Pearson 424 Ketch Information, Review, Specs

The Pearson 424 Ketch was in production from 1981 to 1985, emerging from an era where Pearson Yachts, under the leadership of Chief Naval Architect William Shaw, was expanding its line to include larger and more sophisticated cruising boats. Shaw's design philosophy for cruising vessels emphasized practicality and simplicity, moving towards modern configurations like fin keels and spade rudders for improved performance and maneuverability.

Notably, the 424 Ketch shares its hull with the center-cockpit Pearson 422, both having evolved from earlier successful Pearson designs, the 390 and 419. It was introduced as a larger sibling to the popular Pearson 365, another William Shaw design. Throughout its production run, the Pearson 424 was offered with various rig options, including sloop, cutter, or ketch, though the ketch rig proved particularly popular for its ease of handling, especially for those seeking to simplify sail management. This split sail plan, featuring a mainsail and a mizzen, was marketed by Pearson specifically for older sailors and short-handed sailing, highlighting the builder's focus on accessibility and comfort for a wide range of mariners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson 424 Ketch is characterized by a design prioritizing comfort and stability over outright speed, consistent with its role as a dedicated cruiser. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.13, the 424 offers respectable, though not exhilarating, sailing performance, often likened to that of a 32-foot vessel. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.36, contributes to a moderately stiff and stable motion, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze.

However, it is her displacement to length ratio of approximately 550.26 that truly defines her character as a heavy, traditional cruiser, ensuring a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners frequently commend the ketch rig for its manageability, often finding that the boat sails effectively with just the furling genoa and mizzen, making it well-suited for short-handed operation. Beyond sail, the Pearson 424 exhibits excellent acceleration under power and maintains a smooth ride at all speeds above idle.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Pearson 424 Ketch is designed for genuine cruising, providing spacious living areas suitable for liveaboard comfort. As an aft cockpit design, the layout typically features an aft stateroom, a desirable configuration for privacy and comfort. While specific headroom figures vary, the overall impression is one of generous volume, contributing to its suitability for extended stays aboard.

Interior arrangements commonly include a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a spacious salon, and a functional galley. The quality of finish generally reflects Pearson's reputation for solid construction, often featuring robust fiberglass moldings complemented by warm wood trim. Ample storage is typically found throughout the boat, catering to the needs of cruisers, and ventilation is usually provided by a combination of opening ports and overhead hatches. Reviewers and owners often praise the thought put into creating a livable space, a hallmark of Pearson's later cruising designs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson 424 Ketch frequently praise its robust construction and comfortable motion, particularly in rougher seas, aligning with Pearson's legacy of building reliable fiberglass yachts. The ketch rig is consistently highlighted as a major strength, celebrated for its versatility and ease of handling, especially for single-handed or short-handed sailing. Many owners appreciate the genuine cruising accommodations, finding the interior spacious and well-suited for extended periods aboard.

However, common maintenance considerations for these classic vessels, as noted by owners, include the potential for original deck fittings and hatches to develop leaks over time, often attributed to the use of silicone sealants that degrade. Additionally, issues such as bent propeller shafts from lines fouling the prop are occasionally reported, underscoring the importance of routine inspection and maintenance in older boats. Despite these typical age-related concerns, the active and supportive Pearson 424 owner community ensures that knowledge and solutions are readily shared, helping to preserve the legacy of these enduring cruising yachts.