Typhoon vs. Pearson Ensign

[John]

I have been (struggling) to find a Typhoon on the west coast. (Just looking for a nice day sailer ) but I have recently come across a Pearson Ensign, which seems to be a lovely boat with a huge cockpit area. It's in great shape for $5,000...does anybody know anything about these boats?

Thanks for the input!!!



zilles@earthlink.net

[Ed Armstrong/Ty #1651]

I almost bought an Electra prior to finding my Typhoon. The Electra is the cabin/weekender model of the Ensign. It seemed like a nice boat, good design, and fast for its time, but would've been much harder to trailer launch, having a 3' draft vs. the Ty's 2.5' draft. Since I trailer, that was a big decision factor (and the fact that when it came down to it, the owner didn't really want to sell, even though I was offering what he was asking!) If you have specific question, I might be able to answer them.

Ed



ed.armstrong@innercite.com

[Kevin Mulligan]

My father had a Pearson Ensign for about 10 years in the 80's. I loved it and found it to be a fast, comfortable day sailer on the north shore of Long Island. I still visit my parents in NY and the Ensigns have made a huge comeback. I just saw a fleet of about a dozen racing out of Northport. They are still great boats. A friend purchased one for $1,000 and with new sails and some TLC he's winning races. A new Ensign is being built near Clearwater, Fl. and they sell for about $30k. I'd say $5k is a little high for an old ensign unless it's in superb shape with a new outboard.
You can't go wrong with a Ty either.
Kevin Mulligan
CD 28 #226 "Skibbereen"

I have been (struggling) to find a Typhoon on the west coast. (Just looking for a nice day sailer ) but I have recently come across a Pearson Ensign, which seems to be a lovely boat with a huge cockpit area. It's in great shape for $5,000...does anybody know anything about these boats?

Thanks for the input!!!

kmulligan@yahoo.com

[Jerry Albright]

The Ensign and the Electra are excelent day sailers designed by Carl Alberg and manufactured by Pearson.I owned an Electra, the hull and rig are the same as the Ensign with a larger cabin and smaller cockpit.I have sailed both, and highly recommend either.
I moved up to a Cape Dory 27 and love mt CD, but I also miss my little Pearson. The price seems high , here on the Gulf Coast I have seen them sell from $1200 to $3500 depending on condition and inventory.
Great sailing boats,if you have any specific questions, e-mail me and I will be happy to share any info. or experiences.There is an Electra web site, I think it may be www.jollman.com.

Smooth Sailing
Jerry Albright
CD27 "DOLPHIN"



nauticalw@aol.com

[Bill Boxham]

Start here: www.ensignclass.com

I love mine. (both)

Bill
Ty 696
Ensign 303 Rollergirl
Barnaget Bay, NJ



mmmmmmbill@earthlonk.net

[PatO]

I've raced Ensigns here in Miami and can tell you they are excellent boats. Very forgiving for the inexperienced sailor yet can be upgraded for the serious racer. They are not J boats but they perform well and there seem to be fleets of them everywhere if you want to race.
I have no experience with Ty's but don't think you'll be disappointed with the Ensign. They're a blast.
Some, I seem to recall, had problems with rot at the bulkheads and maybe the cockpit seats. Check these areas thoroughly.
Good luck and happy hunting.

Pat
"Esprit"
CD 28



fornaft@NShotmail.com

[PatO]

PS check the mast step for deformation/spongyness too.



fornaft@NShotmail.com

[Joe Sankey]

I have been (struggling) to find a Typhoon on the west coast. (Just looking for a nice day sailer ) but I have recently come across a Pearson Ensign, which seems to be a lovely boat with a huge cockpit area. It's in great shape for $5,000...does anybody know anything about these boats?

Thanks for the input!!!

Pearson Ensigns are wonderful, IMHO. Easy to sail, relatively fast, forgiving and lots of room for daysailing. As for price, if it's truly in exellent condition $5K may be about right. Jerry's right about Gulf Coast boats; I owned one. Most were made in the early 60's and were rode hard and put up wet. Do check the mast step, the deck core, around the shrouds and on the cabin top around the winch for soft spots/leaks. However, the Ensign, along with the Ty daysailer, do not have self bailing cockpits, and therefore demand a little more care when wet sailed. If you don't get this one, let us know where it is.
Joe Sankey
CD 30 Slow Dance
Magnolia Springs, AL



sankey@gulftel.com