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Sturdy Old Sailboat Seeks Adventurous New Captain – 1975 Pearson 30 - $3,900 (Dana Point)
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Looking for your first “real” sailboat that won’t cry when you scratch the gelcoat? Meet our beloved 1975 Pearson 30 – a rock-solid old cruiser that’s more campfire guitar than concert grand. She won’t win any beauty contests (unless they’re judged by structural integrity), but she’s got heart, grit, and enough character to star in her own salty memoir.
She’s not the kind of boat you use to build Instagram clout – unless your style is more Captain Ron than Judge Smails. But if you want a boat that lets you learn without the stress of babying every varnished surface, she’s perfect. Forgiving at sea, surprisingly fast for her age, and built like a tank. Think of her as that beat-up acoustic guitar you take camping – not because it’s the best, but because it’s reliable, has soul, and you won’t cry if it gets dinged.
Yes, she’ll eventually want new gear here and there – that’s part of the joy. And like any boat of her vintage, the engine (a trusty old Yanmar diesel) has more sea stories than service records. It starts reliably and runs well, but it’s got decades behind it and no promises ahead – plan accordingly, and she’ll treat you just fine.
We picked her up just before the world shut down, and she was our escape hatch – a peaceful break from pandemic doomscrolling and a chance to dream bigger. Now it’s your turn. Sail her hard, fix her up, love her flaws. She’s not perfect, but she’s perfectly set up for someone who wants to sail more and stress less.
Specs & Details:
• Make/Model: 1975 Pearson 30 (“Wild Child”)
• Length: 30’11”
• Engine: Yanmar 2QM15 diesel – starts easy, runs strong, but it’s lived a long, salty life
• Steering: Classic tiller (no wheels to mess with)
• Power: Solar panels – stay off-grid longer
• Navigation: Radar included
• Interior: Clean, dry, and in good shape. Bonus: brand new toilet!
• Exterior: Fair condition – she is 50 years old after all.
• Bimini: Hard shell removed (not exactly Alaska here)
• Recent work includes:
- New raw water impeller
- New raw water filter
- New mixing elbow
- New battery
Why She’s Worth a Look:
• Affordable entry into classic cruising
• Forgiving learning platform that won’t break your heart (or wallet)
• Strong bones, diesel power, simple systems
• Located in Dana Point Harbor – one of the nicest marinas in SoCal
• Slip may be retained via co-ownership arrangement (ask for details)
*Can forward a short video walkthrough on request.