pearson 25 sailboat review

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Pearson 25 is a 25 ′ 0 ″ / 7.6 m monohull sailboat designed by Doug Peterson and built by Pearson Yachts starting in 1986.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Also known as the TRITON 25. (formerly US 25/BUCCANEER 250). The molds for these yachts were purchased from US Yachts which had earlier purchased them from Bayliner Inc. (builder of the Buccaneer series of sailboats). How many were built besides the one shown in the manufacturers brochure is unknown.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Discover Related Sailboats

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Review of Pearson 25

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The boat equipped with a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

Unknown keel type

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.28 - 1.38 meter (4.20 - 4.50 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.2 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Pearson 25 is about 106 kg/cm, alternatively 596 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 106 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 596 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 18m 2 (193 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

Usage	Length		Diameter
Mainsail halyard	21.9 m	(71.8 feet)	8 mm	(5/16 inch)
Jib/genoa halyard	21.9 m	(71.8 feet)	8 mm	(5/16 inch)
Spinnaker halyard	21.9 m	(71.8 feet)	8 mm	(5/16 inch)
Jib sheet	7.6 m	(25.0 feet)	10 mm	(3/8 inch)
Genoa sheet	7.6 m	(25.0 feet)	10 mm	(3/8 inch)
Mainsheet	19.1 m	(62.5 feet)	10 mm	(3/8 inch)
Spinnaker sheet	16.8 m	(55.0 feet)	10 mm	(3/8 inch)
Cunningham	2.6 m	(8.4 feet)	8 mm	(5/16 inch)
Kickingstrap	5.1 m	(16.8 feet)	8 mm	(5/16 inch)
Clew-outhaul	5.1 m	(16.8 feet)	8 mm	(5/16 inch)

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Pearson 25 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

The Pearson 25 is a 25.0ft masthead sloop designed by Doug Peterson and built in fiberglass by Pearson Yachts since 1986.

The Pearson 25 is a light sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

Pearson 25 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Model	Pearson 25
Length	25 ft
Beam	8 ft
Draft	4.25 ft
Country	United states (North America)
Estimated price	$ 0		??

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

Sail area / displ.	17.08
Ballast / displ.	33.33 %
Displ. / length	170.34
Comfort ratio	16.14
Capsize	2.06

Hull type	Monohull fin keel with spade rudder
Construction	Fiberglass
Waterline length	21.42 ft
Maximum draft	4.25 ft
Displacement	3750 lbs
Ballast	1250 lbs
Hull speed	6.20 knots

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Rigging	Masthead Sloop
Sail area (100%)	257 sq.ft
Air draft	0 ft		??
Sail area fore	143.78 sq.ft
Sail area main	113.40 sq.ft
I	30.27 ft
J	9.50 ft
P	27 ft
E	8.40 ft

Nb engines	1
Total power	0 HP
Fuel capacity	0 gals

Accommodations

Water capacity	0 gals
Headroom	0 ft
Nb of cabins	0
Nb of berths	0
Nb heads	0

Builder data

Builder	Pearson Yachts
Designer	Doug Peterson
First built	1986
Last built	0		??
Number built	0		??

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

Paste a link here:

Give it a title:

And eventually a link to an image for the thumbnail:

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

info on a 1984 25' Pearson Pearson Triton?

• Thread starter Darrell
• Start date Aug 13, 2006
• Brand-Specific Forums
• Other Sailboats

I am having trouble finding any specs / reviews of the 25' 1984 Pearson Pearson Triton. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks,Darrell  

Pearson Triton Specs Darrell:Have you tried the link to Pearsoninfo.net ?  

thanks, but nothing there. yes, I have checked there. However the Triton model listed there, is the "original" Triton, and only applies to the years 1959 -1967. Unless I am not looking in the right place, I don't see any info there on a 25'Triton model, manufactured in 1984.  

Pearson Triton I have a 27 foot 1984 Pearson Triton. It has a Volvo Penta engine. After researching the history of my boat I found that the hull was copied by US Yatchs. Pearson normally uses Yanmar engines in their boats. This information came from a Pearson dealer.  

thanks for the info thanks for the info. This 25' model has an outboard motor, but I wasn't aware of the US Yacht connection. I wasn't sure why it was called a Pearson Pearson as well.  

Triton Yachts by pearson Please dont get the original pearson Triton designed by Carl Alberg and brought to the NewYork boat show in Jan 1959; with the Triton series of the mid 80`s. The original Triton 28'was Pearson`s first cruising boat had an atomic 4 inboard and marked the beginning for Pearson. The Triton series were built from molds purchased from US yachts in the mid 80`s.US yachts were the makers of Buccaneer sailboats. At the time Pearson apparently past its heyday didnt want to develop new designs on their own. For more info on the 80`s Triton series go to Dan Pfieffer`s Pearson 26 web site/Bob Fox 1975 P26w #76 Whitecap Marblehead MA  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

Responsive Pearson 25 Sailboat

(Not Available)

Make: Pearson Model: 25

LOA: 25 Beam: 8

LWL: 21.4 Draft: 4.3

Ballast: 1250 Lbs Displacement: 3750 Lbs

Rig and Sails:

This boat is a Sloop with a Mast-head Rig, and 257 sq. feet of sail area. She has 2 Sails, Including Main Sail, Genoa.

She has a Fin-keel. The Hull is Original Gel-coat, and is in In minor need of cosmetic work condition.

Evinrude Gas (Outboard) Engine, 9.9 horse power with Moderate Hours.

Outboard, Roller-furling, Anchor, Sails

For Cruising, Racing, and anything in between, the Pearson 25 is one of the most versatile mid sized sailboats out there. Because her sleek profile and low wetted surface make her a fast and responsive sailboat, while her efficient cockpit and cabin make her a pleasure to cruise overnight with. That means getting there faster and more comfortable. Built by Pearson Yachts, this superior design was first molded by US Yacht. The design became so popular that pretty soon she was being built by multiple shipyards. Also called the "Triton 25", Pearson Yachts set out to construct the best 25 footer to date. Down below, there is plenty of room to entertain, sleep, and accommodate your guests and crew. That means a full galley, dinette, and berthing for 5, makes the Pearson 25 perfect for weekend cruising the Long Island Sound. Her long-shaft, Evinrude Outboard makes the perfect balance of auxiliary power, and sail. If you are looking a responsive Sailboat cruise the Sound then look no further than the Pearson 25.

Contact Fred for arrangements and info: 347 927 3350

Or email for more details: [email protected]

Photo Gallery: Pearson 25

This listing Originated at Barronsmarine.com/boats-for-sale/ .

For questions on listings Call: (347) 927-3350  Email:  [email protected]

Boats For Sale

Freedom 30 $14,500, swedish sloop $25,000, express cruising albin 27 will thrill you, why buy a nonsuch 33 sailboat, what makes pearson 10m so fast and strong, why sail essential o'day 28 cruiser, yankee dolphin 24 $7500, sea sprite 23 weekender $17750, a tall-rig catalina capri 22 can be yours, you can sport-fish party or live aboard carver 42, go exploring aboard a catalina 22 compact sailboat, well cared for cape dory 27 can keep you sailing, consider purchase of kalik 33 contention racer cruiser, a steady going albin 27 is a perfect family cruiser.

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Review Forum
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Pearson 26 thoughts ?

• Add to quote

Hi All, We are pretty much newbies with a couple of seasons of sailing rentals on Barnegat Bay New Jersey. We have completed Basic Keelboat with US Sailing a few years back and we want to move up to basic cruising. We've seen a 1977 Pearson 26 for sale that looks to be in good shape and wondered how suitable that would be for long weekend cruising and the occasional week long cruise around the Long Island Sound. Would be great to make trips out to Montauk, is that possible? We live in Queens and have never owned a boat so are also looking for a place to either moor or slip. What do you think guys, are we crazy or would this work out ? Originally I wanted a Sabre 28, the lady has convinced me that we should try to spend less, around 5k for our first boat and move up later to the Sabre or similar. I guess I'm wondering how the Pearson holds up against the Catalina, O'Day and others that seem plentiful on Yacht world. It seems to have a better reputation than the others... Thanks !  

Owned a Pearson 26 from 1979 to 1989. Wife and I cruised her every summer from Western Long Island Sound to points east including Block Island, Newport, Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. So what you propose is definitely doable in a P26. There are lots of them around so don't get hung up on a particular one. The P26 has some well documented issues but in general is a well built boat for its vintage. For more comfortable cruising, something a little bigger would be nice. The outboard has its pluses and minuses. Less expensive to repair and replace, but not as good at pushing the boat in any kind of waves. An extra long shaft engine makes a big difference in keeping the prop in the water when pitching in rough seas. Here's a good site for P26 info. Pyxis - Pearson 26  

The P26 is a great starter boat. They are well made and sail very well. I would rate them a point higher than the comparable Catalina or O'day for build quality and fit/finish. The website provided by Jim is a great place to find more info.  

Depending on where you live in Queens you could keep your boat at one of the south shore marinas (Sheepshead Bay area) or up on the north shore (Great Neck/Manhasset). I'd recommend you keep a boat as close as feasible. If you are at all near Steppingstone/Kings Point I would consider using it. Summer traffic on LI on the weekends can really ruin the relaxation achieved from a nice sail.  

Hi, Thanks for all the replies. We are in Sunnyside Queens, I drove out to City Island this weekend. Did not realise that it would be such a hike and I don't think it's a feasable place to moor for us. I've never heard of Sreppingstone/Kings Point but I just looked on the google map - looks good. Is there a particular marina there you would recommend ? Thanks again  

genki said: Hi, Thanks for all the replies. We are in Sunnyside Queens, I drove out to City Island this weekend. Did not realise that it would be such a hike and I don't think it's a feasable place to moor for us. I've never heard of Sreppingstone/Kings Point but I just looked on the google map - looks good. Is there a particular marina there you would recommend ? Thanks again Click to expand...

Dunno about Marina's - but regularly sail on a friend's P26 of a similar age. Solid, well-built, forgiving, and surprisingly nimble - won the local beer can race a number of times! I am told it feels cramped for more than a 2-day cruise (having been below, I can well imagine!) - so you need to think carefully about how important the cruising element is for you - otherwise it is a great value starter boat. Oh yeah, one warning - once you get used to a Pearson design and build quality, it is hard to go back....  

paul323 said: I am told it feels cramped for more than a 2-day cruise (having been below, I can well imagine!) - so you need to think carefully about how important the cruising element is for you - otherwise it is a great value starter boat. Click to expand...

Steppingstone is a park that is run by the town of Great Neck. Generally limited to residents, but I saw something recently that they are accepting outsiders to moor their boats. Pretty sure they have launch service but that's about it. Edit. Here's a link. They do have accept non-residents. Great Neck Parks - www.greatneckparks.org  

The P26 is a solid, nice sailing vessel. I've taught on them for several years now. So, If the boat has been taken care of, I don't think you'd go wrong. However, if long weekends and week long cruises is going to be the plan, I might consider spending the money for a little more comfort! Have the two of you sailed the P26? spent a weekend on one? You can probably rent one on Barnaget bay and spend a weekend to make sure the Comfort level is satisfactory.  

I used to own a P26. I sailed her all the time and alway did overnights. It's a bit of a challenge to hang out below for extended periods of time. Sleeping is fine, but if you are anchored for the weekend and it starts raining at noon, you are going to want to find another place to be. A 30 foot catalina is an example of a boat that has enough room and the comforts below to relax with a friend or two while it's raining outside.  

Guys, thanks so much for all the responses, this is great information. I was completely clueless about where to moor the boat around NYC. Now I will start to call around to check out mooring prices. I am also going to expand the search to slightly larger cruisers of the following type, 1. Sabre 28 - My first choice. Hard to find good cheaper examples. 2. Pearson 28 - The girlfriend loves the interiors. Don't seem to be many around for less than 20k 3. C&C 27 - Really like these and I've heard they are fast. I've seen a couple of these priced around 15k, one with outboard and racing sails, another with an inboard diesel. 4. Catalina 27 / 28 - Looks like a lot of boat for the money. 5. O'Day 28. Newport 28 ? Don't know much about these and I've heard the C&C is overall a better choice. I would include Cape Dory 28 and Tartan 27 but the lines do nothing for the lady. Thanks  

genki said: Guys, thanks so much for all the responses, this is great information. I was completely clueless about where to moor the boat around NYC. Now I will start to call around to check out mooring prices. I am also going to expand the search to slightly larger cruisers of the following type, 1. Sabre 28 - My first choice. Hard to find good cheaper examples. 2. Pearson 28 - The girlfriend loves the interiors. Don't seem to be many around for less than 20k 3. C&C 27 - Really like these and I've heard they are fast. I've seen a couple of these priced around 15k, one with outboard and racing sails, another with an inboard diesel. 4. Catalina 27 / 28 - Looks like a lot of boat for the money. 5. O'Day 28. Newport 28 ? Don't know much about these and I've heard the C&C is overall a better choice. I would include Cape Dory 28 and Tartan 27 but the lines do nothing for the lady. Thanks Click to expand...

The two areas of concern on the P26 are. 1. Rudder bearing/ bushing. 2. Keel bolts. Make sure that these areas have been attended to.  

Hi, Yes I was trying to stay well under 20K but I'm also trying to be realistic and get something that will last a few years and is good to go. I am not much of a handyman although I'm sure I'll be learning soon, with buying a boat. I've lined up a few other boats to look at, I'm excluding anything with a Volvo(expensive parts) but not Atomic 4 as long as they've had decent maintenance. 1990 Pearson 27 1985 Pearson 28-2 1984 Cal 27 - Yanmar 1974 Catalina 27 1977 Sabre 28 1985 C&C 27 1982 O'Day 28  

genki said: Hi, Yes I was trying to stay well under 20K but I'm also trying to be realistic and get something that will last a few years and is good to go. I am not much of a handyman although I'm sure I'll be learning soon, with buying a boat. I've lined up a few other boats to look at, I'm excluding anything with a Volvo(expensive parts) but not Atomic 4 as long as they've had decent maintenance. 1990 Pearson 27 1985 Pearson 28-2 1984 Cal 27 - Yanmar 1974 Catalina 27 1977 Sabre 28 1985 C&C 27 1982 O'Day 28 Click to expand...

Looks like you have a busy spring genki! If you haven't already done so, read Sailingdog's sticky at the top of this forum section on Boat Inspection Tips. Maybe a bit more than you want to do, but it does have a lot of good suggestions that might help you eliminate some boats from consideration.  

Sabre 28 I was in a similar situation two years ago. I ended up with a Mariner (New Hampshire) 28. It is very similar to the Sabre, but less well known, so possibly less expensive. I was looking for an O'Day 28, and still have a soft spot for them, but once you get used to the construction quality of the Sabre (and Mariner) the O'Days seem less desirable. I am in NJ near Sandy Hook. lou  

I have no connection with any broker dealers, but spent many months prowling through boatyards. Right now, lockwoods boat works and morgan marina, both on Raritan Bay have some boats which seem to fit your parameters. check their websites. I found the Pearsons to be a bit cramped inside compared to a similar sized O'Day. I bought my boat in November 2009, and it was a buyers market. I don't think it changed much down here. Lou  

I lived on my 1972 Pearson 26 for three years in graduate school, moving between anchoring in Frenchman's Bay, Maine and Woods Hole, Mass. The boat gets bigger the longer you are aboard it. I now live on it for 6 to 8 weeks each summer, cavorting up and down the Maine Coast. It's still a blast after 48 years.  

I have a Pearson 303 1986 as my first boat. Have had her for 4 years and it has been a great boat. Good room and storage for the size of the vessel.  

• ?            
• 176K members

Top Contributors this Month

Pearson Yachts Portal

Pearson sailboat table.

Table of All Models by Pearson Yachts

All sailboat models.

Listed by model name - click header field to sort by column.

--> -->
--> -->

Model	Type	LOA	Draft	DISP	SA/D	Production	Designer	Links
	Sailing Dinghy	8		120/98		1958
	Full Keel | Stepped Cabin House Fractional | Yawl	28.3	4.0	6930	14.5	1959–1967 (750 + 125)	Alberg
	Centerboard | Kick-up Rudder	16.3	.6 | 3.6	575	28.5	1962–63	Alberg
	Catamaran | Fractional Rig	17		585		1960 (162)
	Full Keel | Fractional Stepped Cabin House	22.5	3.0	3000	17.5	1960–65 (350)	Alberg
	Keel/CB | Yawl	37.7	4.5 | 7.7	15000	14.8	1960–1965 (33)	Tripp
	Full Keel | Stepped Cabin House Yawl | Fractional Rig	40.8	5.7	18800	15.7	1962–1968 (150)	Rhodes
	Full Keel | Stepped Cabin House	35	5.2	12600	15.8	1961–1967	Alberg
	Cat Rig | Centerboard	12.1	5.2	286		1962	Tritt
Centerboard	15		112	1960's
	Full Keel | Fractional One-Design	22.5	3.0	3000	18.8	1962–present (1793+)	Alberg
	Full Keel | Stepped Cabin House	25.5	3.8	5120	15.3	1962–1966 (440)	Alberg
	Full Keel | Stepped Cabin House Yawl	32.5	4.5	10300	16.0/17.5	1963–1967 (404)	Rhodes
	Full Keel	20	3.5	1800	17.6	1963	Tritt
	Modified Full Keel	18		1000	32.5	1963 (50)	Tritt
	Full Keel	26	3.4	5400	16.2	1964–1967 (351)	Alberg
	Full Keel | Pilot House Ketch	44.5	5.3	28000	13.6/12.7	1965–1970	Alden
	Keel/CB | Stepped Cabin House	30.2	3.5 | 6.8	9800	14.7	1966–1971 (177)	Shaw
	Full Keel | Flush Deck	24.0	4.0	4300	18.9	1966–1968	Shaw
	Full Keel | Stepped Cabin House Yawl	29.8	4.6	9500	15.0	1966–1970	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Stepped Cabin House	27.2	4.3	6500	16.0	1967–1970 (173)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Fractional Rig	22.3	3.5	2600	18.4	1968–1972	Shaw
	Full Keel	23.5	4.0	4300	17.3	1968–1969	Shaw
	Full Keel | Pilot House	30.3	3.5	10000	12.1	1969–1970 (few)	Shaw
	Keel/CB	35	3.8 | 7.5	13000	15.9	1968–1982 (514)	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Sloop/Yawl	42.8	6.5	21796	16.3/15.7	1968–1971	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Stepped Cabin House Weekender Package	26.1	4.0	5400	16.7	1970–1982 (2100+)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | One-Design	26.1	4.0	5200	17.2	1970–1982	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Weekender	26.1	4.0	5200	17.2	1974–1982	Shaw
	Keel/CB	32.9	4 | 7.6	10900	16.0	1970–1975	Shaw
	Keel/CB | Yawl	39.3	4.6 | 8.9	17000	16.5/18.8	1970–1977 (30)	Shaw
	Fin Keel	29.8	5.0	8,320	17.3	1971–1980 (1185)	Shaw
	Keel/CB | Center Cockpit Flush Deck	39	4.3 | 7.6	20600	15.2	1972–1973 (40)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Tall Mast	36.5	6.0	13500	16.5/18.5	1972–1976 (103+)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Tall Mast	33	5.9	12441	15.6/16.4	1973–1980 (236+)	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Ketch/Yawl Center Cockpit | Aft Cabin	41.8	5.3	21000	13.3	1975–1976	Shaw
	Fin Keel	28	4.5 or 5.0	7850	16.0	1975–1982	Shaw
	Centerboard | Custom	32.2	3.0 | 7.7	11643		1975 (one-off)	Shaw
	Modified Keel Sloop or Ketch	36.4	4.5	17700	14.5	1976–1982 (400+)	Shaw
	Modified Keel	32.3	4.4	12800	14.0	1976–1983 (385)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Fractional	31	5.5	9400	16.7	1978–1981 (65)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Keel/CB	23	2.3 | 4.0	3500	16.5	1979–1985	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Cutter Ketch | Aft Cabin	42.3	5.3	21000	15.2	1977–1985 (225)	Shaw
	Centerboard | Flush Deck Double Spreader	39.9	9.4 | 4.2	22800	16.0	1979–1981	Shaw
	Fin Keel	31.7	5.5	9400	17.0	1979–1982 (113)	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Pilothouse	36.4	4.5	17500	13.6	1979–1981 (30)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Fractional Flush Deck	29.9	5.8	6235	21.5	1981–1983	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Cutter	36.5	5.5	17700	14.1	1981–1982 (49)	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Keel/CB Cutter | Center Cockpit Double Spreader | Yawl Aft Cabin	53.6	5.9 | 6.8	43000	13.1	1981–1985 (30)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Double Spreader	36.9	6.5	12800	18.7	1982–1986 (42)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Cat Rig	23	4.0	3000	16.2	1983–1985 (42)	Shaw
	Modified Keel	30.3	4.3	10400	15.3	1983–1986 (100+)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | CB Option	33.8	5.9 | 3.8-7.6	11200	17.5/17.0	1983–1986	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Cutter Center Cockpit | Aft Cabin Ketch	42.2	5.2	22000	14.7	1983–1987	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Center Cockpit Cutter | Aft Cabin	38.3	5.5	20575	13.0	1984–1986	Shaw
	Modified Keel | Cutter Tall Mast	38.3	5.5	16915	16.6	1984–1985	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Keel/CB | Wing Double Spreader | Aft Cabin	36.5	6.5 | 4.5 4.2-8.3	15000	17.4	1985–1990	Shaw
	Wing Keel | Aft Cabin	26.9	3.3	5800	16.4	1986–1991	Shaw
	Centerboard	17.9	4.1	800		1984–1985
	Daggerboard	21.3	4.7 | 1.4	1700	24.77	1984–1985
	Fin Keel | Shoal Keel	25	4.3 | 3.0	3750	17.08	1984–1985
	Fin Keel | Shoal Keel	27	5.2 | 3.1	6250	14.76	1984–1985
	Fin Keel | Aft Cabin Shoal Draft Option	28.5	4.8 | 3.5	7000	16.8/16.3	1986–1989	Shaw
	Fin Keel | CB Option Double Spreader | Aft Cabin	32.5	5.9 | 3.6-7.0	11000	16.5/15.8	1986–1991 (166)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Keel/CB Double Spreader | Aft Cabin	39	6.9 | 4.6-8.8	17500	17.1	1986–1991	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Double Spreader Wing Option	30.8	5.6 | 4.0	10000	17.0	1987–1991 (268)	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Wing Option Solent Rig	37.4	4.7	16000	16.7	1988–1991	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Double Spreader Wing Option	34.5	4.0	11500	17.3	1989–1991	Shaw
	Fin Keel | Double Spreader Aft Cabin | Wing Option	37.5	4.8	15175	17.2	1989–1991 (21)	Shaw

Key to Sailboat Table

• Model: Pearson model name and link to line drawing.
• Type: Boat and Rig Attributes. All types are Bermuda rigged sloop, single mast with fore-and-aft sails, unless otherwise specified by Cat, Ketch, or Yawl.
• LOA: Length Over All, the maximum length of the hull, in feet, from stem to stern measuring parallel to the waterline. This does not include projections of pulpits or spars.
• Draft: Deepest extent of hull, typically bottom distance from waterline to bottom of keel.
• DISP: Displacement, the vessel's weight in pounds, calculated from the volume of water displaced by it.
• SA/D: The sail area to displacement ratio is a bench-mark to evaluate light air performance as well as heavy air conditions.
• Production: Approximate years and number produced.
• Designer: Yacht designer
• Links: Web-Page references. External sites open in new tab or window.

Specifications are approximate from Pearson Yachts.

Key to Designers

• Shaw – William H. Shaw joined Pearson Yachts in 1964 as Chief Architect, eventually running the entire Pearson Yachts Division of Grumman. During his tenure, he and his team designed over 50 different sail and power boats. Bill Shaw
• Alberg – Carl Alberg's successful career as a designer can be linked back to his partnership with Pearson Yachts and early fiberglass yacht construction. Carl Alberg
• Tripp – During the 1960s, William H. Tripp Jr. was one of America’s most successful yacht designers. Bill Tripp
• Rhodes – Philip L. Rhodes was a naval architect known for his diverse yacht designs. Philip Rhodes | Philip Rhodes Vanguard
• Tritt – Bill Tritt is a yacht builder with a keen interest in fiberglass as a material to use in boats and cars. Bill Tritt
• Alden – John G. Alden was an American naval architect and the founder of Alden Designs. John Alden

Fast Boats in Their Time

Click to enlarge

The guy who started it all has done it again...

Fast boats don't have to be ugly...

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

Beneteau 311, Catalina 310 and Hunter 326 Used Boat Comparison

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

Cheoy Lee Clipper 36 & 42 Used Boat Review

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Working with High-Tech Ropes

Getting a Clue for the Blown-Out Clew

Monel Seizing Wire is Worth the Extra Cost

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate: Part 1

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

• Sailboat Reviews
• Pearson 32 Boat Review

Launched in 1979, the Bill Shaw-designed Pearson 32 still shines among the club racers and coastal cruisers. Its draw is that it more than meets the needs of a cruising couple without sacrificing performance

The Pearson 32 was launched in 1979, 20 years after the first Carl Alberg-designed Pearson Triton captured market interest at the New York Boat Show and promoted sailing as a middle-income activity. In the early 1960s, the company’s principals, Clint and Everett Pearson, Alberg, and marketing strategist Tom Potter developed a reputation for functional, well built, cost-effective production sailboats that had widespread mass appeal. By the end of the first decade of production, the company had evolved into the dominant East Coast production-sailboat builder, and was bought out by aerospace giant Grumman. During these formative years, a new genre of sailboat was spawned, and each of the founders of the fledgling Pearson Co. made a sizable contribution to production-boat building. Before each went his own way, the original Pearson crew successfully turned a garage-based boatbuilding dream into a reality that spawned a dynasty.

Phase 2 of the Pearson plan came with a new owner, new designer, and new line of boats. Grumman, well capitalized from its military aircraft successes, leaped into the fray with a thick checkbook and considerable manufacturing know-how. Before they left, the Pearson cousins had recruited Bill Shaw, an 11-year veteran of the S&S design office, to be the in-house designer. He ended the Alberg era of full-keel, long-overhang sloops in favor of the fin keel, skeg, or spade rudder, and split underbody that he felt improved performance. Shaw found the Grumman era a chance to improve Pearson’s production-boat building technology, and for 27 years, he acted as the chief designer and eventually general manager of the operation.

With a clear understanding of coastal weather conditions, inshore estuaries, and the cruiser-club racer mindset of potential buyers, Shaw began a campaign of designing boats of 30-plus feet that met the needs of local sailors. Pearson became a mature manufacturing company engaged in market research that showed that although customers may read stories about passages to Tahiti, in truth, they had just enough time in the summer to get to Martha’s Vineyard and back. They belonged to yacht clubs with Wednesday night race series, and they wanted sailboats that could be raced and cruised without much fuss. The research also showed that more often than not, it was the skipper’s wife who held a pivotal vote on which boat would eventually be bought.

Shaw’s challenge became one of designing sailboats that performed well under sail in light to moderate conditions, offered accommodations that made the summer cruise more comfortable, and garnered nods of approval as the boat bobbed on a mooring in front of a club house.

The Pearson 32 embraced all of these goals, and delivered on the challenge. Its waterline footprint was wider and longer than boats of the Alberg-era. With fine forward sections and an external-ballast, lead fin keel, the 32 offered better windward performance.

For the day, it had a fairly high-aspect-ratio spade rudder that worked in conjunction with the fin keel, guaranteeing turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. Added lift from the foil shapes improved its upwind ability. With a 10-foot, 7-inch beam and fairly flat sections, the boat’s righting moment derived a big boost from form stability, and consequently, it carried sail well and showed less of a heeling tendency than earlier, lean, full-keel models.

Even with a 40-percent ballast ratio, the displacement of the boat was only 9,400 pounds, a number that when taken in context with 474 square feet of working sail area added up to decent light-air sailing ability. In short, Bill Shaw had looked closely at what New England sailors and those on Long Island Sound and the Chesapeake Bay were doing with their boats and designed the Pearson 32 to be the cruiser-racer that they were looking for.

In the years to come, other manufacturers would build competitors in this size range that were faster, but each of these iterations seemed to eat away at the cruising side of the compromise. The Pearson 32 was intentionally a 60/40 cruiser-racer, a boat that was easy to sail solo, luxurious for a couple, and quite user-friendly for a young family on a two-week summer cruise. It had some wood trim, but the extruded alloy toe rail, fiberglass coamings, and nonskid gelcoat decks were an effort to lessen maintenance through the use of more durable trim and finishes.

Another Shaw trait, seen on this design, was a sensible balance between the competing influence of accommodations and hull and deck configuration. Conceived first as a sailboat rather than a sailing houseboat, the relationship between side-deck space, cabin-house shape, and cockpit size achieved a harmony that works well underway and at anchor. Extremes were avoided, and the logic of the fin keel and spade rudder underbody proved its value. The era of canoe body hulls and independent foils did improve performance, but also made running aground a bit more of a concern. A hefty well-reinforced keel stub provided a rugged garboard seam for the lead-ballast keel of the P32, and lessened worries about running aground.

There’s been an ongoing debate about the Alberg era versus the Shaw era in the Pearson dynasty, and neither group seems to accept the validity of the others’ claims. Alberg’s boats had an aesthetic appeal, a lovely shear line, a kind motion off the wind, and their tough hulls were built as thick as a plank. Shaw brought more modern design and construction ideas to Pearson, and his boats definitely sailed faster. They were lighter, the foils added more lift, and if getting from here to there a half-knot faster is important, the Shaw design definitely trumped its predecessor.

The Pearson 32’s conventional cabin profile and narrow but adequate side decks lead to an aft cockpit protected by sizable coamings and a deep self-draining cockpit well. The sloop’s user-friendly deck layout came standard with an Edson wheel and a mainsheet traveler set at the forward end of the companionway hatch, just aft of a short bridge deck. This arrangement allows the mainsail trimmer to remain separated from the helmsman and jib trimmer when racing, but by the same token, it causes a short-handed crew to have jobs to do at either end of the cockpit. Because it’s a relatively small cockpit, this separation of mainsheet and helm isn’t as problematic as it would be aboard a larger vessel.

But there is another concern with this mainsheet arrangement that does need to be addressed: the danger of an unintentional jibe. If it occurs just as a groggy crew member makes his or her way up the companionway ladder and onto the deck, it can result in injury or even a crew-overboard incident.

Shaw always sailed and owned the boats he designed, and having been schooled by the dean of deck layout, Rod Stephens, he clearly understood the importance of optimum line leads and the efficient location of winches, tracks, and other deck hardware.

By the time the Pearson 32 was being designed and manufactured, there were enough predecessors afloat for the Pearson team to have worked out a simple and efficient sense of sail handling. Halyards were handled at the mast with the mainsail cleated in traditional fashion to the starboard side, and the jib to port. A deck-mounted winch was provided to tension the luff of the headsail, and when reliable roller furling systems stole the show, the P32 was a natural candidate for the headsail makeover.

The inboard shrouds improve the sheeting angle but cause those moving forward and aft to take an outboard route. The lifelines and the grab point provided by the shrouds themselves make it a safe enough transition for those going forward. There are handholds on the cabin house both forward and aft of the shrouds. The original gelcoat nonskid is good, and when the time comes to renew the nonskid, it can be done easily with epoxy primer and LPU top coat laden with a nonskid additive or through the use of new single-part paint products.

Accommodations

The four-step stainless tube and teak companionway ladder leads below to a cabin with 6 feet of head room, which seems large for a 32-footer. Immediately to port is the nav-station and to starboard is the galley. As an option, Pearson offered a quarter berth on the port side aft of the nav-station, which added a berth but eliminated the spacious port-side cockpit locker. Many of the 113 Pearson 32s built came with a two-burner alcohol stove, but there’s enough room in the in-line galley for a three-burner, gimballed stove with oven, plus a sink on one side and an ice box on the other. Serious cruisers can easily convert the ice box into a refrigerator. This small but utilitarian galley is usable at anchor and underway, another good test of a functional sailboat.

Forward of the partial bulkhead that separates the galley and nav-station from the rest of the main saloon are two settee berths and a table that folds up against the main bulkhead. The two settees are good sea berths and allow for comfortable meal time seating. A small forepeak V-berth and compact but functional head make up the accommodations forward of the mast. The sloop’s relatively wide beam (10 feet, 7 inches) contributes to the spacious feel in the main cabin. The bunks are a little short, and those over 6 feet, 3 inches will find themselves resisting the desire stretch out.

Shaw was careful to balance the performance needs with nice accommodations. During this era in the Pearson evolution, there was a feeling that efficiency under sail was a valuable part of cruising and that club racers were really cruising boats with newer sails and an efficient underbody.

Access to the engine is good, thanks to its location immediately under the companionway ladder. Two wooden engine bed stringers provide support for mount brackets and the original Yanmar 18 horsepower (2GM) can be easily replaced with a newer model or several other engine options. There’s room for a water heater in the bottom of the cockpit locker to port (non quarter-berth models), and a battery stowage box is located in the starboard locker. Even though the systems aboard this boat were intentionally kept simple, there is pressure water in the head and galley. With the addition of a slightly larger alternator, an owner can easily add a small evaporator-type sealed compressor refrigeration system, rounding out this boat’s credentials as a very capable summer cruiser.

Performance

The Pearson 32 is absolutely fun to sail. It’s small enough to easily singlehand, yet large enough for a couple or young family to summer cruise. With a 208-square-foot mainsail set up with a simple slab-reefing system, and a roller-furling, 120-percent genoa, the 8- to 20-knot wind range is covered. Top this two-sail inventory off with a reaching asymmetrical spinnaker for light-air fun and functional cruising, and a small working jib to replace the furling genoa during breezy spring and fall conditions, and you’re set to go sailing rather than motoring from one harbor to the next. The advantage to cruising a boat with light-air efficiency lies in the enjoyment of making good progress, even when 10 to 12 knots and shifty is the status quo.

A 5½-foot draft qualifies the P32 as a shoal water-capable cruiser that’s just right for coastal cruising and exploring the estuaries along the East Coast. But with this 32-footer, the shoal draft stats also come with an efficient foil shape and external lead ballast, providing enough lift and lateral plane to enhance sailing ability both on and off the wind. Add to the mix a respectable sail area-displacement ratio of 17, and it’s clear that this Pearson is more than an oversized pocket cruiser. Envisioned originally as both a club racer and a family cruiser, the boat lives up to both expectations. For those who prefer spending time sailing when they go cruising, it’s a boat worth a very close look, especially with current prices ranging from $18,000 to $30,000.

• Critic’s Corner: Pearson 32
• Interior Notes: Pearson 32
• Construction Details
• Pearson 32 In Context

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Hi Darrell, I’ve come across a 1978 Pearson 31-1. On paper its very similar to the P-32 except its 9 inches shorter. I’ve read your excellent review on the P-32 and wondered if performance wise they are similar or if the P31 has certain deficiencies (besides the funky rear of the cockpit). I notice they were in production at the same time. I haven’t been able to find a good review on the P-31 and they were not in production very long.

Thank You, Guy Lovejoy

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 – Boat Review

Pettit EZ-Poxy – How to Paint a Boat

The Boat From True Spirit – Sparkman & Stephens

Top 5 Boat Hacks – Boat Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Riverlife has been caring for Pittsburgh's waterways for 25 years

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at [email protected] .

Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.

Get Ad-Free >

Sign Up for Notifications

Stay up-to-date on important news from TribLIVE

Party on the Pier The 15th annual Riverlife's Party at the Pier: Galactic is a fundraiser that celebrates the city's riverfronts and raises funds for riverfront initiatives. The nearly sold-out event is Aug. 23 on the Rooftop Terrace at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. The evening will feature gourmet bites and cocktails. The main event starts at 7:30 p.m., with a VIP Reception taking place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A limited number of VIP tickets remain. General admission tickets are sold out. An after-party will be hosted at Ritual House from 10:30 p.m. to midnight. "Party at the Pier is more than a night of futuristic fun; it's a vital fundraiser that supports the ongoing transformation of Pittsburgh's riverfronts. Our collective vision for a vibrant, connected riverfront is made possible by the passion and support of our guests, sponsors, and partners," said Matthew Galluzzo, president and CEO of Riverlife. Details: riverlifepgh.org

TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.

News Spotlight

• How to Choose the Right Arborist for Your Tree Care Needs BeaverJack Tree Service, LLC Partner News
• Trib HSSN football player of the week for 2024 Week Zero , Trib HSSN TribHSSN
• What is Paint Correction and Why is it Important? Elusive Auto Shine Partner News
• Even players aren't sure who will be at their best for U.S. Open TribLive
• Top 4 Must-Know Tips for Selling Your Home in 2024 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty Partner News
• Schools are competing with cellphones. Here's how they think they could win TribLive
• How to Choose the Best Windows for Your Home Mt Pleasant Window & Remodeling Co. Partner News
• 5 Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Trees All Year Round BeaverJack Tree Service, LLC Partner News
• What to watch for in WPIAL sports for Aug. 26, 2024: Avonworth, Freedom open girls soccer section slates | Trib HSSN TribHSSN
• Ravens OL coach, Sewickley native Joe D'Alessandris dies TribLive

Babe Ruth's 'called shot' jersey sells at auction for over $24 million