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62data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this PEARSON 27 buyer’s report
PEARSON 27

PEARSON 27

Pearson Yachts🇺🇸· Design: William Shaw
$14,977 avg$5,000 – $27,500 (18 listings)1986–1991
$1.1K – $2.8K est. annual maintenance
Coastal CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin
Pearson Yacht Owners Portal

Specifications

Hull

LOA26.92 ft
LWL22.5 ft
Beam9.17 ft
Draft3.33 ft
Displacement5,800 lb
Ballast2,175 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.4 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height34.3 ft
Jforetriangle base10.8 ft
Pmainsail luff28.5 ft
Emainsail foot10.3 ft
FLforestay10.8 ft
Mainsail343.7 sq ft
Jib (100%)185.2 sq ft
Spinnaker314.9 sq ft

Engine

CommonlyAtomic 4

About the PEARSON 27

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts (USA) from 1986–1991, the Pearson 27 is a compact masthead sloop with a displacement of 5800.0 lb. While the exact hulls built count is unspecified, the model is recognized for its efficient 22.5 ft LWL and 9.17 ft beam, offering a stable platform with a comfort ratio of 19.66.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, trailerable package, as well as single-handers who benefit from the straightforward masthead sloop rig and moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.5.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.04 and a D/L ratio of 227.32, the Pearson 27 is primarily suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages, though its fin keel and moderate draft of 3.33 ft provide adequate stability for nearshore adventures.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Pearson 28 and O'Day 27, which share similar production eras, displacement ranges, and coastal cruising roles, though the Pearson 27 distinguishes itself with a slightly lighter displacement and Shaw's specific hull form.

Performance

Comfort19.7
Capsize2.04
SA/Disp16.5
Disp/Len227
Bal/Disp37.5

Estimated Value

Medium Confidence
Based on 17 listings
Low
$9,060
Estimated Value
$11,325
High
$13,212
Boats sell for ~0% below asking price (based on 2 actual sales) · Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

21 listings · boat years 19831991 · median $15,000

$0$10k$20k$30kmedian $15,000198519901990 27 · $18,500 · AR, US1989 Pearson 27 · $8,000 · Illinois, US1989 Pearson Pearson 27 · $9,900 · Ohio, US1987 Pearson 27 · $17,500 · Virginia, US1990 PEARSON 27 · $14,500 · Rhode Island, US1988 Pearson 27 · $19,000 · Louisiana, US1988 Pearson Pearson 27 · $13,000 · New York, US1987 Pearson 27 · $14,500 · Maryland, US1983 Pearson 27 · $17,500 · Maryland, US1989 Pearson Pearson 27 · $23,000 · Florida, US1989 Pearson 27 · $11,800 · Maryland, US1989 Pearson 27 · $7,500 · North Carolina, US1988 Pearson SL 27 · $14,260 · Texas, US1987 Pearson 27SL · $15,625 · Texas, US1988 Pearson 27 · $17,900 · Texas, US1987 Pearson 27 · $15,000 · New Jersey, US1991 PEARSON 27 · $15,000 · Florida, US1988 Pearson 27 · $27,500 · California, US1987 Pearson 27 · $12,000 · Tennessee, US1990 27 · $5,000 · NY, US1990 Pearson pearson 27 · $18,500 · ARAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 26.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.1K – $2.8K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

11 reported issues across 5 systems for the PEARSON 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical3 major6 minor
Engine3Structural3Rudder2Keel2Deck1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a PEARSON 27? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 11 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your PEARSON 27?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Atomic 4, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the PEARSON 27

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