1981 Pearson 424 Ketch

This 1981 Pearson 424 Ketch is a proven offshore cruiser that has already completed serious bluewater passages, including voyages to Bermuda, St. Martin, Grenada, the Virgin Islands, and the U.S. East Coast. She is exceptionally well equipped for extended cruising or comfortable liveaboard life and is equally at home preparing to head south tomorrow or enjoying the summer season on Sodus Bay.

Designed by William Shaw, the Pearson 424 is widely respected for its strong construction, comfortable motion offshore, spacious interior, and practical center cockpit layout. This vessel has benefited from extensive upgrades and thoughtful cruising equipment additions over the years, making her an outstanding value for sailors seeking a capable passagemaker.

On deck, the boat is set up for safe and manageable short-handed cruising with roller furling headsail, a full-batten mainsail, mizzen sail, mizzen staysail, asymmetrical spinnaker, windlass, davits, Lifesling, radar, and a full enclosure canvas package for extended season comfort. Included with the boat is a 2-year-old Zodiac 10' dinghy paired with an 8hp 2-cycle outboard.

The electrical and energy systems have been upgraded to support serious cruising independence, including solar panels, a quiet wind generator, inverter, MPPT charging system, and included Victron components valued at approximately $2,000 for future lithium battery conversion. A 35-gallon-per-hour watermaker is also installed and currently requires a new membrane.

Navigation and communication equipment include a Raymarine C80 chartplotter, new GPS, SSB radio, and a below-deck autopilot that reportedly performs flawlessly, even in heavy seas — a critical feature for offshore passagemaking.

Mechanically, the vessel has seen significant investment and maintenance. The chainplates have been replaced, the mast step rebuilt, and the fuel system upgraded with a fuel polishing system and new fuel tank. Engine work includes a new oil pan, new gaskets, front and rear seals, and a rebuilt V-drive completed in 2012.

Below deck, the Pearson 424 offers the warm, spacious accommodations that have made these boats so popular among long-distance cruisers. The large aft cabin, generous salon, abundant storage, refrigeration plus separate freezer, and excellent ventilation make extended time aboard both practical and comfortable.

This is not a stripped-down project boat — it is a genuinely equipped cruising yacht with real offshore history, extensive upgrades, and the gear needed to continue adventuring immediately.

If you have been searching for a capable classic cruiser with pedigree, equipment, and proven offshore experience, this Pearson 424 deserves serious consideration.