[Jeff_H]

I am not sure in what context I said that, but Pearson 30''s were originally designed as pretty light weight race boats. They have certainly turned out to be good performance cruisers and make good one design racers where a one design fleet exists. For all of thier obvious virtues (and I basically like Pearson 30''s) they are not extremely robust so that when you see one for less than $10K as you sometimes do, they are generally beat to death and need a lot of work.

To repeat my old boat litany, you can expect to find some ''issues'' with any boat this age. Unless very well maintained and updated by a previous owner, you might expect to need to address some combination of the following items. On a less than $10K Pearson 30 you can expect that the boat was not well maintained.
You can expect to perhaps need some combination of,
· Sails, standing and running rigging and perhaps chainplates that are beyond their useful lifespan, mast step and associated suporting structure in need of rebuilding
· an Atomic 4 engine that is in need of rebuild or replacement,
· worn out or out of date deck, galley, and head hardware,
· worn out upholstery,
· electronics that are non operational, or in need of updating,
· electrical and plumbing systems that need repairs, or upgrades to modern standards or replacement.
· Blisters, fatigue, rudder, hull to deck joint or deck coring problems
· Keel hull joint repairs and/or bolt replacement.
· And perhaps a whole range of aesthetic issues.

Since a Pearson 30 in really good shape is not worth much more I would suggest looking for one in really good shape.

Jeff