1981 Pearson 303 vs 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
1986 Pacific Seacraft 25
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 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 | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 5.94 m (19.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 953 kg (2,101 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 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 | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 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 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 is 1.52m longer than the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 70% 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 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 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 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 has a comfort ratio of 25.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 42.0% for the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25, 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 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 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.