old man sailor

[jmczzz]

My resume is long on life (83yrs), short on current sail log entries. But I want to try to relive some of the joys of sailing. I have sold out and finalized the divorce. I gave up most all to get unhooked. I am living in a shared men's house in my own room. Went to sea 63 years ago with a "Z card" as an ordinary seaman on a leftover WWII Liberty ship freighter. Over the years have lived on and sailed various sailboats, including a Hunter 30, Catalina 22, and totally rehabbed several, such as a Catalina 25. Along the line, I got a 100-ton CG license. Now, after enduring a shore people's life and work, I have decided I need to have a sailboat again. So I scraped together a few remaining USD and moved to a seaport town, into my new room. I went down to a local marina and found and bought a dock tied 1973 Pearson 26 for $800. This elegant lady of days gone by, was owned and sailed by a sailor for most of her life, but has been tied to the dock for the past couple of years after the sailor died. She has been used as a home by a non sailor guy who tried to make her a small apartment, complete with a refrigerator, oil radiator, cute, silly curtains, and a lot of doily granny stuff. The boat, like me, yearns to be set free and under sail out of the harbor. The boat and I both refusing to finish our time tied to the dock.
This is my first log entry. December 1 2025
My first steps will be to unapartmentize her and get rid of all the shore fluff. I looked her over and am impressed at her condition. She was obviously well fitted out by her former captain as a sailing vessel. I plan to bring her back to that top original condition ASAP. All I know about this particular breed of sailing vessel is what I have learned from saiboatdata.com. My budget, while limited, is moderate from SSA and the VA combined pensions. Obviously, my intent in posting here is to ask for advice and education from fellow sailors who have not, like me, had a lapse in their sea time. Any and all comments and pointers, especially about this model vessel, and or solo voyaging, are appreciated. Even if you consider me on a fool's errand.
If you have read this far, Thank you. Captain Jimmy

 

[Tally Ho]

Hey James,

Good luck in your new adventure.

My first thoughts would be to:
- Clean out the boat. Since it has been used as a “home” and who knows what else, go through it and pitch all of the junk people have put on the boat. If it looks like a boat part…keep it. But ditch the “doily” stuff.

- Inspect the boat from top to bottom. Identify anything that is broken, doesn’t work, is wet, etc. Try the engine, raise and lower the sails, put the boat in gear and see if she is generating thrust (tied to the dock). Check whatever electrical systems you have. And be sure you have a working bilge pump! A handy person can often fix many small issues on a boat without hiring the yard to do it. Also, going through your boat will help you understand her system, and how to use them.

- Prioritize work that needs to be done, focusing in safety systems first. Make sure the water stays outside! Then figure out what it will take to get the old girl sailing. And get out for some enjoyment. Work on the other stuff (deck leaks, upgrades, etc) as time and money permits.

Greg

 

[kappykaplan]

Congratulations on your find! I'm rather fond of my Pearson 37.

 

[dLj]

James,

The Pearson line was a decent boat. They tend to sail pretty well. The 27 doesn't have a lot of interior space..I'm guessing you are not very tall. I seem to recall I can't stand up in that boat. I'm 5' 10" tall.

Greg's suggestion to take everything out of the boat is a good one. I try to do that with my boat every couple of years. I find it does a couple things, first I find a lot of things that don't need to still be on the boat and second I remind myself of where things are. I slowly get better organization this way.

Work through all systems on the boat. Find out what works, what doesn't. We'll need to know what the boat has to give better advice.

Where do you think you will be sailing? An idea of where you think you'll go would be helpful. If you are just sailing around where you have the boat or sailing along the coast, it makes some.difference in what is recommended..

Let us know what you have for equipment on the boat. How will you navigate? Paper charts? Chart plotter? Sail by eye? Got a VHF?

Lots more - but first let's hear how you are planning to sail.

dj

 

[jssailem]

Congrats Jimmy.
Raced against the Pearson 26 boats in the Chesapeake back in 69. They were strong MORC competitors. Great boats for coastal cruising. Which of the keels do you have? The fin or the centerboard design?

You have had a few boats so you know the usual spots to check. Make her strong yet easy to manage solo. Have you seen her out of the water? Check the keel joint as they have a history of smiling, sailors sailing to close to the sea bottom.

Welcome to the SBO Forums.

 

[jmczzz]

James,

The Pearson line was a decent boat. They tend to sail pretty well. The 27 doesn't have a lot of interior space..I'm guessing you are not very tall. I seem to recall I can't stand up in that boat. I'm 5' 10" tall.

Greg's suggestion to take everything out of the boat is a good one. I try to do that with my boat every couple of years. I find it does a couple things, first I find a lot of things that don't need to still be on the boat and second I remind myself of where things are. I slowly get better organization this way.

Work through all systems on the boat. Find out what works, what doesn't. We'll need to know what the boat has to give better advice.

Where do you think you will be sailing? An idea of where you think you'll go would be helpful. If you are just sailing around where you have the boat or sailing along the coast, it makes some.difference in what is recommended..

Let us know what you have for equipment on the boat. How will you navigate? Paper charts? Chart plotter? Sail by eye? Got a VHF?

Lots more - but first let's hear how you are planning to sail.

dj

First and for the coming summer; The Puget Sound and Vancouver, Canada Islands. I am located in Tacoma, WA on the south side of Seattle, WA, well yes i was 5 10 most of my life, but i guess have shrunk some. i can stand up fine in the main salon. I think it matches these specs and photos.
PEARSON 26 - sailboatdata thanks It does not have a chart plotter, i would guess the last sailor was well versed on the local area. and used charts as that is a lot of we older guys grew up on.

 

[jssailem]

Well that is confusing. Your info suggests you are in the New Orleans area.

Where are you home ported?

 

[JoeWhite]

James, you have excellent ability to write and describe your mind. Write a book about your experiences.

 

[dLj]

First and for the coming summer; The Puget Sound and Vancouver, Canada Islands. I am located in Tacoma, WA on the south side of Seattle, WA, well yes i was 5 10 most of my life, but i guess have shrunk some. i can stand up fine in the main salon. I think it matches these specs and photos.
PEARSON 26 - sailboatdata thanks It does not have a chart plotter, i would guess the last sailor was well versed on the local area. and used charts as that is a lot of we older guys grew up on.

Being able to stand up inside makes it a lot more comfortable. Glad it works.

Paper charts are great. If you are staying in that area, getting the charts for where you are sailing is fine. I'm kind of a fan of paper charts. It's a great way to become familiar with your area. If I'm sailing locally, I don't use charts, I sail by knowing the area.

My father sailed in your area through his 90's. I sailed there with him a number of years ago. It's a great area to enjoy. There are a number of folks here that sail up there. I'm on the other coast... But I have fond memories of sailing there.

dj

 

[Richard19068]

All I know about this particular breed of sailing vessel is what I have learned from saiboatdata.com.

If the above is true you might want to check out this Pearson website (5'9" headroom by the way ).

Pearson 26 Sailboat

The Pearson 26 sailboat detailed description, resources, and specifications.

www.pearsonyachts.org

From somebody a decade behind you, doing this at your age is an inspiration. I hope the boat is up to your desires and dreams.

 

[Terry Cox]

Welcome aboard, Captain Jimmy. Lots of good advice here. Hope to see you around the Islands this coming season. Wonderful cruising grounds. The following video might provide some inspiration to get her done. Pacific Northwest Cruise 2010

 

[jmczzz]

James,

The Pearson line was a decent boat. They tend to sail pretty well. The 27 doesn't have a lot of interior space..I'm guessing you are not very tall. I seem to recall I can't stand up in that boat. I'm 5' 10" tall.

Greg's suggestion to take everything out of the boat is a good one. I try to do that with my boat every couple of years. I find it does a couple things, first I find a lot of things that don't need to still be on the boat and second I remind myself of where things are. I slowly get better organization this way.

Work through all systems on the boat. Find out what works, what doesn't. We'll need to know what the boat has to give better advice.

Where do you think you will be sailing? An idea of where you think you'll go would be helpful. If you are just sailing around where you have the boat or sailing along the coast, it makes some.difference in what is recommended..

Let us know what you have for equipment on the boat. How will you navigate? Paper charts? Chart plotter? Sail by eye? Got a VHF?

Lots more - but first let's hear how you are planning to sail.

dj

 

[jmczzz]

Reply to all above: Boat log: Dec 4, 2025, I have been offline for a week or so, moving my inet connection to Tacoma.
I am planning to sail wherever the fair wind and weather beckon. I was drawn to the Puget Sound because I have never been here, and it looks like a seaman's kind of place. I first want to get familiar with the Sound itself. Even though it has become metropolitan to rival NYC. It still has plenty of stories to tell to those willing to listen. The Sound must have been one of the earliest areas of North America explored from the sea. Probably has as much drama per league as anyplace on the continent. I am intrigued by firsthand accounts of early explorers. Conrad's Lord Jim drew me onto a homemade river raft floated down "Big River" to NOLA. At about 13 out of the Delta cotton fields.
Charts, compass roses, and parallel rules were my first navigation teachers. So I am still partial to them. I find that electronic devices are hypnotic as well as mind-numbing. Although I had to make a few voyages that my only memories of them were mental images of screens before I realized this. Research includes a secondhand copy of Migael Scherer's Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Guide and Joe Upton's classic Journeys through the Inside Passage are my current wintertime reading with a full-size reprint of (Not Fr Nav)18440. on my wall and chart booklets up the coast to the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutians.
Thanks for reminding me of Pearson's site, Pearson 26 history. it is fascinating reading even after several times, and new info always sticks. I do have an iPad with one of the chart plotter nav apps on it. A couple of my prior boats had a Garmin with charts and plotting. I have used a sextant before Loran C was invented. I have a handheld sat receiver and a hand bearing compass coast pilot light list. An updated tide book is on my to-get list.
One of my fondest memories of the Victories and Liberties as a young ordinary standing the wheel on the dog watch was elderly Mr Cristy, the 3rd mate, setting the "iron Mike", taking me out on the flying bridge to impress the dickens out of me, pointing out the navigation stars by name, constellation, and seasonal position. As for Home port NOLA would be it, although I have sailed out of Brooklyn, Galveston, and the Jersey Shore. The vessel photo on the post profile is an O'Day 27 I had in NJ. if someone will tell me in 20 words or less how to update it with my "new" Pearson pic, I'll do it straight away. *done* If I miss replying to you, specifically remind me, and I'll try again next entry. Cpt jimmy

 

[kappykaplan]

if someone will tell me in 20 words or less how to update it with my "new" Peason pic I'll do it straight away. If i miss repling to you specifically remind me and i try again next entry. Cpt jimmy

Assuming you're doing this from a smartphone:
Click the three bars on upper left. Select user name. Scroll down to Avatar and change.
(16 words!)

 

[jmczzz]

thank you

 

[Davidasailor26]

On Windows - Click your username in the upper right. You'll see your avatar in the small window that pops up. If you hover over it you'll see it say edit. Click on that and you can replace the picture.

 

[jssailem]

Or.... Upper right corner, if you see your avatar, click it, then click the avatar with the word Edit that appears.

 

[dLj]

Reply to all above: Boat log: Dec 4, 2025, i have been off line for a week or so moving my inet connection to Tocoma.
I am planning to sail wherever the fair wind and weather becons. I was drawn to the Puget Sound because I have never been here, and it looks like a seaman's kind of place. I first want to get familiar with the Sound itself. Even though it has become metropolitan to rival NYC. It still has plenty of stories to tell to those willing to listen.

I completely agree with the above! Fabulous place to sail

The Sound itself must have been one of the earliest areas of North America explored from the sea. Probably has as much drama per league as anyplace on the continent.

Us East Coast Sailors are going to argue that point... With the Viking explorations beginning around 1000 AD followed with all the rest of sailing world after that... And drama? Well, I'm not going there...

Charts, compass roses, and dividers were my first navigation teachers. So I am still partial to them. I find that electronic devices are hypnotic as well as mind-numbing.

Great description of modern electronic devices! Hahaha I'm also partial to paper chart navigation methods. But I use modern electronic charts also. It depends upon what and where. Each has it's good and bad points.

I have a handheld sat receiver and a hand bearing compass coast pilot light list. An updated tide book is on my to-get list.

I'm assuming you mean a hand held GPS receiver? What's the model?
What's your hand bearing compass?
Coastal pilot light list is good.
Picking up a tide book is really needed out there - but I'll let others that sail there a lot more than I have comment on if there is a particular publisher that may be preferred. The published books are getting harder to find. On the East Coast, I use the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book - but it's East coast. There may be a similar publication in the Pudget Sound area that I'm not aware of.

As for Home port NOLA would be it, although I have sailed out of Brooklyn, Galveston, and the Jersey Shore.

So if your home port is New Orleans, are you trucking your boat to the NorthWest? Is that 26 footer trailerable? How is that going to work?

dj

 

[jmczzz]

I completely agree with the above! Fabulous place to sail



Us East Coast Sailors are going to argue that point... With the Viking explorations beginning around 1000 AD followed with all the rest of sailing world after that... And drama? Well, I'm not going there...



Great description of modern electronic devices! Hahaha I'm also partial to paper chart navigation methods. But I use modern electronic charts also. It depends upon what and where. Each has it's good and bad points.



I'm assuming you mean a hand held GPS receiver? What's the model?
What's your hand bearing compass?
Coastal pilot light list is good.
Picking up a tide book is really needed out there - but I'll let others that sail there a lot more than I have comment on if there is a particular publisher that may be preferred. The published books are getting harder to find. On the East Coast, I use the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book - but it's East coast. There may be a similar publication in the Pudget Sound area that I'm not aware of.


So if your home port is New Orleans, are you trucking your boat to the NorthWest? Is that 26 footer trailerable? How is that going to work?

dj

"......going to work" ya gotta read starting with the first paragraph dj. hahaha

 

[Richard19068]

The vessel photo on the post profile is an O'Day 27 I had in NJ. if someone will tell me in 20 words or less how to update it with my "new" Pearson pic, I'll do it straight away. *done*

You might want to also change the make of boat and your home port. That is just below where you changed your avatar.

It currently says O'Day 26 CB and New Orleans