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).

Link no longer available.
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