1981 Pearson 424
$54,000
Boat in Saint Augustine, FL 32084 US
Built in 1981
424
1 Engine (Westerbeke)
42.3 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Meet the kind of boat that doesn't just cross oceans-it collects stories along the way.
The 1981 Pearson 424 is a cruiser with confidence in its bones and saltwater in its soul. She's got the reassuring heft of a true passagemaker, the grace of a classic ketch rig, and the quiet promise that the horizon is always within reach.
Step aboard, and you're not just buying a sailboat-you're inheriting a tradition of bluewater dreaming, sunset chasing, and the kind of freedom that only begins where the dock lines end.
The boat is currently in the water in St. Augustine. The slip at the marina might be available as well.
- Highlights:
- New standing rigging, turnbuckles & chainplates ~ 2021
- 2016 Westerbeke 65hp with 796 hours
- Fresh bottom paint ~ 2025
- 560AH Lithium house bank batteries ~ 2025
- 2 cabins / 1 head
- 5'-3" draft
- Engine & Mechanical:
- Westerbeke 65hp with 796 hours ~ 2016
- Walter V-Drive ~ 2025
- Cutlass bearing ~ 2025
- 3 blade propeller ~ 2025
- Repacked rudder stuffing box ~ 2025
- PYI PSS dripless shaft seal ~ 2025
- Cruisair 16,000 btu AC/Heat (water pump replaced in 2022)
- Sailing & Rigging:
- New standing rigging, turnbuckles & chainplates ~ 2021
- Both masts pulled, rewired electrical, new LED deck lights, anemometer ~ 2021
- Running rigging ~ 2021
- Mainsail serviced by sail loft ~ 2025
- Jib serviced by sail loft ~ 2026
- Dyneema lazy jacks
- Navigation & Electronics:
- Raymarine electronics. Chartplotter, wheel pilot, depth sounder, thru-hull speed sensor ~ 2021
- Raymarine AIS ~ 2025
- Cape Horn wind vane (needs tower, paddle, & steering oar)
- Electrical & Power:
- 560AH Lithium house bank batteries ~ 2025
- Xantrex XC 1000 watt inverter ~ 2021
- Balmar 100a alternator with external regulator ~ 2021
- Solar: 400 watts w/ Victron charge controllers w/ Bluetooth shunt.
- Victron DC-DC charger (for charging lithium house bank from starter battery)
- Deck & Ground Tackle:
- Kiwi grip deck nonskid ~ 2026
- Fresh bottom paint ~ 2025
- Buff and waxed hull ~ 2025
- Mantus 85lb anchor ~ 2023
- 200ft 5/16" chain
- Lofrans Kobra windlass, ready for electrical set-up by future owner ~ 2022
- Secondary anchors: 66lb claw & large Danforth w/ 50ft chain
- Interior:
- V-berth cushions ~ 2023
- Adler Barbour Super Cold Machine w/ new compressor and evaporator plate ~ 2025
- Additional insulation added to refrigerator box ~ 2025
- Origo non pressurized alcohol stove
- Installation of new opening porthole, aft berth ~ 2026
- Upgraded teak and holly floor in salon ~ 2026
- Cockpit speakers upgraded ~ 2026
- Toilet macerator ~ 2026
- Blackwater plumbing ~ 2022
- Extras:
- EPIRB ~ 2025
- Cockpit lockers painted ~ 2024
The Pearson 424 was conceived as a serious cruising yacht, designed for comfort, seaworthiness, and extended cruising.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/30/26 | Initial price | $54,000 |
Videos from Sunshine Cruising Yachts on this 1981 Pearson 424
1981 Pearson 424 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Pearson 424
Customers praise the 1981 Pearson 424 for its solid construction and spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for extended cruising
Many highlight its comfortable living quarters, ample storage, and well-designed cockpit, which enhance both safety and enjoyment on the water. Owners appreciate the boat’s reliable performance and ease of handling, noting that it balances classic styling with practical features. Overall, users find the Pearson 424 to be a sturdy and dependable sailboat ideal for families and serious sailors alike.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Pearson 424 is a classic cruising sailboat known for its solid construction and comfortable accommodations. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Pearson 424 features a robust fiberglass hull and deck, providing durability and a sense of security on long voyages.
Spacious Interior: Designed with cruising comfort in mind, it offers ample living space, including multiple cabins and a well-equipped galley.
Good Sailing Performance: With a balanced sail plan and moderate displacement, the boat handles well in a variety of wind conditions, making it suitable for coastal and offshore cruising.
Traditional Aesthetics: The classic lines and teak trim appeal to sailors who appreciate timeless design.
Reliable Systems: Many owners find the boat’s mechanical and electrical systems straightforward and dependable.
Cons
Older Design: As a boat from 1981, some design elements may feel dated compared to modern cruisers, including interior layout and hardware.
Maintenance Needs: Being several decades old, it may require ongoing maintenance or upgrades to systems such as plumbing, wiring, and rigging.
Weight and Speed: The moderate displacement means it’s not the fastest vessel in its class, especially in light wind conditions.
Limited Dealer Support: Parts specific to the Pearson 424 may be harder to source due to the model’s age and brand discontinuation.
Tank Capacities: Water and fuel tank capacities might be smaller than those found on newer cruising boats, potentially limiting extended cruising range without resupply.
Made For
The 1981 Pearson 424 is ideal for sailors seeking a spacious and comfortable cruiser designed for extended coastal or offshore voyages. With its robust construction, ample interior accommodations, and thoughtful layout, it suits families, couples, or small crews who value both performance and livability on the water. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or longer adventures, the Pearson 424 offers a reliable and enjoyable sailing experience.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Sunshine Cruising Yachts about 1981 Pearson 424
983 Ervin Street, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
Contact Sunshine Cruising Yachts
983 Ervin Street, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
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