Blue Water and a Pearson 424?

We receive many questions regarding blue water sailing in a 424. We've had just as many folks take their 424s to blue water. Orginally she was designed as the "perfect coastal cruiser". With some modifications many of our owners believe she makes a very comfortable blue water cruiser as well. Note that no boat design will fully compenstate for inexperienced handling. A 424 is no exception to this.

Phil Fontaine, on Aurora #???, wrote the following:
Bill Shaw, House Designer and President of Pearson Yachts during the years when the Pearson 424's were built, has been consistent in his views concerning offshore boats /sailing. Given your location I am sure you will have no trouble substituting Hobart 98 for Fastnet 79 in your mind as you read the attached article (Pearson Courant, Vol. 4. Nov. 3, 1998). http://www.pearsoncurrent.com/tpcarchive/tpc-4-3.htm#fastnet
Good luck in your search.

General Modifications that 424 owners make prior to offshore sailing:
• What about that wide transom?
• Oh that cockpit is large - adding extra cockpit drains / filling it up
• V-berth expanse: tincanning?
• Sea hood on the forward companion way mods