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Pearson 30 Sailboat Review
5 August 2024 · 11 min · 27K views
What this video covers
The Pearson 30, a Bill Shaw-designed fin-keel sloop produced between 1971 and 1981, remains a capable club racer and coastal cruiser with a reputation for solid construction.2:05 Built in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the boat features a hand-laid fiberglass hull with a seven-ply layup below the waterline and a balsa-core deck.2:13 The hull-to-deck joint uses a chemical bond reinforced with stainless steel screws.5:11 While the boat performs well in PHRF racing, it is tender and sensitive to sail trim, often burying the rail in 15 knots of apparent wind.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 Owners should prioritize inspecting the deck for soft spots, particularly around the mast step and Genoa turning blocks.11:15 The Pearson 30 offers a balance of performance and interior volume, making it a viable entry-level racer-cruiser for those prepared to address aging hardware and core integrity.
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