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Pearson 33
Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1969
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About the Pearson 33

Built during Pearson Yachts' heyday in the 1970s, this 33-footer represents the Rhode Island builder's commitment to solid fiberglass construction and practical cruising design. Pearson established a strong reputation for creating durable, well-built boats that could handle serious coastal and offshore sailing, and the 33 continues that tradition. The design emphasizes seaworthiness over pure speed, making it an appealing choice for sailors prioritizing safety and comfort during extended passages. Its moderate displacement hull form provides a good balance between performance and stability, while the spacious cockpit and sensible deck layout accommodate both family cruising and single-handed sailing. Like other Pearson models from this era, the 33 features robust construction techniques that have proven their worth over decades of use. The interior typically offers comfortable accommodations for extended cruising, with practical layouts that maximize the available space. While perhaps not the fastest boat in its class, the Pearson 33 has earned respect among cruising sailors for its reliability and seakindly characteristics. These boats have developed a loyal following among sailors who value substance over flashiness, making them solid choices for serious coastal cruising and offshore adventures.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$16,000 – $44,900
typical asking price
Median $27,450  ·  8 listings used
All listings
$16,000 – $44,900 8
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) 32.92 ft / 10.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.80 ft / 7.86 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 7.58 ft / 2.31 m
Displacement 10,930.00 lb / 4,958 kg
Ballast 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1969
Last Built 1975
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
177
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
38.43
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
284.13
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. 5.53 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.67 ft / 3.86 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 492.00 ft² / 45.71 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
Water Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
Resources & Community
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