SailNet Community banner
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Pearson Advice - Newbie's First

6K views 20 replies 10 participants last post by  beej67 
#1 ·
Hi,

I know before I hit the "submit" button that I'm asking an almost impossible question as so much of the decision to choose a boat is personal, etc. Having said that, and apologizing up front for the newbieness:D, here goes.

My sailing experience is limited to going out with a few friends and taking a 6-week class (on a Pearson 33, BTW). I will be living aboard in the Boston area, so the cold months will present their own challenge - I mention living aboard, as this will probably impact which size/layout works best. In an ideal world, I could ask for the best boat for living aboard, BUT with handling and blue water capabilities - while not impossible, is asking for quite a bit. I would hate to ignore my desire to sail extensively in a couple of years, but I sure wouldn't want to start to hate my new home because it's cramped or uncomfortable to live on.

I've done enough research to fry my eyeballs and it's still a bit confusing. One of the best things about Pearson is that there are so many different "models" out there - which can actually make it confusing for a newbie. So far, the 10m, 365 and 323 seem to stand out for my personal needs. My budget is on the ridiculous side at the moment, as I would only have $25-$30K (including maintenance/repairs). My "plan":laugher is to spend the first year living aboard while attending to maintenance/repairs, increasing my knowledge of sailing/seamanship, etc. Not counting maintenance, I'd be saving around $650/month over my cost of living expenses right now in a house - yes, I'm pretty sure this is a realistic figure and includes things like boat insurance, electricity at the slip, etc. This "savings" would sure help with any boat costs/upgrades/equipment.

So, I've read HUNDREDS of threads here and elsewhere, and I've actually contacted sellers and asked a lot of questions. I've fantasized that a GREAT price on a boat in Alabama would make up for having to get it up to Boston:laugher and would be a great learning experience for me:rolleyes:

Although most people LOVE their Pearsons with enthusiasm, not all Pearsons are created equal with regard to their own personal strengths. THAT is what I hope to get my head around. Obviously, a spartan racer with SMALLER cabin/setup might not be good for someone living aboard all year long. It's probably all about compromise. To find the "perfect" boat for me to live on/learn on and then sail off to the Azores in 3 years might be fantasy. But, I'd like to get as close as possible to that. OK - maybe Bahamas or Bermuda is more realistic than the Azores!;)

Anyway, if anyone has opinions or advice as I begin my search for the "perfect" Pearson, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks for your patience and advice,
Jack
 
See less See more
#2 ·
Pearson makes a decent boat and the 33 was one we considered before deciding the Catalina 34 was a better choice for our needs.
I'm sure others will chime in, but what you are thinking about, an older, mid 30's Pearson that you can find for under $30k, is not going to be a blue water boat. Yes, you can take it to the Bahama's as that is basically a short cruise off the coast of Florida. But Bermuda and the Azores is true blue water cruising and the boat you are considering isn't the boat for that kind of a trip.
 
#3 ·
I was in love with the Pearson (alberg) 35 until I actually got to see one. It's the smallest 35ft boat I've ever seen! I was disappointed. Most older boats seem to have small cockpits also. Catalina seems to be the exception. Narrow beam was also typical of older boats too.
 
#4 ·
Thanks Chuck, I think that, in the end - as with most large purchases, I'll have to compromise. The goal is probably to get as close to my fantasy as possible, while allowing reality to take over.

If things go well/as planned, I'll be living aboard by the spring at the latest and will start saving for repairs/upgrades while literally learning the ropes. Then I'll start putting some $ aside to possibly purchase a truly blue water vessel.

Also, I'm not necessarily 100% committed to a Pearson (although...), so I can still be somewhat open to other suggestions.

Thanks again,
Jack
 
#5 ·
Jack,
You need to decide your priorities. If blue water sailing is something you really have your heart on, do you buy something affordable now that you can establish your sea legs on and then move up some years down the road or save your money until you can actually afford a blue water boat?
I'm guessing the first option would work best for you.
Get off the Pearson forum and go to either "General Discussion" or the "Boat Review and Purchase" forum and ask questions. What would be a good starter boat that you can live on for $25-30k. To get something in the mid 30 foot range, it's going to have to be fairly old and/or in rough shape.
I'm sure you can find a pretty decent 30' Catalina for that price and that is a very roomy boat for 30'.
 
#6 ·
Thanks Chuck - by complete coincidence, I was just looking at a 30' Catalina Standard Rig for $19K - and right now it's moored about 300 yards from the slip I'd be at - talk about coincidence.

Yes - when I first posted, it was with the idea that I would DEFINITELY be buying a Pearson; but I should probably be more open to suggestions. Hey, I'd love to buy a 36' blue water boat right now - but would that be a good choice for me to learn on? And, as you pointed out, a 30 something blue water boat in my price range would be in tough shape!

Thanks again,
Jack
 
#7 ·
Our first boat was a bare bones, 30' Catalina, we bought back in 1994 for $11,500. It was a great boat for our family and we sold it 4 years later for $11k. We then had a couple of power boats and now have returned to sailing with a much nicer, better equipped 34' Catalina.
That 30 could be just the starter boat you are looking for. If you think it is the right one for you, come back on the forum and you will get a lot of advice to help you navigate the whole purchasing process. Also, spend time on the Catalina 30 website. I can't tell you how helpful the C-34 website was during our search for a boat in answering the many questions I had about the boat.
 
#8 ·
#9 ·
I like that C-30. Looks to be in good shape.
The first Pearson listed has an Atomic 4 gas engine. While the Atomic 4 basically had a good reputation, it is a gas engine and most sailors shy away from gas.
The second Pearson had no details so hard to make any judgements.
 
#10 ·
Thanks Chuck - pretty much my opinion too. When I think about how so many boats I've looked at are scattered all over the world, it's Funny how that C-30 is only yards away from the slip I plan to rent... I'm not sure it's even still available but - Maybe it was meant to be - we'll see.

Now I'll jump off here and get on those other forums!

Thanks for your help - we'll keep meeting, I'm sure - and I'll let you know what I end up with!

Take care,
jack
 
#12 ·
I am biased, but a Pearson 10M is great solid boat....

If you want any type of performance, the Pearson 10M will spank the the other boats that you mentioned except the Catalina 34. But I think the Catalina 34 is a better cruising live aboard boat. You'll pay more for Catalina 34.

I have a Pearson 10M in the Boston area. It's a solid boat and is approved for Off-shore races, such as the Marion to Bermuda race. Things I like about it. Easy to sail, stiff, points great, quick (relative) solidily built. It is roomy inside (11 foot beam). Thinks I don't like about it. Shallow bilge, limited usable cockpit size, limited inside storage.

DrB
 
#14 ·
Hey, Jack. . . I was in the same situation as you are in. I want to do some offshore sailing but never have before. I was looking for a solid and reliable boat that I could live aboard and maybe do some cruising through the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands. I looked at a few Pearsons and a few Catalina's, O'Day's, Hunters, and Cal's. Like you, I narrowed my choice down to Pearson. I bought a Pearson 33 and love it. I have two double privacy cabins (two people have slept in each and if you watch your head in the aft cabin, they are indeed doubles), and a double settee. Seriously, the configuration is the best of any boat I've seen of its age and in its size with more than 6 feet clearance below. . . even better than the P34 and P38 (unless you NEED a stand alone shower). Bahamas? No problem. Virgins? Only if I took the thorny path and had some more experience. Way offshore? If the weather was right and I had a TON more experience, a good crew, and some additional safety equipment. For a single dude who hosts a couple guests on occasion I love the boat. I came to the realization that I wouldn't be sailing around the world until I had some more time and skill, so that being the case my Pearson 33 is a great foundation for gaining cruising experience. I am considering spending some time on it this winter, but it's gonna be c-c-c-c-cold.
 
#15 ·
cd,

You and I seem to be on the same (or very similar) page in terms of future plans. The ICW to Bahamas and then the thorny path would be a nice way for me to really get the "feel" of things - someday, hopefully in the near future. In the meantime, I have a pretty steep learning curve to tackle - but I'm actually looking forward to it.

Keep in touch, and keep the faith!
 
#20 ·
I bought an '84 Pearson 303 in very good condition with a lot of accessories. At the end of October, I moved aboard and have never looked back - although we've been spoiled with the warmest winter in MANY years. If I love it this much now, I'll be ecstatic in the summer. I have a HUGE learning curve to tackle, but am eager to just jump in.

Best of luck with the 10M - a great choice that will give you decades of pleasure (and lots of sweat equity - just like mine).

Best of luck. Share your experiences....

Jack
 
#21 ·
I have a 323 in Panama City Fl that's very well maintained. I also live in Atlanta, and have a newborn, so I'm looking to sell it after owning for about a decade. It's the boat I learned on, very forgiving when you run it aground in sand or mud. :) PM me if you'd like to take a look at it.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top