- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 9 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
-
Hi all,
New to the forum. My wife and I are planning “the Great Escape” in a
3-4 years, (retirement). The Pearson 424 is at the top of a very short list of boats to look for. I see that most are the two companionway ketch version, but have seen one with a one companionway layout. The two companionway version seems to have some inherent drawbacks. The second companionway, while giving access to the deck, seems to take up a lot of space and provide an opportunity for leakage. Practically speaking, how is it?
Secondly, how is the ketch rig? In our 60’s and in reasonably good shape, we are aware that we aren’t as capable as we once were. I need to consider the possibility of my wife needing to handle the boat by herself, should something happen to me…
We have never sailed a ketch and wonder how it is? We would anticipate minimal need to point way high but also realize the value of being able to claw off a lee shore if necessary. I would love to have some insight from those of you with some time aboard your 424.
Thanks!
Risto -
Hello Risto-
Not sure I can answer all your questions, but I’ll try and maybe some others will fill in. The P-424 is a comfortable cruiser that some have used to sail across oceans. Not sure that I’d pick it to go to the high latitudes, or around the world, but if properly prepared, certainly adequate to go to the Caribbean.
The clawing off a lee shore might be a good reason to keep the diesel in good condition.
Clairebuoyant is a 1981 sloop rig. These early version sloops were the ketch rig with the taller option mast, and the mizzen deleted. Later sloops and cutters had the mast a couple feet further aft. I’ve not sailed the ketch but sloop sails pretty well for a cruising boat esp. since we extended the boom to add sail area.
We have the forward companionway which we modified by installing a large Bomar hatch in place of the slider. Mostly we use it for ventilation, In cold weather we can close doors and isolate the center cabin, Don’t have AC but probably could do the same in hot weather.
You didn’t say where you are. Clairebuoyant is in Annapolis MD. We are a few years ahead of you. Beginning to see that there might be a trawler in our future.
Quent
S/V Clairebuoyant, #132 -
I’ve owned a 34′ sloop for 20 years before buying the 424 ketch. I find it easier to sail because of the smaller main. There are more sail options with a ketch.
The forward hatch has worked well for our purposes. With guests aboard, they don’t have to go through the aft cabin when they have to go top side or leave the boat. Very convenient!
The boat has been in challenging conditions around these islands and always performs well.
Dan Kalinowski
Jolly Lama #135
Keehi Lagoon, O’ahu -
We recently purchased the 1982 ketch, Blue Moon so not a lot of experience yet. However, we did bring her back from a port north of Miami, around through Marathon in the keys and then up to the panhandle of Florida so we have a few miles under the keel. So far no complaints. Before actually being aboard, we thought the extra companionway would be a detractor but have found that not to be the case. We actually like it for bringing supplies aboard and general boarding. It is easier than working our way around the dodger which we don’t want to be without. She is a steady sailer and we had some great runs with the longest being 205 miles. The smaller sails does make the handling easier. We are in our late 50s so that is a consideration for us. We’re still working to make her our own but don’t regret the decision.
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.