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Pearson 27
Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Pearson 27

First launched in the mid-1970s, this compact cruiser emerged during Pearson's golden era of fiberglass sailboat manufacturing. Built in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the design reflects the company's commitment to solid construction and practical sailing characteristics that made Pearson a household name among American sailors. With its moderate displacement and sensible proportions, this 27-footer strikes a thoughtful balance between performance and comfort. The boat features Pearson's characteristic quality laminate work and attention to structural integrity, hallmarks that have helped many examples survive decades of sailing with minimal issues. The design incorporates a traditional fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration, providing predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in both novice and experienced sailors. Ideally suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, the boat offers enough interior space for a small crew while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing. The cockpit is well-proportioned for its size, and the cabin provides essential amenities without unnecessary complexity. Like other Pearson designs from this period, the boat has earned a reputation for seaworthiness that exceeds what its modest dimensions might suggest, making it a practical choice for sailors seeking reliable performance without excessive maintenance demands.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$7,500 – $15,500
typical asking price
Median $11,900  ·  7 listings used
All listings
$7,500 – $15,500 7
Rate a listing price
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About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.92 ft / 8.21 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 9.17 ft / 2.80 m
Max Draft 3.33 ft / 1.01 m
Displacement 5,800.00 lb / 2,631 kg
Ballast 2,175.00 lb / 987 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 332.00 ft² / 30.84 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Wing Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts
First Built 1986
Last Built 1991
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
204
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
16.5
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
19.66
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.04
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.36
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.35
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 737.22
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.3
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.3
SA Fore 185.22
SA Main 146.78
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