May22018

Pearson 31–2 (1987 Model) – By The Numbers

Specifications*

LOA (Overall Length) 30.8′
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.4′
Beam 10.8′
Draft 5.6′ [4′ Wing]
Displacement** 10,000 lbs [10,200]
Ballast 3,800 lbs [4,000]
Sail Area 494 sq ft
Mast Height (above D.W.L.) 46.3′
Cockpit Length  
Auxillary Power Diesel
Foretriangle Area 273 sq ft
Mainsail Area 221 sq ft
I – Foretriangle Height 42.5′
J = Foretriangle Base 12.8′
P – Mainsail Hoist 36.8′
E – Mainsail Foot 12.0′
*approximate

Technical Data

Designer Bill Shaw
Years Built 1987 – 1991
Hull Speed 6.75
SA/D – Sail Area to Displacement 17
DLR or D/L – Displacement to Length Ratio 272
BR – Ballast Ratio 38%
L/B – Length to Ballast 2.86
LWL/B – Waterline Length to Ballast 2.36
OR – Overhang Ratio 17%
CSF – Capsize Screening Formula 2.00
MCR – Motion Comfort Ratio 24
M/F – Main to Foretriangle Ratio 0.81
PHRF (avg) – Performance Handicap Rating 156/165

theBoat

P31P31-2 (1987 Model)

Today we hear a lot about contemporary and traditional values as they apply to the many facets of our lifestyles. When these concepts are applied to yacht design, I have never considered them to be mutually exclusive.
On the traditional side, the basic principles of hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, and human engineering continue to apply. Regardless of how you use your boat, the back to basics approach used by our designers insures you, the owner, that your boat will perform over a wide range of conditions and still provide engineered comfort even at the dock.
The contemporary ingredient in the new P31 manifests itself in the form of a new elliptical keel in the standard version, or an optional wing keel that provides shallower draft. The P31’s interior arrangement is traditional, but with a few new twists. Aft there is a huge open quarterberth that extends under the cockpit, spacious galley with unusually good storage to port, and a clever combination ice box/chart table to starboard. In the salon there is an offset centerline table which makes moving fore ‘n aft easier, a spacious dinette, which converts to a double berth without using the table, and again, plenty of storage. Further forward, there is a roomy head with shower, and still further forward an exceptionally spacious V-berth area.
On deck, the basic elements composed of cockpit, cabin trunk, etc., are still there naturally, but rather than simply translating wooden shapes with hard edges into fiberglass form, as so many others do, we have exploited the virtues of fiberglass with contoured seats that fit the human form and deck styling that fits the wind.
Equally important to the cruiser or racer is the boat as a performer. With ample sail area proportioned into a powerful rig, and a contemporary hull with modern appendages, the new P31 has already shown her abilities as a fast boat. A very important factor even for those of us who never race. Come Sail With Us… 
Sincerely, Bill Shaw

P31 Resources

Original documents and drawings from Pearson Yachts. The old website pearson31.com is up but no longer supported and the forum is non-functional. If anyone knows who the webmaster is (or domain owner) please email us so we can attempt to recover any pertinent information.