Engine size on Pearson 34

[needsanap]

We are looking at two Pearson 34s. We like boat #1 better but it has a 16hp engine which seems underpowered to me. Boat #2 has a 30hp engine but will need other refurbishments, none of which will equal the cost of replacing the engine on boat #1. We would like to hear from owners of similar boats with that size engine - could you motor at hull speed? Did you wish you had more power? I think both engines are original - the boats are from the mid 80s. Thanks!

[tommays]

A 16 hp diesel pushes a 10000 pound C&C 35 at 7 knots

[upei1]

how much does the Pearson weigh / displace? I seem to recall reading somewhere that you should estimate 1HP per 500 lbs. Whether that equals hull speed, I have no clue.

[SlowButSteady]

16hp is toward the low end of what many would deem acceptable for a boat that size. Ted Brewer recommends 3 to 4 hp per ton (long ton; i.e., 2240 lbs.) for sailboats. A Pearson 34 is about 5 tons, or about 3.2 hp/ton with the 16 hp motor. My guess is that 16 hp would push that boat at just about hull speed on a flat calm day, and would probably be sufficient to motor into all but the strongest winds, albeit at a speed somewhat less than hull speed.

[needsanap]

Thanks for the input from all. The listing says the displacement is 11800 pounds. I don't know if that includes gear or if the suggested 1hp/500 pounds or 3-4hp/long ton is only for the boat or for all the gear, too. We will occasionally be towing an inflatable. I guess I was worried about current as well as wind. My husband says we'll just have to sail all the time!

[DrB]

was underpowered from the factory. Bill Shaw, designer didn't think so.

The general rule of thumb is 2 hp for every 1000 lb/displacement, so your looking at around 22 hp.

My roughly equally sized Pearson 10M (displaces 12,500 lb) has a 27 HP motor and I have used every on of those HP a few times in heavy winds and strong currents.

In your case, as others have said, the 16 hp motor will get you in and out of the harbor on moderate condition days. If you have to push against a strong current or into strong winds on a frequent basis, consider the bigger motor.

Other than the engine debate, the Pearson 34 is a nice cruising boat that is easy to sail, comfortable, roomy, and overall a decent boat. I almost bought one when I was looking for boats.

DrB

[norsearayder]

i have a p-32 with a 2gm20f ,,fully loaded and watered down i could use more hp

[SlowButSteady]

Originally Posted by needsanap

...My husband says we'll just have to sail all the time!

That's why we call them SAILboats.

[Cptken]

how many hours on the engines? If drastically different go with the low hours. If both high, how much difference in cost is there between rebuild and buying a new one?