Pearson or tartan

[John6061]

I think I may have narrowed my search down to either a Tartan or pearson...both are 1989 models and both are 31ft...pearson does have ac and heat...any thoughts from any sailors would be appreciated...oh the pearson is cheaper asking price and closer...havnt been on either boat yet
thanks,
John

 

[tommays]

It would depend on issues with each boat as Pearson for example has issues with the stantion gaskets leaking and getting the deck core wet in those areas

But the tartan could just as well have wet core from leaking deck hardware

 

[kloudie1]

Yup.. compare carefully.. Some of the Tartans of that era had raw water cooled engines .not bad but something to think about. If you plan to be aboard overnight at the slip, the AC is pretty much a mandatory deal but inspect the one in the Pearson carefully for using too much storage and installation quality.. The Tartan can be raced effectively, one of my buddies campaigns one very successfully on the Ponchartrain and the Gulf coast Racing circuit.
Take a note book and camera when you visit.. Have fun, John..

 

[higgs]

Tarten is much better built boat - no question.

 

[BobM]

Pearson had serious wet deck core issues in the end according to my surveyor. I was interested in them, but they were fifty percent more than my budget.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Figure out which boat fits your needs the most. After than make your offer and survey her. If she is a pig move on.

Pearson is an okay boat. Don't let the name make the decision for you.

If you are having a good time make a list of good and bad features on each boat. Once that is done compare the list and see which one edges the other one out.

Good luck.

 

[Cayennita]

Sailing world or cruising world has dome a review of both models. The Pearson 31 rates about 180 PHRF while the Tartan 31 rates about 153. Almost 30 seconds per mile faster. Also check on how far the boat can go over before it comes back up. I believe the Tartan is more of an offshore boat than the Pearson.

 

[Sandy Stone]

From the US Sailing database, the low/high/mean ratings for the Tartan 31 are 144/165/153 and for the Pearson 31-2 (the late 80's model) 150/177/159. Not all that significant.
FWIW, I owned a 1979 Pearson 32, and it was absolutely built like a tank. However, I think boats built 10 years later came from essentially a different company with the same name (and head designer). With boats of this age, you have to evaluate the condition of the particular boat(s) you are looking at, because after 25 years owner maintenance, or lack of, will have a huge effect.
Kloudie, you wouldn't be referring to Espirit de Vie? We spent the night at the Mandeville city dock weekend before last & had a great time.

 

[Ariel]

John,

You can put both boats in this program and see a comparison of all the numbers:

http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html

Dave
s/v ARIEL

 

[higgs]

A Pearson is a Chevy and a Tartan is a Caddilac. this is a no brainer.

 

[John6061]

thanks

everyone has given me some things to consider, that are very important ...I was able to board and look at a pearson 35 and a tartan 37 but i am still interested in the smaller versions...the piper series tartan 28 and the pearson 27 appear to be tender boats...so still interested in the 31's

 

[Slade]

I bareboated a Tartan 37 keel/centerboard for 2 weeks in the Bahama's back in the 90's. Fabulous boat. Able to get into just about anywhere we wanted and recrossing the Stream in 12-15 foot seas was a blast. Boat was rock solid and a great performer. Would take that boat anywhere.

 

[Sandy Stone]

If a Tartan is a Cadillac then a Pearson is at least, well, a Mercury.
But really, in this case I would say the condition of the individual boats matters more than the brand name.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Two things:

1. Check how easy it is to find and pull the oil dipstick on each boat. We had a Beneteau once on a bareboat charter which required one to pull the entire aft cabin apart to get to the dipstick. They are still making boats today...

2. Check the layout and the size of the V berth. If you're gonna sleep up there, one boat may have a bigger one than the other. Don't know the layouts, but usually for smaller boats a "traditional" interior with oppositing setees is preferred over a "dinette" style. The dinette style really kills floor space and "elbow room."

Good luck, both good boats, and I agree that condition makes a huge difference.

 

[kloudie1]

Yeah, I am thinking more like Buick and Pontiac.. They all have issues.. The Tartan 37 I sail on some is a fine sailing boat but had the worst design gooseneck fitting I'd ever seen. We broke it.. I designed a new one that we machined out of a solid block of stainless.. Never broke again.. The head overboard was plumbed to a 1" thru hull from the factory.. Yes, It did plug up ! The sink was too far aft and to starboard and would not drain when underway and heeled.. Yes, she is a solid boat that I would sail on anywhere.. but there are things.. with any boat..