1968 Pearson 22 vs 1981 Pearson 424 — Comparison
1968 Pearson 22
1981 Pearson 424
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1968 Pearson 22 | 1981 Pearson 424 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Pearson |
| Year | 1968–1973 | 1981–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Ketch |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | William Shaw |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.18 m (17.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) | 3.81 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 0.99 m (3.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 454 kg (1,001 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 18.6 m² (200 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 50 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1968 Pearson 22 and 1981 Pearson 424 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1968 Pearson 22 is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 1981 Pearson 424 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The 1968 Pearson 22 was penned by William Shaw. The 1981 Pearson 424 was designed by William Shaw.
In terms of size, the 1968 Pearson 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.13m, compared to the 1981 Pearson 424 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 1981 Pearson 424 is 6.09m longer than the 1968 Pearson 22. The 1981 Pearson 424 displaces approximately 740% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1968 Pearson 22 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.39 and 18.6 m² of sail area. The 1981 Pearson 424, with an SA/D of 16.28 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1968 Pearson 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1968 Pearson 22 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1981 Pearson 424 has a comfort ratio of 20.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1968 Pearson 22 and 38.1% for the 1981 Pearson 424, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1968 Pearson 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 19L of fuel. The 1981 Pearson 424 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1968 Pearson 22 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1968 Pearson 22 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1981 Pearson 424 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.