Hey everyone,
I’m brand new to sailing — at least behind the tiller — but I’ve been deep in the books, forums, and videos learning everything I can for the past year. Recently, I’ve had one of those experiences that feels like a story unfolding on its own. I wanted to share it here and start learning from this amazing community.
A few weeks ago, I drove out to Onekama, Michigan to look at a Pearson 30. From the photos, it looked like it might be decent. But when I arrived, the reality hit — hard. The boat was uncovered, full of water in the bilge, bulkheads were rotted through, and it was crawling with bugs. I was told it “sailed last season,” but it was clear this thing hadn’t seen proper care in years. No shame on anyone. It happens.
* buyers beware (John at the marina is a great guy very honest and upfront tried to save me a trip out, but its no problem I enjoyed the adventure. listing could be updated though )
* https://www.onekamamarine.com/boats-for-sale/1974-pearson-30-onekama-michigan-7939190/
I stumbled on another Pearson 30 listed on eBay for $2,900. At first, I was skeptical — it looked pristine. Yellow hull, clean decks, bright cabin. Almost too good to be true. But the pictures were recent, and something about it told me I had to see it.
* Pardon Our Interruption...
Put the deposit down. Made the trip to Harrison Twshp. When I saw that yellow hull and dark keel, I knew. This wasn’t just a lucky find. This boat had been loved.
I soon found out it was owned by a mechanical engineer and his wife, now in their 70s. The husband has stage 4 cancer and had donated the boat to a nonprofit to help fund work in Liberia. By sheer chance (or something more), I ran into them at the marina. He took the time to walk me through the boat, share its history, and explain every upgrade — including a replaced rudder bearing, lazy jack system, roller furling, and countless thoughtful touches. The boat has only sailed in freshwater, never raced, and has seen multiple 3-week+ cruises in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
I bought it on the spot — and told the nonprofit I couldn’t, in good conscience, take it for $2,900. I gave $5,000 instead. I later found out part of that donation immediately went to support meals at a girls’ school in Malawi. That floored me.
Now I’m preparing for the next phase — a full liveaboard-ready refit, with plans to eventually take her offshore. I’m considering repurposing the V-berth for extended tankage and storage, replacing the fridge, and upgrading systems for long-distance passage-making.
This forum has already taught me so much, and I’m grateful to finally be part of it as an owner. I’ve got plenty of questions ahead — from weight distribution to ocean routing — and look forward to learning from those who’ve gone before.
With trust in the Greatest,
Zach
I’m brand new to sailing — at least behind the tiller — but I’ve been deep in the books, forums, and videos learning everything I can for the past year. Recently, I’ve had one of those experiences that feels like a story unfolding on its own. I wanted to share it here and start learning from this amazing community.
A few weeks ago, I drove out to Onekama, Michigan to look at a Pearson 30. From the photos, it looked like it might be decent. But when I arrived, the reality hit — hard. The boat was uncovered, full of water in the bilge, bulkheads were rotted through, and it was crawling with bugs. I was told it “sailed last season,” but it was clear this thing hadn’t seen proper care in years. No shame on anyone. It happens.
* buyers beware (John at the marina is a great guy very honest and upfront tried to save me a trip out, but its no problem I enjoyed the adventure. listing could be updated though )
* https://www.onekamamarine.com/boats-for-sale/1974-pearson-30-onekama-michigan-7939190/
I stumbled on another Pearson 30 listed on eBay for $2,900. At first, I was skeptical — it looked pristine. Yellow hull, clean decks, bright cabin. Almost too good to be true. But the pictures were recent, and something about it told me I had to see it.
* Pardon Our Interruption...
Put the deposit down. Made the trip to Harrison Twshp. When I saw that yellow hull and dark keel, I knew. This wasn’t just a lucky find. This boat had been loved.
I soon found out it was owned by a mechanical engineer and his wife, now in their 70s. The husband has stage 4 cancer and had donated the boat to a nonprofit to help fund work in Liberia. By sheer chance (or something more), I ran into them at the marina. He took the time to walk me through the boat, share its history, and explain every upgrade — including a replaced rudder bearing, lazy jack system, roller furling, and countless thoughtful touches. The boat has only sailed in freshwater, never raced, and has seen multiple 3-week+ cruises in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
I bought it on the spot — and told the nonprofit I couldn’t, in good conscience, take it for $2,900. I gave $5,000 instead. I later found out part of that donation immediately went to support meals at a girls’ school in Malawi. That floored me.
Now I’m preparing for the next phase — a full liveaboard-ready refit, with plans to eventually take her offshore. I’m considering repurposing the V-berth for extended tankage and storage, replacing the fridge, and upgrading systems for long-distance passage-making.
This forum has already taught me so much, and I’m grateful to finally be part of it as an owner. I’ve got plenty of questions ahead — from weight distribution to ocean routing — and look forward to learning from those who’ve gone before.
With trust in the Greatest,
Zach
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