Pearson 424 (ketch rig)

Description

The Pearson 424 Ketch is a legendary fiberglass center-cockpit cruising ketch, renowned for its exceptional seaworthiness, voluminous accommodations, and divided sail plan that simplifies handling in heavy conditions for short-handed crews. Built on a heavy-displacement fin keel hull with a skeg-hung rudder, the ketch rig—featuring a main mast forward and mizzen aft—reduces weather helm and allows progressive reefing, making it a top choice for bluewater passages. With its broad beam and high freeboard, it maximizes liveaboard comfort while delivering a soft, stable motion—often praised as Pearson's "ultimate family cruiser" for its blend of luxury, reliability, and versatility. Introduced in 1975 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Pearson 424 was designed by William H. Shaw as a beamier, more capable evolution of the 365 and 390, responding to demands for greater interior space and offshore forgiveness. Production continued until 1980, with approximately 200 units built across sloop, cutter, and ketch rigs (ketch accounting for ~20-30% of builds, favored by traditionalists). The ketch configuration became standard for many by 1977, paired with reliable Westerbeke diesels. Tank-tested at the David Taylor Model Basin for optimized hull form, it garnered awards like Cruising World's Boat of the Year nod. Pearson's closure in 1991 ended production, but the 424 Ketch remains a staple in circumnavigator fleets, supported by robust owner communities.