The Pearson 424 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Pearson 424, and aft-cockpit masthead ketch, was designed by Wiiliam Shaw and built in the USA by Pearson Yachts. A centre-cockpit version was also produced which was known as the Pearson 422. The 424 was also available as a cutter.

A Pearson 424 ketch

Published Specification for the Pearson 424

Underwater Configuration: Fin keel and skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)

Length Overall: 42'4" (12.90m)

Waterline Length: 33'8" (10.26m)

Beam: 13'0" (3.96m)

Draft: 5'3" (1.60m)

Rig Type: Masthead ketch

Displacement: 21,000lb (9,525kg)

Designer: William Shaw

Builder: Pearson Yachts (USA)

Year First Built: 1978

Year Last Built: 1984

Number Built: 225

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Published Design Ratios for the Pearson 424 Ketch

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 15.3

Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 36.4

Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 246

Under 100: Ultralight
100 to 200: Light
200 to 275: Moderate
275 to 350: Heavy
Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 30.0

Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Pearson 424 Ketch

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 15.3 suggests that the Pearson 424 Ketch will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 36.4 means that unless the bulk of the ballast is concentrated in a bulb at the foot of her keel, the Pearson 424 Ketch will have a tendency to heel excessively in a gust, and she'll need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 246 tells us the Pearson 424 Ketch is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 30.0 suggests that crew comfort of a Pearson 424 Ketch in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of

a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 tells us that a Pearson 424 Ketch would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.