The attractive and capable Sea Pearl 21.—Photo Ron Hoddinott
open, so the boat and her crew are more exposed than they might be on a cabin cruiser, and accommodations are com- paratively rudimentary. Some sailors— and especially non-sailors—are put off by the Pearl’s initial tenderness, although she stiffens up considerably once heeled. Te Sea Pearl is nearly defined by its cat- ketch rig and leeboards, which are both compromises—trading certain virtues for others—but we think the net results are positive.
MODIFICATIONS: “I bought an aſtermarket rudder for about $400 in hopes of getting extra liſt for per- haps a bit of extra speed or higher point- ing. Every penny of that cost was a waste, as I have found absolutely no evident advantage to the rudder, which I later learned was simply a Com Pac 16 rudder. I also eventually replaced my original sails with the horizontally-battened sails which have added roach and sail area, and therefore make the boat slightly faster in light air. Once I have to reef, however, anyone with standard sails can put up as much sail I do.” Bill Fite, Moon Shadow.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISOR
Several owners we spoke with who have older boats have retrofitted them with ballast tanks. Additional flotation, side motor-mounts and custom storage bins were common mods. Owner Kevin Mart was more ambitious, having built a beautiful new deck of mahogany and teak.
VALUE: “A bit pricey at first glance, but worth every penny! Tere may be cheaper boats, but I doubt there are any with the Sea Pearl’s quality and versatility.” John Weiss, 1998 DragonSong.
“I suppose I could have bought two clunky 24-foot Chlorox bottles, complete with bunks, galley and head, for the same price. I think the Sea Pearl, at $4-5k for a good used one is a better deal” Phil Bacon, 1986 Scout.
“If you want a built-in cabin where you can keep your bunk made, this boat isn’t for you. It is a good-sized day-sailor and readily used for camping, but not in easy comfort at all times. You will get wet when sailing in the rain. Fun to sail, but not on
auto-pilot while you mix martinis. It is a lively boat and you stay close to the water.” Tom Lyons, 1984 Besito (lug rig).
Sea Pearls are custom built and the options list is long. Even central compo- nents like the gunnel rub-rail are offered three ways. Vinyl is standard—teak, aluminum, and the “heavy teak classic” are optional upgrades. The base boat sailaway price is $11,295. Pearls appear to hold their value remarkably well. Few used models are found for less than $5,000. Te Sea Pearl has a noteworthy ped-
igree and is both attractive and capable. She even has an avid owner’s group with whom to share the excitement. But nothing makes her so appealing as her simplicity. Like Marine Concepts’ Jim Leet told us: You can arrive at the launch ramp parking lot the same time as an owner with a different trailerboat, and you’ll be two miles off shore by time the other boat is rigged. In a world where time seems to be an increasingly pre- cious commodity, the Sea Pearl allows us to hurry up and relax. •SCA•
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