Pierce Arrow 18 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Pierce Arrow 18 entered production in 1982 and was built until 1985 by Freedom Yachts Ltd. in Rockford, Illinois. Mark Leonard, the boat's designer, along with his brother Matthew, were instrumental in its creation, building the initial plugs and molds for the design. Following the original production run, Matthew Leonard acquired a set of parts from Mark and subsequently built boats of the same design under the name Preston Yachts, located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, from 1987 to 1990, marketing them as the Preston 19. This dual production highlights the enduring appeal and functional design of Leonard's vision. The Pierce Arrow 18 was specifically designed as a pocket cruiser, emphasizing ease of transport and use for its owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With an overall length of 18.58 feet and a waterline length of 16.67 feet, the Pierce Arrow 18 is a light sailboat designed for high performance. Its fractional sloop rig features smaller headsails, which facilitate easier tacking, a notable advantage for cruising sailors. The boat weighs 1,100 pounds with 400 pounds of ballast, contributing to its reported stiffness and stability on the water. A key feature of its design is the lifting keel, allowing for a minimum draft of just 0.75 feet for easy beaching or shallow water access, which can be extended to a maximum draft of 4.0 feet for improved upwind performance. While praised for its stability, it is noted to have a low righting capability if capsized, a characteristic common among lighter, performance-oriented small craft.

Accommodations and Layout

As a pocket cruiser, the Pierce Arrow 18 prioritizes efficient use of its compact interior. While specific detailed layouts are not widely documented, similar sailboats of its class typically feature a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small main cabin area that might include basic seating, and possibly space for a portable head or minimal galley facilities. The design is noted for a "significantly more spacy hull design" for its class, suggesting a focus on maximizing internal volume within its 8-foot beam. [4, Given its intended use as a trailerable vessel, the interior would likely be functional and straightforward, favoring simplicity and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive consolidated owner reviews detailing common strengths and weaknesses are not readily available through general search, online forums specific to the Pierce Arrow 18 and Preston 19 indicate an active community of owners and enthusiasts. These platforms often serve as a resource for discussions on maintenance, modifications, and shared experiences, underscoring the enduring appeal of this Mark Leonard design.