Pearson p35

[Sunyata197]

Please forgive that I know there are some postings about this boat. But I want an up to date this new economy advice from you folks. I am a novice sailor, recently early retired. I want a sailboat that will be home around Ft. Myers and the Keys. I am looking at a '73 Pearson P35 that appears to be in good shape. Can you guys advise me on this purchase...as to reasonable cost/what to look for/is it a good choice..etc.

Thanks in advance

Ron

[Curmudgeon]

We have sailing friends who own one. In fact many people have friends who own one since over 500 were built.

The cockpit is huge, which is great for entertaining but not so good for sailing offshore. You may wish to install extra cockpit drains. Otherwise, they sail well and handle weather well. The boat is forgiving and will head up all by itself in a heavy gust. Plus they are inexpensive.

Make sure the fiberglass centerboard and the pennant to raise and lower it are in good condition. Otherwise, they have the problems that you typically see in a 35-40 year-old fiberglass boat.

These boats have no quarterberths. But that means an extra cockpit lazarette for storage.