BoatsPearson Yachts 23C

Pearson Yachts 23C

Cat (unstayed) · Fin w/transom Hung Rudder · 1983–1985

A William Shaw-designed daysailer featuring an unstayed cat rig for simplified handling and a clean deck layout

Designed by William H. Shaw.

LOA
Beam
Draft (max)
Displacement
Ballast
Hull type
Fin w/transom Hung Rudder

Is it for you?

Character

Where this design lands on the numbers a shopper trusts — read straight from her own ratios.

TrailerableBeam 2.44 m — inside the 2.55 m no-permit tow width across most of Europe, and the 2.59 m US and Canadian limit. About 1,361 kg of hull, so roughly 1,950 kg on a trailer: check that against your own towing rating.
LivelySea-kindly

Her light displacement on a moderate beam gives 14 — a quick, lively motion that feels every wave.

Comfort ratio 14
CoastalBluewater

2.22 — right around the 2.0 line, the edge between coastal and offshore.

Capsize screening 2.22
LightHeavy

167 — light for her waterline, so she is easily driven and quick to accelerate.

Displacement / length 167
EasygoingPowered-up

16.2 — moderate power for her weight; steady, all-round performance.

Sail area / displacement 16.2
TenderStiff

40% of her weight is ballast — moderately stiff, a middle-of-the-road stability.

Ballast 40%

Light and lively — happiest day-sailing and coastal-hopping in settled weather.

The record

Full specifications

The complete reference set — tap any figure to switch between metric and imperial.

Dimensions
Weights
Ballast / displacement
40.0%
Rig & sail area
Rig
Cat (unstayed)
Ratios
SA / displacement
16.2
Displacement / length
167.4
Comfort ratio
13.9
Capsize screening
2.22
Hull speed
6.0 kn
Pounds / inch immersion
572
Hull
Hull type
Fin w/transom hung rudder
Construction
Fiberglass
Ballast type
Lead
Production
Years built
1983–1985
Designer
William H. Shaw
Builder
Pearson Yachts

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J Boats Tillotson Pearson J/247.32 mSame hull family0.3 m longerA legendary Rodney Johnstone design that defined the modern one-design racer with its high sail-area-to-displacement ratio
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Dehler Yachts 25CR7.50 mSame hull family0.5 m longerA Van de Stadt-designed fractional sloop with a high sail area-to-displacement ratio built for spirited performance
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 24.27.30 mSame hull family0.3 m longerA Jacques Fauroux-designed fractional sloop built for coastal cruising with a stable fin-and-bulb keel
Maxi Yachts 777.70 mSame hull family0.7 m longerThe most popular model in the builder's history, offering both inboard and outboard engine options for versatile cruising

The family

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