Pearson 33

[Gansett]

Anyone cruising on a Pearson 33?

I am looking at a 1975. Other than a terribly outdated interior, it appears to be sound boat. Looking for a safe, solid, well-built cruiser with a tight budget. No frills. Keep it simple.

General cruising performance and seaworthiness information would be a big help. There is not a great deal of info on the web. Or, any other options along the same lines for less than 30k.

[PaulK]

Try looking for a copy of Practical Sailor's Used Boat Buyer's Guide for information on this design. The P33 looks nice; there's one sailing from a harbor near us. Don't know how they sail; they race in a different division from us. One caveat- formica in a boat that old may be covering over deteriorating wood. Any moisture that might get into the wood can't get out through the formica, and rot results. I saw a similar vintage P36 with formica'd bulkheads. The plywood bulkheads had essentially completely disintegrated in between the formica, leaving chainplates attached to just two skinny pieces of plastic. The seller hadn't realized it. It took a competent surveyor to find this out. (The boat sold anyway, for about $10k less than the originally agreed price - it was a nice boat, other than for that.)
Check out items like that, and then think how good she'll look with new cushions.

[Gansett]

Thanks for the tip. I believe the chainplates are glassed into the hull rather than to the bulkhead. Overall, the boat looks and sounds very dry. All deck gear does need to be rebedded though.

Having a sound hull makes it easy to overlook old cushions.

[jnhking]

Are you still on the lookout for a Pearson 33?
I just bought a Pearson 33 from 1970 that's in great shape. It was owned by a sailmaker since 1975, sailed in fresh water only and well cherished. Unfortunately, I am inexperienced and do not have the time for it. The boat deserves someone who knows what they're doing and can appreciate it properly. It comes with fabulous sails.
We are on Lake Ontario west of Rochester, NY.
Let me know if you're interested, or if you know someone who is. We're prepared to make a very sweet deal.
My email is rjking122@earthlink.net.