Help me choose. Hunter 30 or Pearson 34

[k1vsk]

Having had both a Pearson and a Hunter, I would ask anyone who thinks P is better built why - be very interested in their response. My prediction is that it is often based solely on perception.
Frankly, neither is designed or built as an offshore boat but both can be taken offshore by a good crew under reasonable weather conditions.
As others have said, ignore the name plate and choose the one which is in better condition.

[rayncyn51]

For what you plan to do with it, you'll probably enjoy the "stuff" on the Hunter more than the "build quality" on the Pearson. I rather agree with k1.

[DrB]

as I own a Pearson 10M. However, until I found the 10M, I really wanted a Pearson 34/Fin Keel.

Pearson (Bill Shaw) built a solid late 70's/mid 80's boat. Some say B. Shaw's designs are a little overbuilt for coastal cruising/day sailing. That being said, a Hunter/Churbini 30 is a decent boat.

Some bonuses with the Pearson 34 for your needs:

1. Bigger boat, more volume room
2. HUGE Cockpit - 9' feet long (Ideal for guest and group daysails)
3. Probably a little better initial build
4. Soild glass hull
5. Proven in mild off-shore conditions
6. WAY Faster than the Hunter 30 - Means more distance covered in equivalent time
7. Centerboard, allows boat to go into more gunkhole spots

The negatives of the Pearson 34 for your needs:

1. May be seem too big for a quick day sail for two people
2. Bigger Boat means more $ for upkeep, storage, taxes, fees. Remember everything is related to boat length.
3. Centerboard, one more thing to break

I wouldn't let the "old" electronics dissuade you, all other things being the same. These are relatively cheap (aside from radar) and can be upgraded easily. I have radar, GPS, autopilot, chartplotter, depth, windspeed/direction. In the two years that I have owned our boat, I have yet to use the radar and used the autopilot twice. I rarely use our chartplotter for the "Chart" portion. The depth meter is used a lot as is the apparent wind module.

As others have said, whatever boat is best for your needs and "sings" to you, is the one for you. As other's have also said, look at the condition of each boat and get a good survey on which every you choose.

DrB

[Guidera48]

Thank you all for the imput. I spoke today at length with the Pearson broker and she advised me that the engine would be hard pressed to make it through 2 weeks of ICW from Fl to S.C. Futhermore, the sole is gone and the boat has not been used in a while, therefore the bottom would have to be cleaned before even thinking to move it. Frankly it is a good buy but I dont know if I want to spend the next 6 months working on the boat. It sounds like a complete gut job.
Oh well. However, I did find a 1994 IRWIN 33 that looks promissing. I still think there is so much more volume in a 33/34footer vs a 30 footer. Thanks All

[geraldodriscoll]

Pearson 34 or Ericson 34 Any advice?

[alan_21_us]

STOP......

Buy the Pearson. No question about it. I have a 1983 pearson CB 34 foot and love it. It is a tank that is very forgiving and will make you a proud papa. I will admit that finding parts may be tough and the engine may need constant upgrade, but i pruchased a beauty and love to sail it. The hunter has no real redemimg features