Currently researching some possible options for my first boat, one of which is the Pearson Ensign. I’ve got my eye on one from a local seller and it seems to check all the boxes but there are a few items that are causing me to hesitate.
Here is our situation for context:
- We expect the boat to be moored;
- We will sail her in the bay primarily on day sails;
- I will slum an overnight in the cockpit every now and then for some adventure;
- We have a very young son who we’d want to take on our day sails (and maybe the dog too)
- We live ~1.5 hrs from the marina and, in season, go out very often, sometimes for weeks at a time (have a house out there). However, on the edges of the season we go out less, let’s say every 3 weeks / 1x per month
- Overall looking for something that’s fairly sturdy, reliable and can host friends when needed
Hoping to get some feedback from other owners in the following areas (or overall if there’s something I missed):
- On longer day sails in the heat, would a little one be ok with a makeshift tent or should I be looking for a different boawith a cabin?
- In the start/end of the seasons, assuming I have a boom tent and automatic bilge pump, is visiting the boat 1x/month asking for trouble given it’s not a self bailing cockpit?
Thanks so much in advance.
I owned two Ensigns over time and really enjoyed them. The first one was my introduction to sailing, and I learned how to sail aboard her. Both of mine were used for fleet racing. It was great fun. I sailed them out of Newport. So here are a few points:
1. It is important to remember that this design is not self bailing. They can swamp but in all the years I sailed the Ensign, including heavy weather, I never saw one swamp. They come from the factory with positive flotation in the bow and stern. When you start looking at boats, be sure to check on the flotation. Since most of these boats are quite old it is especially important. Some guys remove the flotation (illegally in Ensign by laws for racing) but the flotation can retain water if the lockers leak, and be quite heavy. You can see the difference in the design water line.
2. The Ensign is really sweet sailing boat. They have a fractional rig so that for general fun day sailing you can carry a smaller jib and they will sail really well to windward rigged like that.
3. My boats were kept on moorings so they did retain rain water. I tried the battery and bilge pump approach but found it to be more trouble than it was worth. My approach was to have one crew bail the bilge out while the rest of us rigged the boat to sail. It really never became a big problem. The boom tent works well but if the boat is on a mooring boarding from the launch was just too much trouble so I never went that route. If you keep her at a dock, the boom tent is worth a look in my view.
4. I carried a 2 horse outboard which stowed in the cuddy cabin but I rarely used it other than getting back to the mooring after evening racing when the wind dropped.
5. The boat sails well in all winds and is quite stiff, once I learned how to trim the main and jib in a breeze.
6. The boat is quite heavy and has a keel stepped mast so trailering is out of the question other than stowage. I had trailers for both of my Ensigns and would haul and launch them using the yacht club lift.
7. These boats are ruggedly built, most of them during the heydays of Pearson Yachts.
8. Resale has always been easy if you buy in an area where there are fleets. I have been out of Ensigns for many years so I don't know whether there is still a national and local fleets. This is also worth a look.
9. After owning the Ensigns I went on to a Pearson 30, and then a Pearson 39 yawl. All rugged, well built, good sailing designs.
Finally, I will reemphasize what a great boat the Ensign is and how much enjoyment I had with two over a period of about 10 years.
Good luck in your search.
Rick
