Design and Construction
The hull is solid fiberglass while the deck is end-grain balsa cored for rigidity, a construction approach Pearson Yachts claimed to have originated to limit water migration within the core anchor. Hull and deck meet on an outward flange, through-bolted and then covered with a plastic rubrail, with an oiled teak toerail topping the flange. That outward-facing flange is a bit ungainly and exposes the flange to damage in a collision, a trade-off against the simplicity of the joint. Inside, molded hull-and-deck liners keep the structure tidy, and the lead keel is externally fastened to the hull. The boat uses a fin keel and spade rudder, with the standard draft at 4 feet 10 inches and a shoal-draft option shortening that to 3 feet 6 inches via an externally fastened cast iron keel.
Rig and Handling
The mast is deck-stepped on a stout stainless steel compression post, with an Isomat spar and factory placement of the traveler on the raised bridgedeck near the boom end. Some owners have moved it to the coachroof in an attempt to open up the cockpit. Deck hardware is a good-quality mix of Harken and Lewmar, and the boat came with Edson pedestal steering. Moderate wetted surface with a fairly flat forefoot and flat sections aft helps the 28-2 achieve good speed downwind anchor. Testers found the wide beam gives form stability that keeps the boat on its feet when the wind pipes up, though the combination is not a great one for light-air sailing; the builder's own claim of sea-kindly motion and a performance cruiser/racer brief align with that profile.
Accommodations
Below, the 28-2 makes a serious argument for privacy and room in a 28-footer. The brochure boasts two full double berths, one forward and the other in a private stateroom in the port aft quarter, with the aft cabin comfortable enough to include a hanging locker and standing room to change clothes. The enclosed head sits further aft than on recent Pearson models, using the wider part of the hull to good advantage, and holds a marine head, sink, and shower. The galley is amidships: main portion to port with a single sink, two-burner alcohol stove, and storage, while a large icebox to starboard has a lid that doubles as the chart table. The saloon has two long settees with a centerline folding table on the compression post, and the cabin sole is traditional teak and holly. Ventilation is average, with a large forward hatch, two small hatches in the head and aft cabin, and a few opening portlights. The after berth is large but loses inboard headroom beneath the cockpit well.
Known Issues
The outward flange and externally fastened keel are the structural soft spots. The flange can be damaged in a collision, and most externally fastened keels are at risk in a grounding; the keel, stub, and bolts are robust but the arrangement is vulnerable in a hard grounding. It is not unusual for these boats to develop a bit of a "smile" at the hull-and-keel joint where the filler and fairing compound can crack. Small deck leaks around the portlights and hatches are known, and the plastic-framed portlights can crack. Hulls without barrier coating could show mild blistering, as with most boats of the era. Above-water plastic through-hull fittings serve the cockpit scuppers and deserve a careful look.
Refits and Ownership
Owners have been active with sensible upgrades. Beyond the traveler relocation, many have swapped the two-bladed fixed prop for a folding prop to gain a bit of speed under sail, and the tester's own boat received a 150-percent genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker to soften the light-air deficit. The standard two-cylinder 15- or 18-horsepower Yanmar diesel sits behind a 16-gallon fuel capacity and drives a 1-inch stainless shaft on a bronze skeg. The cockpit itself is practical, with two long settees, a small port lazarette, and a large starboard sail locker.
The Verdict
The Pearson 28-2 is a Shaw-designed cruiser-racer that trades light-air sparkle for steadiness and volume. Its beamy hull, private aft cabin, and molded liner construction make it a practical small cruiser, while the outward flange and external keel fastening demand inspection discipline. For a couple or small family wanting enclosed berths and a sea-kindly ride, it remains a well-aged choice.
Pros
- Two real double berths including a private aft stateroom with standing room
- Wide-beam form stability keeps the boat upright in a breeze
- Solid fiberglass hull with balsa-cored deck for rigidity
- Practical cockpit with deep sail locker and Edson steering
Cons
- Outward flange and externally fastened keel vulnerable in collision or grounding
- Sluggish feel in light air without genoa/spinnaker upgrades
- Plastic portlights crack; deck leaks and hull blistering possible
- Aft berth headroom limited under the cockpit well
