1981 Pearson 303 vs 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
1982 Pacific Seacraft 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1982–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.64 m (8.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 30.5 m² (328 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.64m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 is 0.91m longer than the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 m² of sail area. The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27, with an SA/D of 14.35 and 30.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1981 Pearson 303 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 has a comfort ratio of 26.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 42.9% for the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 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 1981 Pearson 303 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 303 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.