Pearson Hawk 16

[windigo]

I am looking at a Pearson Hawk 16 to purchase and wonder if anyone can answer the following questions.

Is it possible to setp the mast with one person?

What details should I look for on this particular boat before purchasing?

Any known problems with deck core going bad?

Any other imput is appreciated regarding this boat.

 

[arsprod]

I am looking at a Pearson Hawk 16 to purchase and wonder if anyone can answer the following questions.

Is it possible to setp the mast with one person?

What details should I look for on this particular boat before purchasing?

Any known problems with deck core going bad?

Any other imput is appreciated regarding this boat.

Welcome to the world of the hawk! I've owned one for about 10 years and it's a great boat (pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/33992457@N08/collections/72157616761647604/). To your questions,

- no, it's not possible for one person to step the mast - it's actually tough with 2! With a gin pole/winch two people can do it. Without some kind of aid it's a three-person job
- these boats were way overbuilt, so other than rigging and sails everything is usually solid. The biggest problems are interior gunk because they have no drain (unless retrofitted). The fiberglass is twice as thick as needed, since these were one of the first small, fiberglass boats - they really didn't know how thick it needed to be. Adds weight but makes them nearly indestructible.
- mine is a 1963 and there's no sign of deck core problems. I've not heard anything from other Hawk owners
- they're great boats! Everyone I know that has one (and that's less than a dozen) think they're the best sailing boats they've ever owned. They're very easy to sail single-handed and you'll likely never see another on any lake you sail on!

Good luck,

Aaron

 

[bmagnani]

Funny, I've seen this same post and reply elsewhere on the net. Is there really only one guy out there with pictures of a restored Hawk??? I just bought one myself, Hull# H-104, 1962 I believe. It's a solid boat, but needs a lot of work to be ready for sea. I'm documenting the repairs at http://restoringthehawk.blogspot.com . Hope you'll stop by and lend a hand!

 

[tedtbg]

Pearson Hawk

I have Pearson Hawk #97 built in 1962. It may be the only Hawk on the west coast. I have never gone sailing without at least one person yelling from across the bay asking me what kind of boat I am sailing. I bought mine in good condition with a trailer from a guy in San Diego for $750. I was looking for an O'Day Sailor 17 but settled on this one and I haven't been disappointed. I don't understand the post about stepping the mast. I have always stepped the mast by myself with no problem and I am in my late '50s. Just leave the bow stay unclasped with the mast laying along the deck (top probably in the water), stand squarely on the deck, and raise. Juggle the base of the mast into position then clasp the bow fitting. Then insert mast bolt. I usually raise it with the bow on the beach. I have also done it on a trailer but this is a little more precarious.

Like the other owners say, this boat is overbuilt. No problem with the deck or gel coat. I do have non-skid paint on the deck (probably paint mixed with sand). The centerboard is very simple and fool proof. The rudder hardware is exceptionally strong and very secure in windy seas.

As far as buying one you will have to take anything you find. Very few were made. I never saw one until I bought mine and don't expect to ever see another.

Ed

 

[arsprod]

I have Pearson Hawk #97 built in 1962. It may be the only Hawk on the west coast. I have never gone sailing without at least one person yelling from across the bay asking me what kind of boat I am sailing. I bought mine in good condition with a trailer from a guy in San Diego for $750. I was looking for an O'Day Sailor 17 but settled on this one and I haven't been disappointed. I don't understand the post about stepping the mast. I have always stepped the mast by myself with no problem and I am in my late '50s. Just leave the bow stay unclasped with the mast laying along the deck (top probably in the water), stand squarely on the deck, and raise. Juggle the base of the mast into position then clasp the bow fitting. Then insert mast bolt. I usually raise it with the bow on the beach. I have also done it on a trailer but this is a little more precarious.

Like the other owners say, this boat is overbuilt. No problem with the deck or gel coat. I do have non-skid paint on the deck (probably paint mixed with sand). The centerboard is very simple and fool proof. The rudder hardware is exceptionally strong and very secure in windy seas.

As far as buying one you will have to take anything you find. Very few were made. I never saw one until I bought mine and don't expect to ever see another.

Ed

Ed, sounds like you were lucky enough to have a previous owner add a hinge to your mast. The stock mast is stepped to the hull so it has to be threaded through a hole in the deck and then land on a stepping block on the deck. It's really a pain and I've considered adding a hinge... just too lazy!

Aaron