1978 Pearson 30 vs 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 — Comparison
1978 Pearson 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Pearson 30 | 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 1986–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 5.94 m (19.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 953 kg (2,101 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.3 m² (423 ft²) | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Pearson 30 and 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Pearson 30 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1978 Pearson 30 was penned by William Shaw. The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1978 Pearson 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1978 Pearson 30 is 1.52m longer than the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25. The 1978 Pearson 30 displaces approximately 60% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Pearson 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.91 and 39.3 m² of sail area. The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25, with an SA/D of 14.13 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1978 Pearson 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Pearson 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 has a comfort ratio of 25.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.3% for the 1978 Pearson 30 and 42.0% for the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Pearson 30 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 30L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 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 1978 Pearson 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1978 Pearson 30 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1978 Pearson 30 · 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25