Pearson Coaster Yawl

Description

The Pearson Coaster Yawl is a classic fiberglass auxiliary cruiser designed for coastal and offshore passages, emphasizing stability, spacious accommodations, and traditional handling in a compact package. Built on a heavy-displacement fin keel hull with a skeg-hung rudder, the yawl rig divides the sail plan for balanced sail management and reduced weather helm, making it forgiving for short-handed crews. With its moderate beam and ample freeboard, it offers surprising interior volume for liveaboard comfort while maintaining a seaworthy motion—ideal for families or retirees seeking a "go-anywhere" classic without the complexity of larger yachts. Designed by William H. Shaw and introduced in 1966 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Pearson Coaster was one of Shaw's early successes at Pearson, blending the yard's fiberglass expertise with traditional proportions. Production ran until 1970, with approximately 100-150 units built across sloop and yawl configurations (yawl being a popular option for its versatility). It was marketed as a "coastal cruiser" with daysailer potential, and a rare "Gypsy 30" variant was advertised but likely never produced. The Atomic 4 gasoline engine was standard, with diesel options emerging later. Tank-tested for stability, the Coaster reflected the 1960s shift to affordable fiberglass bluewater boats, influencing Shaw's later designs like the 35 and 365. Pearson ceased operations in 1991, but the Coaster endures through owner associations, with many restored for vintage racing or extended cruises.