Pearson 31 or 10-M?

[Sabre66]

The warden has decided it's time for us to go to a bigger boat (current boat is a Columbia Sabre) We're looking at a cruiser/mostly PHRF racer and we need to keep it under $25,000....I'll be investing the sweat equity in terms of fixing her up.
I've been looking at the Pearson 31 and the Pearson 10-M, mostly because I think they deliver a lot of boat for the money.
I'm leaning toward the 10-M but am interested in what you all think. I've never sailed on one but am impressed with the PHRF rating here in New England. I remember getting stomped by one while racing a Tartan 37 with a similar rating.
Any thoughts?

Edit: Missed the whole Pearson thread before posting but I didn't find any answers there.

[TSteele65]

They're two completely different boats, so it depends on what you're looking for. The Pearson 10M is pretty much a daysailer/racer, and very spartan below. The 31 is more of a cruiser, with the usual creature comforts.

[Sabre66]

Originally Posted by TSteele65

They're two completely different boats, so it depends on what you're looking for. The Pearson 10M is pretty much a daysailer/racer, and very spartan below. The 31 is more of a cruiser, with the usual creature comforts.

I guess we're looking for a trade off, performance VS comfort. That having been said I'm confused by your post. The two boats look, almost identical below from what I've seen on web. What do you see as beeing "spartan"?

Ive only raced on a p 31 not a 10-M.

[DrB]

My response is biased, as I own a P10M, but I looked at a P31-2 and a P31. The P31-2 is a "small" boat as is the P31. By small I mean mostly the cockpits. When I went below a 31-2, it felt very small. I never looked at a 31.

I disagree with TSteele65's take on the P10M being "sparse". I don't know what he means by that. I have had people who have been on ours, who have much large boats, say that the P10M is roomy below and very functional. It can sleep 6 in a pinch, 5 easily. The skeg rudder and deep fin keel help the boat sail close to the weather.

In my opinion, the 10M is a better boat. It is more performance oriented than the 31 or 31-2, yet still has the creature comforts that one would need for cruising. The 31 is a fractional rig sloop whereas the 10M is a full rig sloop. The hull speed of the10M is almost 1/2 knot faster than the 31 or 31-2. The hull speed of the 10M is 7.25 knots, pretty good for a 33 ft boat. that has a displacement of nearly 13,000 lbs.

You can easily buy a 10M under $25K. I know several in the New England area for $25K or less.

DrB

[TSteele65]

My mistake - I was thinking of the Tartan Ten. Carry on.

[SailorMitch]

I also vote for the 10M. If you haven't already, check out Dan Pfeiffer's site www.pearsoninfo.net. Dan currently owns a 10M and his site details all the projects he has done to it, or has underway. The yard manager at my marina also has one and has sailed it up and down the east coast. You'll enjoy the extra room the 33 footer has.

Full disclosure -- I own a P-33-2.