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Pearson 31
Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Pearson 31

Built during Pearson Yachts' prolific era of fiberglass sailboat production, this 31-footer represents the company's commitment to creating affordable yet seaworthy cruising boats for the growing recreational sailing market. Pearson established itself as a respected builder of solid, no-nonsense sailboats that appealed to sailors seeking reliable coastal cruisers without premium pricing. While detailed specifications remain elusive, the Pearson 31 likely embodies the design philosophy that made the Rhode Island builder successful throughout the 1960s and 1970s. These boats typically featured moderate beam, practical interior layouts, and sturdy construction methods that prioritized durability over racing performance. The hull design would have emphasized comfortable motion and predictable handling characteristics suitable for weekend coastal cruising and occasional longer passages. Pearson's reputation centered on producing boats that offered good value for middle-class sailors entering the cruising lifestyle. Owners of Pearson sailboats often praise their solid feel underfoot and ability to handle various conditions competently, if not spectacularly. For sailors researching vintage fiberglass cruisers, the Pearson 31 would represent an era when American builders focused on creating accessible, dependable boats for the recreational sailing boom.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$22,900 – $26,000
typical asking price
Median $23,000  ·  3 listings used (1 outlier excluded)
All listings
$22,900 – $26,000 3
Rate a listing price
$
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) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 9,400.00 lb / 4,264 kg
Ballast 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1977
Last Built 1981
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
180
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
40.43
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
268.57
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. 5.62 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.80
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.80 ft / 3.60 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 466.00 ft² / 43.29 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 25
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