- Register / Login
A password will be e-mailed to you
Reset Password
More information
Image gallery, floor plans.
Use the form below to contact us!
Pearson Yachts Portal
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.
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…
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
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 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