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Pearson Yachts Portal

PearsonYachts.org

The Pearson 31 : 1977–1978

The Pearson 31 combines the latest thinking to take advantage of various racing rules.

Dual Purpose Versatility

In 1977 Bill Shaw further increased the versatility of the Pearson line with the Pearson 31 Sloop. This original P31 design combined the latest thinking in a go-fast hull configuration with a manageable 7/8'ths fractional rig to take advantage of IOR racing rules, while still providing comfortable accomodations. It was produced as the first P31 design from 1977 to 1978 with 65 boats built.

This hull was redesigned as the Pearson 32 in 1979 with a masthead rig and larger cockpit. That design no longer met IOR rules and was in production until 1982.

Pearson 31

P31-1 (1978 Model)

The Pearson 31 was a fun boat to design. All boats are fun, but this one represented a real challenge. What I wanted was a contemporary hull rig that would race well under a variety of rules, be simple to handle and still provide her owners with most of the comforts associated with cruising. In short, an up-to-date dual purpose boat with a great degree of versatility. For those intent on racing performance, she would react admirably; and for those who prefer the pure delight of cruising, she should deliver most of the comforts of home. There’s no question that a contemporary hull can go faster if her accommodations resemble a giant sail bin that doubles as a place to get out of the weather or to grab a sandwich between tacks. But, An honest dual purpose has got to perform both over the course and belowdecks. Therein lies the challenge. The new 31 has met the confrontation head-on and won in all respects. She is fast, a delight to maneuver, luxurious belowdecks has proven her versatility by winning trophies under three widely divergent rating rules. Her non-masthead rig makes headsail handling a cinch at no sacrifice to area; is more adaptable to changes in wind velocity; reduces the cost of genoas, and provides a lower rating under many rules. Interestingly enough, recent testing indicates that this lower rating is non-commensurate with an equivalent loss in speed. Belowdecks the 31 has 5 full length berths (6 optional), an aft galley, fold-away drop leaf table, an enclosed head and a luxurious teak interior that makes apres race that much more delightful. So if your plans call for getting the attention of the fleet at your home club or association (and you 1st Mate) and doing it in a comfortable cruising boat of Pearson quality. Come Sail With Us…

Bill Shaw signature

Pearson 31 By The Numbers

Specifications*.

LOA (Overall Length) 31'
LWL (Waterline Length) 25'
Beam 10.6'
Draft 5.5'
Displacement** 9,400 lbs
Ballast 3,800 lbs
Sail Area 465 sq ft
Mast Height (above D.W.L.)
Cockpit Length
Auxillary Power Diesel
Foretriangle Area 206 sq ft
Mainsail Area 258 sq ft
I - Foretriangle Height 35'
J = Foretriangle Base 11.8'
P - Mainsail Hoist 39'
E - Mainsail Foot 13.3'
*approximate by Pearson Yachts Inc.

Technical Data

Designer Bill Shaw
Years Built 1978 - 1981
Hull Speed 6.70
SA/D - Sail Area to Displacement 16.7
DLR or D/L - Displacement to Length Ratio 269
BR – Ballast Ratio 40%
L/B – Length to Ballast 2.93
LWL/B – Waterline Length to Ballast 2.36
OR – Overhang Ratio 19%
CSF – Capsize Screening Formula 2.01
MCR – Motion Comfort Ratio 23.3
M/F – Main to Foretriangle Ratio 1.25
PHRF (avg) – Performance Handicap Rating 174

Description

The new Pearson 31 was designed for the sailor who thinks winning races in a skinned out racing machine is a hollow victory. She’s the boat that gives you the ability to win comfortably, without being a financial loser. In an era of bare bones racing machines that tend to lose their value as fast as they are sailed, the Pearson 31 promises you speed along with comfort and luxury…at a price that’s as sensible as the idea behind her design. Two important advantages of the 7/8ths rig : a significantly lower rating under many rules for the racer, and easier sail handling for the cruiser. A lot of thought went into designing the T-shaped cockpit. Note how it lets the crew pass easily on either side of the wheel…without disturbing the helmsman. Any navigator is always more comfortable knowing where he’s going. He’s especially comfortable on the 31. In the 31, the pleasure of sailing hasn’t taken precedence over the joy of cooking. This U-shaped galley will please even the most ambitious on-board chef. For the enthusiastic sailor, boat speed intensifies the pure pleasure of sailing. To command the attention of your associates through a unique combination of performance both above and below decks is a satisfaction all its own. The Pearson 31 delights in this dual purpose. In a sense Bill Shaw’s Pearson 31 is two different boats. Beneath the surface of the water she’s hydrodynamically contemporary, revealing today’s latest design innovations. Inside, she’s a roomy luxurious yacht built with typical Pearson attention to quality. The 31 sails beautifully, but that’s only half the fun. A main salon like this is what makes arriving at a distant anchorage worthwhile. The athwartships toilet room features pullout vanity; privacy doors, hanging locker and stowage alcoves. Gear stowage above and below the berth, a V-filler that makes into a seat, and a privacy door…all make the forward cabin very comfortable. Recipe for fun: mix one brisk day and a new Pearson 31 together. Enjoy to the fullest. For the sailor who likes to cruise, race, or do both, the Pearson 31 has a winning way about her.

Pearson 31 on the Web

Pearson 31 Specifications - SailboatData.com

Pearson-Info P31 - dan.pfeiffer.net

Pearson 31

1988 Pearson 31-2 Technical Specs

General data about pearson 31-2.

Brand
Model
Boat Type
Category
Year Of Production
Condition (New/Used)
Country
Fuel (Gas/Diesel)
Hull Material Used
Length
Selling Price

Engine and Power Specs

Engine manufacturer
Engine Series
Engine Location
Engine Location
Engine Hours
Engine Horsepower
Engine Drive
Engine Built Year
Boat Propeller build
Boat Propeller

Dimensions And Wieght

LOA (Length Overall)
L.W.L(Length WaterLine)
Dry Weight (Empty)
Cabin Headroom Tabs
Boat Maximum Draft
Boat Keel Type
Beam Width
Ballast System Weight
BC (Bridge Clearance)

Detailed Specifications

Waste Water Tank
Numebr of Cabins
Number of Heads (Watercraft)
Manufacturer
Hull Type and Design
Gas Tank Size
Drinking Water Tank
Boat Designer
Berth (Twin/Double)
Berth (Mono/Single)

Features And Equipments

Sailing features.

Battened mainsail

Other Equipments

lewmar 6 for genoa halyard
lewmar 43 self-tailing primary
heads/showers: 1 / 1
Year                      1987
System: 110 v ac/ 12 v dc
Spilt stern rail with swim ladder
Spare main and genoa
Shore power cable and socket        
Sail area                494 square feet
Quad easylock sheet stopper
Propeller: 2 bladed fixed
Primary main sail – good condition
Persons cap.         6+
Min. draft               3’ – 11(inch)
Mid-ship opening deck hatch
Max hull speed: 7.55 knots
Mast height           46’ – 03(inch) above dwl
Loa                       30’-09.5(inch)
Knot meter
Keel stepped masthead rig with double spreaders
Internal halyards
Internal continuous jiffy reefing system
Hull number           97
Hours:    300
Hot water tank: 6 gallons
Holding tank: 25 gallons x 1 plastic
Headroom:     6’ – 05(inch)
Harken traveller
Harken roller furling
Gps: garmin plotter
Galley stove: 2 burner
Furling genoa
Fuel type:  diesel
Fuel capacity        18.5 gallons
Fresh water capacity:  40 gallons x 2 plastic
Flush forward opening deck hatch
Five small and two large opening ports
Engine make: yanmar 2gm
Dry weight            10,200 pounds
Drive type: inboard direct drive
Designer               william h. shaw
Depth sounder
Compass – 4(inch) ritche powerdamp
Builder                   pearson yachts
Beam                     10’ – 09(inch)
Battery(s): deep cycle lead acid
Ballast                   4,000 pounds
Apparent wind indicator
1 manual

Interior Specifications

Water heater
Toilet head
Hand bilge pump
Automatic bilge pump

Exterior Features

Swim ladder
Spray hood
Marine boat table
Mainsail cover
Cockpit cushions

Electronical And Electrical Info

Vhf radio
Speed log
Shore power socket
Marine wind instruments
Marine speaker systems
Marine receiver and cd player
Depth sounder instrument
Compass steering
Chartplotter system

Deck Hardware

Steering wheel (helm)
Dodger

Pearson 31-2

Pearson 31-2 tv detailed specifications and features

  • Pearson provided us with the latest version of its 31-2 service repair manual
  • Find All mechanical and electrical parts and accessories of Pearson 31-2 Sail here

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