I''ve owned a Pearson 27 since it was new in 1989. Great starter boat for a couple, and also easy to singlehand (which is what I do mostly.) Nice hull shape, good in light air and a downwind rocket! Draft at 3''4" is nice here on the Chesapeake. It does like to be reefed at about 15-18 knots. As with most boats, she sails better the flatter you can keep her. I''ve been out in 40 knots plus and the boat can take more than I can.
What sold me on the boat years ago is the main cabin design. The head is aft to starboard and the rest of the cabin is open all the way to the bow. Drop the salon table and you have a fantastic berth for 2 people, tons of room.
About the only common problem I can think of for these boats is the coating on the winged keel. It''s a brittle epoxy or some such coating that is prone to cracking and getting blisters. But the fix is easy. Chip/grind out the loose stuff and replace with WEST epoxy, or whatever your favorite is. Same coating is on all the winged keels and is a problem for all Pearsons of that vintage. I''ve also heard of Sabre''s having the same problem.
We do have an informal P-27 email list, and I can put you in touch with that group if you''d like. Just email me directly at sailormitch@sailnet.net.
In case you haven''t guessed, I know nothing about the Ericson 26.
