Pearson 303/O''Day 30/Catalina30

[donald bruno]

For coastal cruising, a family of 5, I am curious about suggestions in the $20,000 range. I am most curious about the Pearson 303-I understand that it is somewhat stiff and that is more desireble for me than some of the faster, more tender boats like the Tartan, Pearson, Irwin and Catalina 30''s.

There is a really odd mix of boats with a pretty wide range of build qualities and sailing charateristics. As someone pointed out, a 30 footer is really very tight quarters for a family of five.

I would think that you would be better served by a C&C 33 or 35 MkI or Mk2, Cal 34, Ericson 35, Morgan 34, Pearson 10M or 33, or a Tartan 30 or 34. Even these will be tight for a family of 5.

Jeff

[asilverman]

I owned a 1986 Pearson 33 for 8 years and now own a 1990 Pearson 34. I think that they are much better built boats than Catalina, Hunter etc. Take a look at the older Pearson 323, 34 and 35. Buy the best quality you can afford. Otherwise, you will be watching the boat break up around you in a storm.