Pearson 28 vs Pearson Ensign
How do the Pearson 28 and Pearson Ensign compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pearson 28 
Pearson Ensign | Pearson 28 | Pearson Ensign | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.5 ft8.67 m | 22.5 ft6.86 m |
| Waterline length | 24.5 ft7.46 m | 16.8 ft5.11 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 3.0 ft0.91 m |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb3,175 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Ballast | 3,530 lb1,601 kg | 1,200 lb544 kg |
| Sail area | 392 ft²36.4 m² | 235 ft²21.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.14 | 18.08 |
| Displacement / Length | 213 | 285 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.1 | 18.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 1.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 5.5 |
Pearson 28 vs Pearson Ensign: the short version
- The Pearson 28 is the larger boat at 28.5 ft8.67 m LOA versus 22.5 ft6.86 m for the Pearson Ensign.
- The Pearson 28 is heavier, displacing about 133% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Pearson Ensign carries the more powerful rig (18.1 vs 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Pearson 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pearson Ensign rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.