Built between 1979 and 1982, this William Shaw-designed cruiser represents Pearson Yachts' commitment to creating solid, seaworthy vessels for serious coastal and offshore sailing. With its moderate displacement of 9,400 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the Pearson 32 delivers the stability and predictable handling characteristics that made Pearson's reputation during the brand's golden era. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides responsive steering and good upwind performance, while the masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling for shorthanded crews. Shaw's design strikes an appealing balance between comfort and performance, evident in the boat's respectable sail area to displacement ratio of 17.12 and comfortable motion at sea. The fiberglass construction follows Pearson's traditionally robust building standards, contributing to the boat's reputation for durability and longevity. With a capsize screening value of 1.99, this design demonstrates good stability characteristics suitable for coastal cruising and longer offshore passages. The Pearson 32 appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, medium-sized cruiser capable of handling diverse sailing conditions. Its moderate proportions and proven seaworthiness make it particularly attractive to couples or small families planning extended coastal cruising or occasional offshore adventures.
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What is the Pearson 32's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Pearson 32 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.12. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Pearson 32's comfort ratio?
The Pearson 32 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 23.46. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Pearson 32 safe for offshore sailing?
The Pearson 32 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.99. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Pearson 32?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pearson 32 is 6.70 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pearson 32 weigh?
The Pearson 32 has a displacement of 9,400.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 31.75 ft.
How much does a used Pearson 32 cost?
Based on 6 recent market listings, used Pearson 32 sailboats typically sell for between $4,000 and $14,000, with a median asking price of $11,900. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Pearson 32?
The Pearson 32 was designed by William Shaw, first built in 1979.