I am in the market for a boat and have found two interesting ones: Pearson 323 and an Islander 32. My gut tells me the Pearson is a better built boat, is more "stout," and may be easier to resell. However the Islander has to be the cleanest boat that I have ever seen. Loaded with current electronics and in sail away condition. It is also lot let money. I guess the downside to the Islander is that it has an Atomic four (that looks brand new.) All new hoses, and wiring througout the boat that look professionally done. It also has no pressure water. However, I think at the right price I can add both and still come in less than the Pearson. I figure the Pearson within a short time will need new wiring and an engine overhaul on the original Volvo. It also has limited electronics. Finally, I like the interior layout of the Islander better. So, I have probably just talked myself into the Islander, but I don't know enough about them. By the way, my recent boat was a 1986 C-30. It sailed great and was well laid out, but I thought that the quality was garbage through and through. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Mike
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Mike I'll give you my observations.
pearson was very consistant in their production quality Islander changed models often and on my model cut corners to keep cost down. My boat was old and neglected when I bought it. If the Islander gets a good survey and pleases you otherwise go with that. Both companies built a strong hull. That is all that I can offer without resorting to hearsay opinion.
pearson was very consistant in their production quality Islander changed models often and on my model cut corners to keep cost down. My boat was old and neglected when I bought it. If the Islander gets a good survey and pleases you otherwise go with that. Both companies built a strong hull. That is all that I can offer without resorting to hearsay opinion.
Thanks for the input
Thanks Ross: There are certainly many tradeoffs. Here are some things that I am trying to weigh: Companionway steps -- Islander has just 2 or 3 built into the engine cover The Pearson has many steps that could be trouble in any kind of seas with kids. Engine Access -- Islander looks really good. Pearson, not quite as good Galley -- Islander has more storage, and appears to be more easily modified. Holy cow! Have you seen the cooler in the Pearson? I could live in it!!! Interior space -- Islander seems less crowded and all electronics can be tucked away. Both V-Berths seem to be about the same. Pearson cockpit appears to be larger. Pearson has a shallower draft, so I can hit less rocks!!! Pearson has a longer water line -- theoretically faster. Islander has a shallow bilge which could cause wicking problems in the sole. Islander only has 3/4 inch shaft instead of 1 inch. Is that a problem? Pearson has a really cool looking bowsprit. Do I need it?? Again, I just can't find enough info on the Islander to learn about it's quality. The whole decision may come down to cockpit size. Decisions Decisions! Fairwinds, Mike
Thanks Ross: There are certainly many tradeoffs. Here are some things that I am trying to weigh: Companionway steps -- Islander has just 2 or 3 built into the engine cover The Pearson has many steps that could be trouble in any kind of seas with kids. Engine Access -- Islander looks really good. Pearson, not quite as good Galley -- Islander has more storage, and appears to be more easily modified. Holy cow! Have you seen the cooler in the Pearson? I could live in it!!! Interior space -- Islander seems less crowded and all electronics can be tucked away. Both V-Berths seem to be about the same. Pearson cockpit appears to be larger. Pearson has a shallower draft, so I can hit less rocks!!! Pearson has a longer water line -- theoretically faster. Islander has a shallow bilge which could cause wicking problems in the sole. Islander only has 3/4 inch shaft instead of 1 inch. Is that a problem? Pearson has a really cool looking bowsprit. Do I need it?? Again, I just can't find enough info on the Islander to learn about it's quality. The whole decision may come down to cockpit size. Decisions Decisions! Fairwinds, Mike
An A4 engine is not necessarily a minus either.
Mine is 40 years old and still runs well on my '67 Tartan 27. If it has been well maintained both inside and out it should last a long time. I believe that our boat has a 1" shaft as I suppose bigger is better and straighter. Go to moyermarine.com for everything related to the A4. Pearson may be the brand that has a good reputation but I have seen a picture of Ross' hull and it looks a lot like mine from the bottom. Pearsons have good resale value based on their reputation but a well kept boat is ultimately what you are looking for, especially when selling it. Ross did some extensive modifications to his boat that he is happy with. Are you willing to do the same or similar? No boat is without it's compromises. The other criteria is what you want to do with it. On the LI Sound I would bet that either boat would not be all that different in terms of sailing abilities. Good luck with your dilemma.
Mine is 40 years old and still runs well on my '67 Tartan 27. If it has been well maintained both inside and out it should last a long time. I believe that our boat has a 1" shaft as I suppose bigger is better and straighter. Go to moyermarine.com for everything related to the A4. Pearson may be the brand that has a good reputation but I have seen a picture of Ross' hull and it looks a lot like mine from the bottom. Pearsons have good resale value based on their reputation but a well kept boat is ultimately what you are looking for, especially when selling it. Ross did some extensive modifications to his boat that he is happy with. Are you willing to do the same or similar? No boat is without it's compromises. The other criteria is what you want to do with it. On the LI Sound I would bet that either boat would not be all that different in terms of sailing abilities. Good luck with your dilemma.
My Islander has a 3/4 inch shaft turning a 13x15
inch three blade prop with a 3:1 reduction gear, 7 years no trouble. My bilges are deep but that is a different model. Mine is 1968 I30. Full keel. I made so many changes that it is not posible to compare what I bought with what I have. Ice box size is less important than the thickness of the insulation.
inch three blade prop with a 3:1 reduction gear, 7 years no trouble. My bilges are deep but that is a different model. Mine is 1968 I30. Full keel. I made so many changes that it is not posible to compare what I bought with what I have. Ice box size is less important than the thickness of the insulation.
Robert Perry...
Robert "Bob" Perry designed the Islander 32 and he is one of the legendary yacht designers of our day enough said. IMHO the I-32 is a much better sailing boat than the 323 but the 323 is, very slighlty, better built. At this age though the actual condition tells more of a story.. Having personally owned a Volvo I would not say the A4 is a minus. I would buy the boat with the A4 because any boat I bought that had a Volvo would not have it for long.. Bottom line is they are both decent boats but the SURVEY tells all...
Robert "Bob" Perry designed the Islander 32 and he is one of the legendary yacht designers of our day enough said. IMHO the I-32 is a much better sailing boat than the 323 but the 323 is, very slighlty, better built. At this age though the actual condition tells more of a story.. Having personally owned a Volvo I would not say the A4 is a minus. I would buy the boat with the A4 because any boat I bought that had a Volvo would not have it for long.. Bottom line is they are both decent boats but the SURVEY tells all...
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