Pearson 31 inboard or outboard

[outdoorsman37]

I just bought a Pearson 31 that had the inboard pulled out. Should I put an inboard in or put a transom bracket on and use an outboard? If inboard, what engine is recommended?

Thanks!


Rob

[paul323]

Not sure if this will help, as I am not familiar with a Pearson 31 internal layout, but I have a Pearson 323 with a Westerbeke 3B engine. My puppy is about 12,000lbs, so would be a bit heavy to push around against a headwind with an outboard.

[norsearayder]

i have a p-32 1979,every so often i find the need[no wind ] to moter for many hours... go with the inboard....you will never regret that purchase

[deniseO30]

You didn't say what year pearson it was. My guess it was an atomic 4. Is there any evidence the boat was sunk filled with rain and snow waters over the years? Hope you got the boat cheap since it's engineless!

[ChuckA]

That's a lot of boat for an outboard. The inboard will cost more up front, but if you plan to keep the boat for the long term, it is the way to go.

[tomandchris]

Outdoorsman,

I am hoping for the best for you, but if you are asking this question after the purchase I hope that you are aware that this is a very expensive decision. An outboard on a boat that size is not going to be very effective. That leaves you with a A4 or a diesel. Both can be expensive. First you have to figure out what was in the boat. If the fuel tank is still in the boat it will probably give you a clue.

[Sailmachine]

I had an outboard on a sailboat before but never again. When you get into rough weather it wont stay in the water. Makes it hard to control the boat. Go ahead and try it, if you're like me you will only do that once.

[sailingfool]

Attempting to put an outboard on a boat that size is an unworkable idea. IF you are able to hang one off the stern, you won't be able to reach it to operate it. IF you can reach it, it will provide lousy service. The P31 is a nice boat, unless you want to reduce its value to zero, you need to install a working inboard. In terms of new engine, a Yanmar is the way to go.

Hopefully, you figured the new engine cost of $10-12,000 grand into the price you paid.

[Sailmachine]

$10-12 seams high to me.

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by Sailmachine

$10-12 seams high to me.

Actually from my experience it'd be a conservative figure...have you paid to install a new inboard?