Calling all sailer: I am looking to sell my pearson 28 1977, which i had great fun with over the years. But now i am looking to move up a step, The boats i am finding in the size and price range tend to be as follows: Pearson 33, Irwin 34, Ericson 35, Peterson 34. What i need to know from someone, is out of these 4 makes who is the better boat builder? And who should i stay way from? What should i look for in different makers? And any other information someone may have. Thank you for your time Bill
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Bill, how much are you selling your Pearson for??? I have a freind looking for a bigger boat (he currently has a catalina 22)
Bill, how much are you selling your Pearson for??? I have a freind looking for a bigger boat (he currently has a catalina 22)
I also have a P28
Mine is a 1976(#117). Make sure you sail these bigger boats before you buy one. Personally I hate helms and would much prefer a tiller. Unfortunately I am limited in my selection for moving up if I want to stay with a tiller. I do like the interior of the late model Pearson 33s though. Fast too. As for build quality, it can also depend on the year the boat was built. Pearson is certainly known for a high quality hull but I believe the 70s boats are tougher than the later hulls. They just simply did not fully understand fiberglass technology to the point that they could make it thinner without worrying about strength. The gelcoats were better in the 70s also. Tim R
Mine is a 1976(#117). Make sure you sail these bigger boats before you buy one. Personally I hate helms and would much prefer a tiller. Unfortunately I am limited in my selection for moving up if I want to stay with a tiller. I do like the interior of the late model Pearson 33s though. Fast too. As for build quality, it can also depend on the year the boat was built. Pearson is certainly known for a high quality hull but I believe the 70s boats are tougher than the later hulls. They just simply did not fully understand fiberglass technology to the point that they could make it thinner without worrying about strength. The gelcoats were better in the 70s also. Tim R
3 High quality Picks
The Pearson 33 was built by TPI the quality builder that builds J boats, Freedoms and others. Some of the Pearson parts were economy but they otherwise are sound boats. The Ericson is of similar quality. A particular feature of Ericsons is only one skin. No balsa core. So, they are a little heavier. Like the P-33, they heel quickly to 15 degrees then settle down. The Irwin was a price boat and had some construction complaints. Look for how the side stays are grounded, water stains around port holes, stuffing box and mold in cabin. Of the 4, you can pick up an Irwin for the lowest price and one may do well for you if you do not have heavy weather or blue water sailing. The Peterson is another quality boat. Not as many but a good sailor especially in open water. Also, check out the Irwin 35 and the Pearson 34 (faster but more tender than the 33).
The Pearson 33 was built by TPI the quality builder that builds J boats, Freedoms and others. Some of the Pearson parts were economy but they otherwise are sound boats. The Ericson is of similar quality. A particular feature of Ericsons is only one skin. No balsa core. So, they are a little heavier. Like the P-33, they heel quickly to 15 degrees then settle down. The Irwin was a price boat and had some construction complaints. Look for how the side stays are grounded, water stains around port holes, stuffing box and mold in cabin. Of the 4, you can pick up an Irwin for the lowest price and one may do well for you if you do not have heavy weather or blue water sailing. The Peterson is another quality boat. Not as many but a good sailor especially in open water. Also, check out the Irwin 35 and the Pearson 34 (faster but more tender than the 33).
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