Pearson 28 vs Pearson Vanguard
How do the Pearson 28 and Pearson Vanguard compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pearson 28 
Pearson Vanguard | Pearson 28 | Pearson Vanguard | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.5 ft8.67 m | 32.8 ft10.00 m |
| Waterline length | 24.5 ft7.46 m | 22.4 ft6.83 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 9.3 ft2.83 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb3,175 kg | 10,300 lb4,672 kg |
| Ballast | 3,530 lb1,601 kg | 4,250 lb1,928 kg |
| Sail area | 392 ft²36.4 m² | 469 ft²43.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.14 | 15.85 |
| Displacement / Length | 213 | 409 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.1 | 32.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 1.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.3 |
Pearson 28 vs Pearson Vanguard: the short version
- The Pearson Vanguard is the larger boat at 32.8 ft10.00 m LOA versus 28.5 ft8.67 m for the Pearson 28.
- The Pearson Vanguard is heavier, displacing about 47% 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 15.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Pearson Vanguard scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pearson Vanguard rates better for offshore work (1.71 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.