Pearson 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Pearson 23 emerged during a period when Pearson Yachts, under the design leadership of William Shaw, was continuing its tradition of building robust and reliable fiberglass sailboats. Shaw, who became Chief Naval Architect in 1964, evolved Pearson's design philosophy, moving towards boats with fin keels and spade rudders for improved performance and maneuverability, while maintaining the company's reputation for strong construction. The Pearson 23's production run was relatively short, from 1978 to 1981, with 42 units built.

Notably, the Pearson 23 was available with different keel configurations: a keel/centerboard option or a fixed fin keel. The fin keel version offered a draft of 4 feet (1.22 meters), while the keel/centerboard variant allowed for a minimum draft of 2.33 feet, expanding its versatility for shallow water cruising and trailering. A related model, the Pearson 23C, was also designed by William Shaw and featured a free-standing cat rig, though its production started later, in 1983.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson 23, with its masthead sloop rig and a total calculated sail area of approximately 229 square feet, is designed for enjoyable cruising. While a direct quantitative interpretation of performance ratios for boats under 30 feet can be less indicative, its displacement of 3,500 lbs suggests a solid build for its size. Owners generally describe the Pearson 23 as a very solid boat on the water, albeit heavier than some other boats in its class. It may not carry as much sail area as some lighter competitors, but it is not considered a slow boat. The boat's available keel/centerboard configuration provides flexibility, allowing for a deeper draft for better upwind performance when the board is down and a shallow draft for exploring skinny waters or easier trailering. For propulsion in and out of harbors, the design is typically fitted with a small outboard motor, ranging from 3 to 6 horsepower.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Pearson 23 was designed to offer practical accommodations suitable for weekend cruising. The interior layout typically provides sleeping arrangements for four individuals. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design focuses on making the most of the available space. Common interior arrangements for boats of this size often include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and a compact salon with settees that can convert into additional berths. Based on Pearson's reputation for quality in its larger vessels, it's reasonable to expect a sensible and well-engineered interior, utilizing fiberglass effectively with functional finishes. The emphasis for boats of this era and builder would have been on durable materials and a practical design for its intended use as a cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson 23 often praise its solid construction, a hallmark of Pearson Yachts' fiberglass production. The boat's robust build contributes to a feeling of security on the water. When considering a Pearson 23, a frequently mentioned point is to thoroughly inspect the swing keel mechanism, ensuring it is in good working order, as this can be a point of maintenance given its age and design. While the Pearson 23C, a cat-rigged variant, has been noted for its ease of single-handed sailing, some owners find its upwind performance to be a downside. For the sloop version, owners appreciate its stability and general handling characteristics for a boat of its size. Some owners have noted that the original deck fittings on older Pearson models can be prone to leaks, potentially requiring re-bedding over time, a common issue for many boats of this vintage.