Pearson 28 vs Pearson 303
How do the Pearson 28 and Pearson 303 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pearson 28 
Pearson 303 | Pearson 28 | Pearson 303 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.5 ft8.67 m | 30.3 ft9.23 m |
| Waterline length | 24.5 ft7.46 m | 25.4 ft7.73 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 10.9 ft3.33 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb3,175 kg | 10,100 lb4,581 kg |
| Ballast | 3,530 lb1,601 kg | 3,500 lb1,588 kg |
| Sail area | 392 ft²36.4 m² | 459 ft²42.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.14 | 15.72 |
| Displacement / Length | 213 | 276 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.1 | 24.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 2.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.7 |
Pearson 28 vs Pearson 303: the short version
- The Pearson 303 is the larger boat at 30.3 ft9.23 m LOA versus 28.5 ft8.67 m for the Pearson 28.
- The Pearson 303 is heavier, displacing about 44% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Pearson 28 carries the more powerful rig (17.1 vs 15.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Pearson 303 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pearson 303 rates better for offshore work (2.02 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.