1996 Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32
$62,000
Boat in Charleston, SC 29401 US
Motorsailer 32
1 Engine (Westerbeke)
32 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Hesper is a beautiful and well-kept pilothouse motorsailer with lots of oldschool nautical charm! Her hull was designed by Bill Garden, who also designed boats for Willard. This hull was laid up by Tillotson-Pearson in 1975 and is solid fiberglass below the hull-deck joint. She received her engine at this time and then was carefully stored in an indoor warehouse for the next 20 years. In 1996 she was purchased by a couple of shipwrights who built her out and finished her topsides and interior. She was documented and launched for the first time later that year. As such, she has a hull number from 1975 but a USCG documentation of 1996. Hesper's current owner is her fourth, and he has done an admirable job of maintaining and caring for her over the past several years of his ownership. She is waiting for her new owners to take over and enjoy her beauty, comfort and charm. With her new mainsail and well-sorted 60hp diesel engine she is ready to go cruising ASAP!
TOPSIDES
Hesper is a classy little double-ender with sturdy, yet graceful lines. She has two helms: one in the pilothouse and an open helm in the aft cockpit. Both helms have traditionally styled bronze steering wheels. The aft cockpit offers ample seating on cushioned benches with high coamings to help keep passengers dry and safe. There is an emergency tiller setup under the exterior helm seat should there ever be a problem with her hydraulic steering system. Most sail controls can be accessed from the cockpit and aft part of her coachroof. Moving forward from the cockpit there is good room on the foredeck, where you will find a robust, bronze Muir manual windlass with heavy chain, 33lb Bruce anchor and deck cleats. The deck is open and uncluttered.
ACCOMODATIONS BELOW
Coming down the companionway and into the main cabin, you will find the head compartment to starboard with a marine head, a sink and a shower handset. The design is simple, clean and easy to maintain. The main cabin itself has beautifully varnished wooden floors. There are long settees on either side of the cabin. The starboard settee slides out to make a comfy double berth. The forward bulkhead here holds a drop-down table, and the aft bulkhead has a Dickenson propane heater mounted. There is a small desk area forward to starboard that has plenty of storage. The area is bright and airy. The blue upholstery is both comfortable and durable, and the varnished sole and trim accents contrast nicely with the white bulkheads and overhead cabin top.
PILOTHOUSE
Moving forward from the main salon is the pilothouse. You will immediately notice plenty of light and visibility due to windows forward, side and aft. There is a navigation station with storage to port and a simple helm station with wheel, compass, engine controls, autopilot control head and depth sounder to starboard. The engine control panel is located to the right of the helm here. The helmsman has a nice, cushioned seat and a foot stool for comfort. Below the floor panels is the boat's engine and dual-Racor fuel filters.
ENGINE
Hesper's engine is a 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated 60hp Westerbeke diesel. The engine has 2890 hours and runs very well. Her seller has recently been through the engine and has added a new electric fuel lift pump, a reconditioned fuel injector pump and reconditioned fuel injectors. She runs well and has more than enough power to propel the boat comfortably when the weather gets rough. The engine is located under the sole of the pilothouse and gives great access to all components.
GALLEY
Moving forward from the pilothouse you will find the galley in Hesper's bow. To port is a stainless steel Force-10 propane stove with two burners and an oven. There is copious storage for dishes, pots and pans and utensils here. To starboard is a very large sink with both pressurized water and a bronze faucet with a manual foot pump. There is a decent sized ice box aft of the sink with an insulated top-loading lid.
ELECTRICAL
30-amp shorepower service with cable
3x120V electrical outlets
2X AGM house battteries, new 2025
1X AGM start battery, new 2025
Xantrex battery charger
Marineaire 12,000BTU reverse-cycle heating and air conditioning unit
ELECTRONICS
Raytheon ST6001 autopilot
ICOM ICM 59 VHF
Depthsounder
SAILS
North Sails mainsail, new 2025
Smaller jib on Harken roller furling unit
Telescoping whisker/spinnaker pole
GROUND TACKLE
Muir manual windlass
33lb Bruce anchor with 200' 3/8" heavy chain
20lb Danforth with 200' rope rode
Heavy mooring cleats and fairleads
Aft Samson post
ADDITIONAL INFO
Custom 8' rigid dinghy with cover
Full boat canvas cover
Many spare parts
Dock lines, fenders and safety gear
Screens for all opening ports and hatches
Several older sails
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2/26/26 | Initial price | $62,000 |
Overview from around the web 1996 Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32
Customers praise the 1996 Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32 for its exceptional blend of classic design and reliable performance
Many highlight its sturdy construction and spacious interior, making it ideal for comfortable cruising and extended voyages. Owners appreciate the seamless motorsailer functionality, offering both efficient sailing and dependable engine power. The vessel’s timeless aesthetic and quality craftsmanship consistently receive positive remarks, along with its ease of handling and well-thought-out layout. Overall, the Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32 is recognized for delivering a rewarding and enjoyable sailing experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1996 Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32 offers a unique blend of sailing performance and comfortable motoring, making it a versatile choice for cruisers. Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Versatile Performance: Combines efficient sailing capabilities with a reliable motor, allowing for smooth transitions between sailing and motoring.
Solid Construction: Built with quality materials and craftsmanship typical of Tillotson-Pearson, ensuring durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: Thoughtfully designed cabin space provides ample comfort for extended cruising, with good headroom and practical layout.
Stable and Seaworthy: The hull design offers excellent stability, making it suitable for various sea conditions and enhancing safety.
Good Storage: Plenty of storage compartments for gear and supplies, beneficial for longer voyages.
Cons
Limited Speed Under Sail: As a motorsailer, it may not match the sailing speed of dedicated sailboats, which could be a drawback for those seeking performance sailing.
Heavier Displacement: The robust build and motorsailer design result in a heavier boat, potentially impacting agility and handling under sail.
Maintenance: The combination of sail and motor systems can require more maintenance attention compared to pure sailboats or powerboats.
Interior Styling: While functional, the interior design may feel somewhat dated compared to more modern vessels of similar size.
Fuel Consumption: When motoring, fuel efficiency may be lower than lighter motorboats, so planning for fuel capacity is important.
Made For
The 1996 Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32 is ideal for sailors and cruisers seeking a versatile and comfortable vessel that combines the ease of motor sailing with classic sailing performance. Perfect for couples or small families, this boat suits those who want reliable coastal cruising with spacious accommodations, easy handling, and the ability to enjoy both leisurely sailing and efficient motoring. Its design appeals to adventurers who value a balance of comfort, practicality, and timeless style on the water.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Ashley Yachts - Charleston about 1996 Tillotson-Pearson Motorsailer 32
3 Lockwood Drive, Suite 302B, Charleston, SC, 29401
Contact Ashley Yachts - Charleston
3 Lockwood Drive, Suite 302B, Charleston, SC, 29401










































































