Was the time just right for this design? Was one following the other's lead? Which design came first? Anybody know?

[CapnK]

Hi Ted -

Some good friends of mine have that boat, I *think* - but it might only be a 24, I know it is a Rhodes design - see a few pics here:

"Tehani" (http://sailfar.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=20)

The two boats are very similar looking, but I know "Tehani" has 12" LESS beam than my Ariel. There are some other things which differ but aren't apparent - IIRC, CJ has to remove the tiller to take out his outboard, things like that.

Tehani is a late 50's/early 60's boat, so I think the design may predate the Ariel by a couple of years, I am not positive of that though.

They are well built, well sailing boats, I know that Charlie and Laura love how "Tehani" behaves under the press of canvas. :) They both post over at sailFar, and are *very* nice folks, I'm sure they would love to talk about their boat with you. They live in Texas, too, at Magnolia Beach.

http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10069/normal_Tehani-in-slip.jpg

[Ted]

Those are beautiful pix. Apparently the first model was 24' but she was stretched to 25'7" and beamier in later renditions. It appears she became more 'Ariel-like' as she grew!

[commanderpete]

A friend of mine has a 1964 Dutch built Rhodes Meridian.

Sails very nicely. The narrower beam does make her more tender than our boats.

[commanderpete]

The bronze hardware is really nice.

I understand the later Seafarers built in America are quite different

Art shot