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Pearson 303
Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Pearson 303

Built during Pearson Yachts' final years from 1983 to 1986, the Pearson 303 represents a thoughtful approach to coastal cruising design by naval architect William Shaw. This 30-foot masthead sloop combines comfortable accommodations with respectable sailing performance, making it well-suited for weekend cruising and extended coastal passages. The hull features a modern fin keel with rudder-on-skeg configuration, providing good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability in tight quarters. Construction quality reflects Pearson's reputation for solid builds, utilizing fiberglass with balsa core bottom sections and solid topsides for an optimal balance of strength and weight savings. With a displacement of 10,100 pounds and 3,500 pounds of ballast, the 303 offers reassuring stability for coastal and near-offshore sailing. The comfort ratio of 24.08 indicates a motion that's relatively easy on crew during longer passages, while the capsize screening value of 2.02 suggests good seaworthiness for its intended cruising role. The boat's 459 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for most conditions, and the 13-horsepower auxiliary engine offers reliable backup propulsion. For sailors seeking a well-built, modestly-sized cruiser with Pearson's traditional construction values, the 303 delivers capable performance in an easily-handled package.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$11,500 – $44,000
typical asking price
Median $12,000  ·  6 listings used
All listings
$11,500 – $44,000 6
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) 30.29 ft / 9.23 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.37 ft / 7.73 m
Beam 10.92 ft / 3.33 m
Max Draft 4.33 ft / 1.32 m
Displacement 10,100.00 lb / 4,581 kg
Ballast 3,500.00 lb / 1,588 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 459.00 ft² / 42.64 m²
Headroom 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FRP w/balsa core bottom/solid topsides
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1983
Last Built 1986
Associations Pearson Yacht Owners Portal
Related Sailboats ["J/92" · "X 95" · "Comet 301" · "Lippincott 30" · "Cc 12 Ton"]
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For
High Hull/Deck
The balsa-cored deck is prone to moisture intrusion around deck hardware, chainplates, and stanchion bases. Once wet, the balsa core loses structural integrity and the affected areas become soft and spongy. Tap-testing the entire deck surface is essential during survey.
Medium Hull/Deck
The hull-to-deck joint on the Pearson 303 uses an inward-turning flange that is bolted and bedded. The bedding compound dries out over time, allowing water intrusion into the joint. Inspect the toerail fasteners and interior joint for signs of weeping or staining.
High Keel
The encapsulated fin keel can develop cracking at the keel-to-hull joint, allowing water intrusion into the keel sump area. Check for rust staining along the keel joint and soft gelcoat, which may indicate water has entered the encapsulated ballast cavity.
High Rigging
The chainplate attachment on the 303 passes through the deck and is prone to leaking, leading to water intrusion into the balsa core and interior cabinetry below. Check for staining on the interior liner directly below the chainplates and inspect the backing plates for corrosion.
Medium Hull/Deck
The molded-in plastic portlights used by Pearson in this era are known to become brittle and craze with UV exposure. Leaking portlights are common and can contribute to core moisture intrusion in the cabin-side areas.
Medium Accommodations
The interior liner is a one-piece molded pan that is glassed into the hull. Gaps between the liner and hull can trap moisture and are inaccessible for inspection or repair, making it difficult to assess structural fastening and any hidden rot or delamination behind the liner.
Medium Engine
The 303 was typically fitted with a Westerbeke 20 or similar small diesel in a tight engine compartment that limits access for routine maintenance. Inspect the motor mounts, which are known to deteriorate and allow the engine to shift, potentially stressing the shaft coupling and cutless bearing.
Medium Electrical
Boats of this era from Pearson often have undersized wiring and aging DC electrical systems. Check for evidence of amateur wiring additions, corroded terminals in the bilge area, and whether the original fuse panel has been properly maintained or updated.

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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
 198
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
 15.77
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 34.65
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 276.13
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
 24.08
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
 2.02
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. 6.75 kn
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
 1.83
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. 989.90 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.76
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 40.40 ft / 12.31 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.40 ft / 4.08 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 34.80 ft / 10.61 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.80 ft / 3.29 m
SA Fore 270.68 ft² / 25.15 m²
SA Main 187.92 ft² / 17.46 m²
SA Total (100%) 458.60 ft² / 42.61 m²
Est. Forestay Length 42.56 ft / 12.97 m
Mast Height (DWL) 44.25 ft / 13.49 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 2GMF
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 13
Fuel Capacity 22 gals / 83 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
How It Compares

vs. Comet 301, Lippincott 30, X 95

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Pearson 303 ★
30.3 ft
Comet 301
30.4 ft
Lippincott 30
30.3 ft
X 95
30.3 ft
LWL
Pearson 303 ★
25.4 ft
Comet 301
22.8 ft
Lippincott 30
25.0 ft
X 95
26.3 ft
Beam
Pearson 303 ★
10.9 ft
Comet 301
9.5 ft
Lippincott 30
10.0 ft
X 95
10.5 ft
Displacement
Pearson 303 ★
10 lbs
Comet 301
7 lbs
Lippincott 30
8 lbs
X 95
6 lbs
Ballast
Pearson 303 ★
3 lbs
Comet 301
2 lbs
Lippincott 30
4 lbs
X 95
3 lbs
Sail Area
Pearson 303 ★
459 sq ft
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
454 sq ft
X 95
450 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Pearson 303 ★
198 s/nm
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
179 s/nm
X 95
147 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Pearson 303 ★
15.8
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
17.4
X 95
20.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Pearson 303 ★
34.7 %
Comet 301
29.8 %
Lippincott 30
—
X 95
47.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Pearson 303 ★
24.1
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
23.3
X 95
16.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Pearson 303 ★
2.02
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
1.96
X 95
2.23
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Pearson 303 ★
276
Comet 301
265
Lippincott 30
—
X 95
165
Hull Speed
Pearson 303 ★
6.8 kts
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
6.7 kts
X 95
6.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Pearson 303 ★
1.8
Comet 301
—
Lippincott 30
2.3
X 95
3.6
Resources & Community
⚓ Class Association Pearson Yachts Portal 💬 Owners Forum Owners Forum & Discussion
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