Pearson 422

[Tom Boles]

I am looking at a 1985 Pearson 422 on Saturday. Aside from checking the "old boat" items I have learned so well from members on this Forum, is there anything else anyone can tell me specifically about this boat, good or bad? We are looking for a boat to run up and down the intercoastal, the Bahamas and The Keys.....and sail as much as possible. We are at an age that comfort and access, on and off, are important.

As always, thanks for everyone's input.

Tom

[Keithward]

Hey there
There aren’t that many
Where is your prospect?
We are also in the process of buying a 422
Should close in a couple weeks

[Peregrine1983]

We have the aft cockpit ketch version of the same boat - a 1983 Pearson 424. I have many times looked longingly at the 422 as the aft berth on the 422 is SO much roomier than our v-berth.

The drawbacks I see with the 422 are a steeper companionway and a much smaller cockpit. The 424 cockpit is absolutely enormous - which we love as we spend most of our time there lounging around when cruising.

I think the 424/422 is a fabulous boat for cruising as you describe. Plenty of water tankage, lots of fuel, spacious, feels super safe, she's strong, she's comfortable, fast, and superbly balanced under sail. What more could you want?

You should check out the 424 owners forum at Pearson 424 Community Site – Community of Owners and Potential Owners of Pearson 424 Sailboats.

Also, the #Pearson424 Instagram feed is great to follow the 424's sailing all over the world and their owner's various projects - https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/pearson424/

Assuming you're looking at one of the two 422's on yachtworld - they both look like nice yachts.

I would also check out the 424's which are on there at a significant discount to the 422.

[JC Reefer]

The fuel tank is a pain to change out (not that any are easy) At that age, it may have already been done.

Soft spots in the cockpit.

The bilge is super deep in these. Keep an eye out for What has ended up down there. Good sign of neglect is a bunch of rubbish down there.

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by JC Reefer

The fuel tank is a pain to change out (not that any are easy) At that age, it may have already been done.

Soft spots in the cockpit.

The bilge is super deep in these. Keep an eye out for What has ended up down there. Good sign of neglect is a bunch of rubbish down there.

Not sure about 422 cockpit. On our 424 the cockpit is just made of solid fiberglass with no core to get wet. We had some elevated deck moisture around our aft stanchions on both sides as well as some elevated moisture around the anchor locker hinge when we bought our 424 and have since dried out and rebedded those things.

The aft part of the bilge is quite deep and we have been told to take care when blocking the boat on stands and not to let the boat rest on the very aft part of the keel.

Another thing we like is that the ballast is all glassed in... so no keel bolts to fret about.

We have had our 424 since 2016 now and have had to do very little aside from routine maintenance to keep her in top shape. Pearson really made a good boat.

[DenverSailors]

FWIW...We have a Pearson 386 which is the little sister to the 422/424 and we love her. Here’s an article I read when we contemplated going bigger. In the end, Fatty Goodlander says, “Look for the deal, not the boat.” That’s what we did and couldn’t be happier. I assume you’ll need standing rigging and have a great amount of rebedding to do.

https://www.jordanyachts.com/1361

[mrogers23]

We are looking into buying a 386 in 2 weeks. Sea trial on 23 Sep. Would love to connect with you soon if availble to share any insights. My cell is 208-590-9135. Thanks, Matt

[DeValency]

Originally Posted by Tom Boles

I am looking at a 1985 Pearson 422 on Saturday. Aside from checking the "old boat" items I have learned so well from members on this Forum, is there anything else anyone can tell me specifically about this boat, good or bad? We are looking for a boat to run up and down the intercoastal, the Bahamas and The Keys.....and sail as much as possible. We are at an age that comfort and access, on and off, are important.

As always, thanks for everyone's input.

Tom

Few years ago when looking for a cruiser, checked few 422 and 424. Impressive hull strength and internal volume that looks very comfortable. For some reason all the boats I’ve seen had serious deck leaks, not only at the chain plates area, so suggest you really focus on that to start with, apart, of course, from the general condition and maintenance.

With boats of this age, I wouldn’t go with any that was not extremely well maintained and updated over the years, no matter how ‘cheap’ of an asking price you are getting.