PEARSON 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.92 ft |
| LWL | 25.8 ft |
| Beam | 10 ft |
| Draft | 7.58 ft/ 4 ft min |
| Displacement | 10,930 lb |
| Ballast | 4,200.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 40.42 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.67 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 35 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 511.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 256.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 435.3 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 2GM20F18 hpSee all 35 parts → |
About the PEARSON 33
Thanks to Jim Ruland, Dan Pfeiffer, and Andrew Griswold for providing additional images.
Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts (USA) from 1969–1975, the Pearson 33 is a classic masthead sloop known for its robust construction and comfortable interior. With a displacement of 10930.0 lb and a beam of 10.0 ft, it offers a stable platform that has remained popular among owners for decades, though specific hull counts are not definitively recorded in the source data.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling, as evidenced by the high frequency of dodger, bimini, and davit installations for extended stays. Its moderate performance ratios make it less ideal for competitive racing but excellent for relaxed, family-oriented cruising.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.81 and a comfort ratio of 28.15, the Pearson 33 demonstrates solid offshore stability, though its full/long keel design prioritizes tracking and safety over speed. The prevalence of watermaker, solar, and wind generator installations suggests a significant portion of the fleet is equipped for extended bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 34 and O'Day 32, which share similar production eras, displacement ranges, and full-keel designs. These vessels offer similar interior volumes and cruising characteristics, making them direct alternatives for buyers seeking a 30-35 foot classic cruiser.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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° | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| 75° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 90° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 110° | 5.0 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| 120° | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.1 |
| 135° | 4.4 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.9 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 |
| Beat VMG | 3.1 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
10 listings · boat years 1970–1975 · median $13,000
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 32.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
29 reported issues across 9 systems for the PEARSON 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a PEARSON 33? 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 29 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 33
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