Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts from 1978 to 1981, this compact sloop represents a thoughtful approach to small boat cruising during the height of the fiberglass boat boom. With only 42 hulls produced during its brief three-year production run, the Pearson 23 remains a relatively rare find on the used boat market. The boat's masthead sloop rig and modest 238 square feet of sail area make it well-suited for coastal cruising and day sailing, particularly for sailors seeking a manageable vessel that doesn't require a large crew. The keel/centerboard configuration offers versatility, allowing access to shallow anchorages while maintaining the stability benefits of a fixed ballast system with 1,300 pounds of ballast in the 3,500-pound displacement. Notable for its comfortable motion in a seaway, the Pearson 23 delivers a comfort ratio of 16.27, suggesting pleasant sailing characteristics for extended periods aboard. The capsize screening value of 2.11 indicates reasonable stability for coastal adventures, though the design is best suited for protected waters and near-shore sailing rather than offshore passages. Shaw's design emphasizes practicality and seaworthiness over speed, making this an appealing choice for sailors prioritizing comfort and safety in a trailerable package.
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What is the Pearson 23's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Pearson 23 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.56. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Pearson 23's comfort ratio?
The Pearson 23 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 16.27. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Pearson 23 safe for offshore sailing?
The Pearson 23 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.11. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Pearson 23?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pearson 23 is 5.99 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pearson 23 weigh?
The Pearson 23 has a displacement of 3,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.00 ft.
How much does a used Pearson 23 cost?
Based on 5 recent market listings, used Pearson 23 sailboats typically sell for between $3,500 and $4,300, with a median asking price of $3,800. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Pearson 23?
The Pearson 23 was designed by William Shaw, first built in 1978.