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Sailboat Specifications

Pearson 10M

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by William Shaw · Built by Pearson Yachts (Usa) · First built 1973

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LOA 33.04 ft  ·  Beam 11.00 ft  ·  Displacement 12,441.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 524.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Pearson 10M Sailboat

Built during Pearson Yachts' golden era from 1973 to 1981, this William Shaw-designed 33-footer represents classic American cruising sailboat design with 230 hulls launched. The moderate displacement hull features a traditional fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, providing excellent directional stability and balanced helm characteristics that made Pearson boats beloved by cruising sailors. With a masthead sloop rig and generous sail area, the 10M delivers respectable performance while maintaining the forgiving sailing characteristics Pearson was known for. The fiberglass construction with balsa-cored deck offers a good strength-to-weight ratio, while the substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to impressive stability and seaworthiness. The boat's moderate beam and draft make it suitable for most East Coast harbors while providing enough interior volume for comfortable cruising. Her conservative design philosophy prioritizes safety and ease of handling over outright speed, making this an excellent choice for coastal cruising and intermediate offshore passages. The 10M's reputation for solid construction and predictable handling has kept these boats popular in the used market, particularly among sailors seeking a traditional American cruiser with proven blue-water capabilities and reasonable maintenance requirements.

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The balsa-cored deck is prone to water intrusion around chainplates, stanchion bases, and deck hardware. Once saturated, the balsa core loses structural integrity and widespread soft spots develop, requiring costly core replacement.
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The encapsulated or externally bolted fin keel on early production boats used mild steel keel bolts that are susceptible to corrosion. Rusty staining in the bilge near the keel sump is a warning sign and bolts should be inspected or replaced.
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Chainplate knees and backing plates on this model are glassed into the hull liner, making direct inspection difficult. Chainplate-to-deck interface is a known water entry point and the underlying structure can be significantly deteriorated before external signs appear.
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Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$5,000 – $9,999
typical asking price
Median $7,500  ·  3 listings used
All listings
$5,000 – $9,999 3
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 33.04 ft / 10.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.33 ft / 8.63 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Displacement 12,441.00 lb / 5,643 kg
Ballast 5,445.00 lb / 2,470 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 524.00 ft² / 48.68 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa cored deck
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1973
Last Built 1981
Number Built 230
Associations Pearson 10M
Owner Reviews

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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Model Atomic 4
Engine Type Gas
Fuel Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pearson 10M's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Pearson 10M has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.67. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Pearson 10M's comfort ratio?

The Pearson 10M has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 26.52. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Pearson 10M safe for offshore sailing?

The Pearson 10M has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.9. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Pearson 10M?

The theoretical hull speed of the Pearson 10M is 7.13 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Pearson 10M weigh?

The Pearson 10M has a displacement of 12,441.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 33.04 ft.

How much does a used Pearson 10M cost?

Based on 3 recent market listings, used Pearson 10M sailboats typically sell for between $5,000 and $9,999, with a median asking price of $7,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Pearson 10M?

The Pearson 10M was designed by William Shaw, first built in 1973.