Pearson Coaster
Description
The Pearson Coaster is a timeless fiberglass auxiliary sailboat designed for coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages, available in sloop or yawl configurations. With its heavy-displacement fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, it provides a stable, sea-kindly platform emphasizing comfort and ease of handling for small crews. Known for its generous freeboard, classic lines, and surprisingly roomy interior, the Coaster blends traditional aesthetics with Pearson's robust construction—ideal for families or retirees seeking a reliable "pocket bluewater" boat under 30 feet. Designed by William H. Shaw and launched in 1966 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Coaster targeted budget-conscious sailors wanting a versatile cruiser with daysailer qualities. Production ended in 1970, with about 100-150 units built (sloop and yawl rigs), reflecting its solid but niche appeal in the fiberglass boom era. The Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine was standard, with diesel upgrades optional. Tank-tested for balance, it was marketed as a "coastal coaster" for relaxed voyages, influencing Shaw's later designs like the 35. A proposed "Gypsy 30" variant was advertised but never produced. Pearson closed in 1991, but the Coaster thrives in owner fleets, with many Atomic 4s repowered for modern use.
Construction Details
| Designer | William H. "Bill" Shaw |
|---|---|
| Builder | Pearson Yachts |
| Length | 30.000 ft |
| LOA | 30.000 ft |
| LWL | 23.250 ft |
| Beam | 9.330 ft |
| Displacement | 9500 lb |
| Ballast | 3500 lb |
| Max Draft | 4.580 ft |
| Year Built | 1966 |
The standard boat dimensions
| i | 36 ft |
|---|---|
| j | 11.33 ft |
| p | 31 ft |
| e | 14 ft |
| p2 | - |
| e2 | - |
| i2 | - |
| j2 | - |
| I | J | P | E | P2 | E2 | I2 | J2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 ft | 11.33 ft | 31 ft | 14 ft | - | - | - | - |
Documents
Sails
Pearson Coaster - MAINSAIL
| Luff | * 31 ft - (9449 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 14 ft - (4267 mm) |
| Leech | * 33.28 ft - (10144 mm) |
| Tack Angle | * 88 ° |
| Diagonal | * 33.57 ft - (10232 mm) |
| Head (inches) | * 6 in - (152 mm) |
| Area | * 223.68 ft² |
| Edit in Calculator | |
Pearson Coaster - JIBSAIL
| Luff | * 30.19 ft - (9202 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 13.21 ft - (4026 mm) |
| Leech | * 23.24 ft - (7084 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 85 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 9.63 ft - (2935 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 25.71 ° |
| Area | * 145.4 ft² |
| Edit in Calculator | |
Pearson Coaster - GENOA
| Luff | 34.5 ft - (10516 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | 18.67 ft - (5691 mm) |
| Leech | 31.75 ft - (9677 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 150.13 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 17.01 ft - (5185 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 6.86 ° |
| Area | * 293.45 ft² |
| Edit in Calculator | |
Pearson Coaster - GENOA
| Luff | * 35.85 ft - (10927 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 18.27 ft - (5569 mm) |
| Leech | * 33.75 ft - (10287 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 150.04 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 17 ft - (5182 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 4.02 ° |
| Area | * 304.72 ft² |
| Edit in Calculator | |
Pearson Coaster - SPINNAKER
| Stays | * 35.85 ft - (10927 mm) |
|---|---|
| MidGirth | * 20.39 ft - (6215 mm) |
| Foot | * 20.39 ft - (6215 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 180 % |
| Area | * 621 ft² |
| Edit in Calculator | |
Disclaimer. Boats are not all the same -- even when produced in the same factory of the same model. Sailrite does its best to publish accurate dimensions, but we often find it worthwhile to have our customers measure their boats carefully before we produce kits for them. You should take the same precautions, especially when the data is not from Sailrite. The information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Sailrite offers this content as a service to our community, but takes no responsibility for the reliability of the data provided.