1986 Pearson 33-2
Erie, PA
The 1986 Pearson 33-2 is a fiberglass centerboard sloop designed by Bill Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts in Rhode Island, offering a two-cabin layout, traditional teak interior, and a sloop rig with approximately 510 sq. ft. of sail area. Power comes from an 18 HP Yanmar 2GM20F inboard diesel, a well-supported engine with readily available parts. The centerboard configuration allows access to shallower waters, making this a versatile option for coastal cruising on Lake Erie and beyond.
Specifications
Key Features
- Fiberglass hull with balsa-cored deck construction
- Centerboard design for shallow-water access
- 18 HP Yanmar 2GM20F inboard diesel engine
- Sloop rig with ~510 sq. ft. sail area and all lines led aft for single-handed sailing
- Traditional teak interior with two-cabin layout
- Aft stateroom with queen-sized sleeping accommodations
- Hot and cold pressure water system
- Bronze ball valves on all through-hull fittings
Description
The Pearson 33-2, designed by Bill Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts in Rhode Island, strikes a balance between performance, durability, and cruising comfort. This 1986 model is a capable coastal cruiser with a reputation for seaworthiness and sensible design.
**Hull and Deck**
The hull is solid fiberglass with a balsa-cored deck. The deck layout is clean and functional, featuring wide side decks, a secure cockpit, and all lines led aft for easy single- or short-handed sailing. The centerboard can be extended to improve upwind performance or retracted for access to shallower waters.
**Rig and Sailplan**
The sloop rig features a deck-stepped mast, double spreaders, and a sail area of approximately 510 sq. ft., providing balanced handling across a broad range of conditions. The boat is equally suited to weekend club racing or relaxed coastal cruising.
**Interior**
Below decks, the Pearson 33-2 offers a warm, traditional teak interior with excellent headroom and a practical two-cabin layout.
– **Galley:** L-shaped, starboard side, with a two-burner stove and stainless steel sink
– **Navigation area:** Chart table to port; a large refrigerator/freezer is concealed beneath it
– **Main salon:** Opposing settees and a fold-down bulkhead table
– **Forward cabin:** Private V-berth with walk-through door, hanging locker with louvered doors, and port and starboard shelving
– **Aft stateroom:** Queen-sized sleeping accommodations, hanging locker, and additional engine access
– Storage compartments throughout
**Engine**
The boat is powered by an 18 HP Yanmar 2GM20F inboard diesel — a common model with parts abundantly available.
**Tankage and Plumbing**
– Plastic water tanks with deck fills
– Hot and cold pressure water
– Bronze ball valves on all through-hull fittings
– Molded FRP shower pan and vanity unit in the head
– Mirrored, sliding storage locker doors in the head compartment
**Disclosures**
This boat has been found to have elevated moisture levels in the side decks aft of the chainplates and forward near the anchor locker. All through-deck hardware will require re-bedding.
If you are looking for a well-mannered, budget-friendly cruiser from a well-respected builder, the Pearson 33-2 is a practical choice. Call to arrange a showing today.
Additional Details
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Accommodations
The Pearson 33-2 features a two-cabin layout with a private forward V-berth with walk-through door, hanging locker, and port and starboard shelving, plus an aft stateroom offering queen-sized sleeping accommodations and a hanging locker. The main salon includes opposing settees and a fold-down bulkhead table.
Contact the Broker
Interested in the 1986 Pearson 33-2? Get in touch with our broker directly.

