The Pearson 303 is a big 30-footer, intended for safe coastal cruising. She admirably succeeds in doing what she was designed to do. The only risk accrues to those who mistake her for something she is not -- an offshore, passage-making boat. While it’s easy to overlook the Pearson 303 as another member of a fleet that looks depressingly similar and lacking in pizzazz, the 303 is a wholesome family cruiser with a workable, traditional interior, acceptable performance and above average construction. Hey, what’s not to like?
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in
Subscribe to Practical Sailor
Get full access to Practical Sailor - over 4,000 articles - for just $34.
Subscribe today and save 42% off the annual rate.
Why do you say that the one thing she is not is an “offshore passage making boat”. I am a passage making sailor and am interested in making passages with this boat so I need to know what reasons you have that says I should not.
What Mo said. Hull to deck joint needs bolts not self tapping screws. Tabbing in the bulkheads could be better, Volume of cockpit is too large, Port lights are plastic. Read John Vigor’s “The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat” for a detailed analysis/opinion of good characteristics for an “offshore passage making boat” . The 303 like the 323 could be made into a sturdy offshore boat but as it is off the production line it’s a coastal boat according to Pearson but a solid, well built coastal boat at that.
The self-tapping screws as opposed to bolts is the number one reason. I’ve a 1983 Pearson 303 and treat her as a coastal cruiser . At my present age 65 and preferring to single hand I find the 303 suitable form my “wants in a sailboat. She’s sturdy, she’s roomy for a boat in the 30 foot range. I’ve added davits and a custom chart table (which I prefer to the one Pearson added in either 84 or 85.)
I’ve downsized as the family has grown and my needs for long-range crusing has diminished. Went from a 52’ Irwin’s cutter/ketch rig istraring ion the nis 1980s to a 37’ Fisher Motorsailer in the first decade of the 2000s. Also kept an Ericsson 32’ after selling the Fisher (which, to this day, I wish I had kept). Did not like the Ericsson for my needs and “wants” l. Then went through a quick succession of a modified Grampian that The previous owner had lengthened and put some heavy standing rigging replacement. She ended up being around 34’. Let her go quickly and cheaply. Then an Irwin Citation 34’ the year I don’t recall because I got rid of her quickly.
I took a few years looking for a good deal on a Pearson 303. I purchased the 1983 hull#065 and began the process of bringing her up to my needs a little over two years ago. With the additions and upgrades. (Yanmar) ,
Motor mounts, davits, nav table, I’m a happy Pearson owner again. “Cripple Creek” suits me across the board for now.