Coaster 30 (Pearson) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Coaster 30 emerged during a period of significant expansion for Pearson Yachts, a company at the forefront of fiberglass boat production. Founded by cousins Clinton and Everett Pearson, the builder had already established a reputation for innovative designs and strong construction, notably after the success of their Carl Alberg-designed Triton. By the time the Coaster 30 entered production in 1966, William Shaw had joined Pearson as Director of Design and Engineering, and he is credited as the designer of the Coaster 30. The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized durable fiberglass construction, building nearly a boat a day at the height of its production.

Shaw's design philosophy for the Coaster 30 aimed to combine "generous beam with long lean run", resulting in a hull that was both fast and rugged. The boat was specifically designed as a MORC (Midget Ocean Racing Club) racer-auxiliary, featuring a long waterline for optimal racing ability and achieving a MORC rating of 23.3. The Coaster 30 was primarily offered as a masthead sloop but was also available with a yawl rig. Its underwater profile features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a more modern configuration for the time that offered improved performance and maneuverability compared to older designs with full keels and keel-hung rudders.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson Coaster 30's design ratios provide insight into her sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.15, the Coaster 30 is moderately powered, suggesting a balanced performance across various wind conditions, though she may require more wind to excel than higher-performance designs. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at about 0.368 (36.8%), indicating a solid, but not exceptionally stiff, boat that offers a comfortable motion in a seaway without being overly tender. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 337.45 categorizes her as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability and comfort over outright light-air speed.

Owners frequently praise the Coaster 30's "sailing ability and motion comfort," noting that her hull shape was an improvement over some contemporary designs like the Alberg 30 or Pearson Vanguard. Her fin keel and spade rudder contribute to better handling and less weather helm compared to older, full-keeled designs. However, despite her racer-cruiser aspirations, owners generally consider the Coaster 30 more suited for coastal cruising rather than offshore passages. Many owners find that the boat performs optimally and comfortably when reefed around 12 knots of wind.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the Pearson Coaster 30's 9.33-foot beam suggests a reasonably spacious interior for a 30-foot boat of her era. Interior layouts typically feature a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would commonly include settees that double as berths, often with a convertible dinette. A compact galley area, likely with a sink, icebox, and a stove, would be positioned aft, often opposite a quarter berth or navigation station.

Consistent with Pearson's construction practices during the 1960s, the interior of the Coaster 30 would typically feature plywood bulkheads, sometimes faced with Formica. While not luxurious by modern standards, the finish was generally practical and durable, designed for ease of maintenance. Storage would consist of lockers, shelves, and under-berth compartments. Ventilation would likely be provided by opening ports and a deck hatch, common features on boats of this vintage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson Coaster 30 generally appreciate the boat's solid fiberglass construction, particularly below the waterline, which often boasts a seven-ply layup yielding a substantial average bottom thickness. This robust build contributes to a sense of security and durability, a hallmark of Pearson yachts. Many owners commend its sailing characteristics, finding it a capable and enjoyable boat for coastal and club racing, as well as comfortable daysailing and weekend cruising.

Common points raised by owners often relate to the age of the vessel, such as the need for updates to original systems like electrical wiring or plumbing. While the hull is known for its strength, older deck fittings may require re-bedding to prevent leaks, a common maintenance item for boats of this vintage. Some owners, while enjoying her coastal capabilities, emphasize that the Coaster 30 is not ideally suited for serious offshore endeavors.