PEARSON 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.79 ft |
| LWL | 25 ft |
| Beam | 9.5 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 8,320 lb |
| Ballast | 3,560.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.67 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.83 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 461.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 247.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 420 sq ft |
Engine
| Universal | Atomic 430 hpSee all 6 parts → |
| Yanmar | 3GM30F27 hpSee all 31 parts → |
| Universal | M-2520 hpSee all 12 parts → |
| Volvo Penta | 200218 hpSee all 17 parts → |
About the PEARSON 30
In production for nearly 10 years, with more than 1000 built, this was one of Pearson's most successful models. The designer, Bill Shaw, owned a Pearson 30 for a number of years. Early models had Palmer inboards.
Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts (USA) from 1971–1981, the Pearson 30 is a classic masthead sloop with 1000 hulls produced. It is known for its comfortable interior and solid construction, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding deck core moisture and structural integrity at the mast step.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over high-performance racing. It is well-suited for couples or small families seeking a manageable, full-keel design for protected waters and moderate offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 8320.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.88, the Pearson 30 is considered capable for coastal and nearshore cruising, though its fin keel and moderate ballast ratio suggest caution in extreme offshore conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 30 and O'Day 302, which share similar beam, displacement, and full-keel characteristics from the same era. These vessels offer similar cabin layouts and cruising comfort, making them direct competitors for buyers seeking a reliable, non-racing cruiser.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 75° | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.1 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
| 135° | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
| 150° | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.1 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.6 |
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
53 listings · boat years 1970–1981 · median $9,200
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 29.79ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
31 reported issues across 9 systems for the PEARSON 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a PEARSON 30? 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 31 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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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the PEARSON 30
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