Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts from 1971 to 1981, this popular 30-footer represents solid American boatbuilding from sailing's golden era. With 1,000 hulls produced over its decade-long run, the Pearson 30 earned a reputation as a capable coastal cruiser that balances performance with comfort. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling and good upwind ability, while the masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling for shorthanded crews. At 8,320 pounds displacement with 3,560 pounds of ballast, she carries enough weight for stability in offshore conditions yet remains manageable for weekend sailing. The fiberglass construction features a balsa-cored deck, typical of quality boats from this period. With a comfort ratio of 24.25, the Pearson 30 leans toward the performance end of the cruising spectrum, making her well-suited for spirited coastal sailing and short offshore passages. Her capsize screening formula of 1.88 indicates good stability characteristics for ocean work. The 445 square feet of sail area provides adequate power in light to moderate conditions, while her hull speed of 6.70 knots offers respectable passage-making potential for weekend cruising and club racing.
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