Pearson 424 Vs. Brewer 12.8

[luskin]

We are considering buying either a Brewer 12.8 or a Pearson 424 for a circumnavigation. What are your perceptions of these two boats for sailing around the world? How would our experience be different with each choice?

We are a family of three, with a seven year old. We need to have some charter guests to make money. The under-bodies are similar. Same length. The Brewer has a centerboard, is a little heavier, and has more sail area. How do you think they'd sail differently? Here are our thoughts.

Pearson 424. Super comfortable, with a bigger v birth and salon. Many have circumnavigated, but were not designed for the job necessarily. We heard they were made for old people to sail on the eastern seaboard. The one we're looking at has had the ketch mast removed, and they used the mast to make a longer boom for a bigger main, to create the same sail area she had as a ketch. They say this lowered the center of effort making her better in light air.

Brewer 12.8 Legendary blue water boat. Accommodations are a little smaller than the Pearson. Centerboard should make upwind performance better.

What do you think?

[Jeff_H]

No question, go with the Brewer 12.8 cutter. They were designed to be easily handled and to go anywhere. My dad had one and she was one extremely impressive boat all around. The centerboard is a wonderful asset allowing you to adjust it to end up with a balanced helm no matter what is happening.

The 424 while a nice boat, originally was more primarily intended for the charter trade. I would certainly stay away from a 424 that was modified as you describe.

Jeff