Pearson 25 Information, Review, Specs

The Pearson 25 embodies the builder's reputation for robust fiberglass construction, even as it hails from a different design lineage than Pearson's more famous Carl Alberg or William Shaw creations. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of accessible sailing characteristics and practical interior volume for its size.

The journey of the Pearson 25 began in 1978, when renowned naval architect Gary Mull designed the boat for Bayliner, where it was introduced as the Buccaneer 250. Gary Mull was known for his design philosophy of creating light displacement boats that were well-built, a characteristic evident in this model. The design then saw production under US Yachts starting in 1981 as the US 25.

Pearson Yachts, a pioneer in fiberglass boatbuilding, acquired the molds for this design, initiating its production as the Pearson 25 around 1986. This period followed Grumman Allied Industries' sale of Pearson Yachts in 1986, a time marked by corporate transitions and the shuffling of molds and trademarks within the marine industry. Pearson Yachts brought its established manufacturing ethos to the model, renowned for building reliable, well-engineered fiberglass sailboats, which was a hallmark of their production throughout their history. The Pearson 25, therefore, represents a later-era offering from the builder, leveraging an already established and popular design.

The hull form features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a modern configuration aimed at enhancing maneuverability. The rig is a masthead sloop, providing a straightforward and effective sail plan.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson 25 exhibits sailing characteristics that align with its design as a lively yet manageable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 17.02, the boat suggests decent performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, making it responsive and enjoyable for recreational sailing.

Its Ballast to Displacement (Ballast/Disp) ratio of about 33.3% indicates a moderate level of stiffness. While it might be somewhat tender in stronger winds, requiring a timely reef, its fin keel and spade rudder contribute significantly to its agility. The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of roughly 170.29 places the Pearson 25 in the lighter to moderate displacement category for its length, reinforcing its performance-oriented character rather than that of a heavy, traditional cruiser. This combination of ratios points to a boat that is "easy and fun to sail." Owners have noted that the fin keel enhances maneuverability, though this typically comes with less directional stability compared to boats with full keels. The Pearson 25 is often considered best suited as a day-boat, highlighting its nimble handling and suitability for shorter outings and casual racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 25-foot length, the Pearson 25, also known through its earlier incarnations like the US 25 and Buccaneer 250, offers a functional and "comfortable cruising accommodations" for its size. The interior boasts a maximum headroom of approximately 5.50 feet, which is commendable for a boat of this class, providing adequate space for occupants to move about.

The layout typically features a V-berth forward, which serves as a sleeping area. A main salon commonly includes convertible dinettes or settees that can provide additional berths. Many versions were available with an optional galley, maximizing the usable space within the cabin. Owners generally find the interior volume to be decent for a 25-foot boat. While specific details on the finish quality rely on the general reputation of Pearson Yachts, which built solid fiberglass hulls and decks, the design aimed for practicality and durability. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout, typical for a boat of this size, to support weekend trips or short coastal cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson 25, and its earlier iterations, often express satisfaction with their boats. Many "were very happy with their boat," noting its "solid construction" – a testament to Pearson's general build quality. The design is frequently praised as "sensible" and "suitable for both day sailing and racing," highlighting its versatility.

The Pearson 25 is noted for offering a level of comfort that is competitive for its class, with one assessment indicating it is "more comfortable than 38% of all similar sailboat designs," positioning its comfort value just below average but still respectable for a compact cruiser. While specific recurring issues are not widely documented for the Pearson 25 or its direct predecessors, the overall sentiment points to a well-regarded boat that provides a good balance of sailing enjoyment and practical living space for its size.