What the fleet has seen
The Pearson Yachts 30, as the fleet has seen it
Derived from the videos the fleet has analysed of this model. ▶ marks open the moment aboard.
The Pearson Yachts 30 is a 9.1-meter (30-foot) masthead sloop designed by William H. Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts from 1971 to 1981, with over 1,000 units produced.2:28 This fin-keel sloop, displacing 3773 kg, was one of Pearson's most successful models and is considered a capable club racer and coastal cruiser.2:36 Its hand-laid fiberglass hull features a seven-ply layup below the waterline and a balsa-cored deck, with the hull-to-deck joint chemically bonded and reinforced with stainless steel screws.5:06 The Pearson 30 performs well in PHRF racing but is tender, often burying the rail in 15 knots of apparent wind, and is sensitive to sail trim.8:08 Common maintenance issues include wear in the Delrin rudder bushings, potential deck core rot from leaking hardware, and the need to replace factory gate valves with proper through-hulls.5:43 Aboard *Practical Sailor*, the Pearson 30 is noted for its solid construction, but owners should inspect for soft spots on the deck, especially around the mast step and Genoa turning blocks.11:06 Many early models with Palmer inboards or Atomic 4 gasoline engines require repowering with a diesel.3:32
