Pearson 303

Description

The Pearson 303 is a fiberglass racer-cruiser designed by William H. "Bill" Shaw for Pearson Yachts, produced from 1982 to 1985 as a compact, high-performance sloop emphasizing agile handling and surprising interior volume in a 30-foot package. Featuring a masthead rig, fin keel (with optional shoal draft), and spade rudder for responsive steering, it balances club racing speed with coastal cruising comfort, sleeping five in a linear layout with a focus on shorthanded ease. Powered by a reliable Yanmar diesel and built with solid hand-laid hulls (balsa-cored decks), it was priced around $40,000 new, appealing to sailors seeking a lively, low-maintenance alternative to heavier cruisers of the era. Bill Shaw, Pearson's veteran designer, created the 303 as an evolution of his Pearson 30 and 323, incorporating IOR-inspired lines for better upwind performance while prioritizing build quality during Pearson's later Grumman-owned years. Debuting in 1982 at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, it targeted the growing one-design and PHRF racing market, with production totaling about 60 units over three years—hand-laid for durability amid the fiberglass industry's maturation. A shoal-draft variant (4.0 ft) was offered for shallow-water access, but no ketch or yawl options existed; the model earned quick acclaim in reviews for its "pocket rocket" feel, though limited output reflected Pearson's shift toward larger boats like the 38. Today, a dedicated fleet thrives via the Pearson Owners Association, with many upgraded for modern racing.