Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts from 1985 to 1989, this 28-footer represents the company's evolution toward more modern sailing characteristics during the mid-1980s. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and good upwind performance, making it well-suited for both coastal cruising and club racing. With a displacement of 7,000 pounds and ballast of 2,550 pounds, the Pearson 28 2 strikes a balance between stability and performance. The fiberglass construction with balsa core deck provides strength while keeping weight reasonable, contributing to the boat's 6.62-knot hull speed potential. The masthead sloop rig with 384 square feet of sail area offers straightforward sail handling for shorthanded crews. The comfort ratio of 20.13 suggests a boat that prioritizes sailing performance over heavy-weather comfort, while the capsize screening formula of 2.06 indicates good stability characteristics for coastal and nearshore sailing. The SA/displacement ratio of 16.84 places it in moderate performance territory—not a racing flyer, but certainly capable of spirited sailing. This design appeals to sailors seeking a well-built weekend cruiser or day sailor that can handle a variety of conditions while remaining manageable for couples or small crews.
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What is the Pearson 28 2's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Pearson 28 2 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.84. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Pearson 28 2's comfort ratio?
The Pearson 28 2 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 20.13. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Pearson 28 2 safe for offshore sailing?
The Pearson 28 2 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.06. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Pearson 28 2?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pearson 28 2 is 6.62 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pearson 28 2 weigh?
The Pearson 28 2 has a displacement of 7,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.46 ft.
How much does a used Pearson 28 2 cost?
Based on 4 recent market listings, used Pearson 28 2 sailboats typically sell for between $4,000 and $27,500, with a median asking price of $9,175. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Pearson 28 2?
The Pearson 28 2 was designed by William Shaw, first built in 1985.