Typhoon comparison to Commander

[David Spaulding]

We've owned our Typhoon Weekender, Ceili, for two seasons now and we love this boat. We've thought about what we'd get if we moved up to a different boat, and really the only reason to move up would be to get a little more space to accommodate a few more passengers, in the cockpit and below. We don't need a lot of amenities.

After a lot of boat-watching, I believe I've identified the boat for us. The Pearson Commander. I've always loved the lines of the Typhoon and all the teak highlights, and the Commander has a similar look. I like the simplicity of the boat and wonder if it's be as easy to single-hand as the Ty. That's important, because I go out on my own more often than not.

Anyone out there able to speak from experience to compare Commander to Ty?



dspauld@rcn.com

[Joel]

I, too, had come to the same conclusion. The cockpit space is tremendous. It has a larger cockpit than any CD of any size. Compared the the Ty, belowdeck accommodations are a real step up. The degree to which lines run to the cockpit is likely to be based on owner mods. The one I looked at had the halyard winch and cleats on the mast. Being an Alberg design, I figure we know how she'll sail.

Construction is a little different than the Ty. She has molded toe rails and a vinyl/metal combo rub rail rather than teak. Also, the deck on the one I saw had a delamination problem at several stanchions and around the chainplates and signs of serious internal water around the chainplates.

All in all, though, a nice boat if you can find the right one. Good hunting.

Joel
Pokey II (sold but not closed)
'73 Ty #549
Pokey III (on contract)
'78 Pearson 323 #101
Bayside, NY

[Dan]

If you haven't seen it, there is a web site dedicated to Pearson Ariels and Commanders. Go to www.pearsonariel.org. There is a very helpful and active discussion board there - they'd love to bend your ear about Commanders.

The Commander is essentially an Ariel with larger cockpit and smaller cabin. They are solid, stable, well built boats, and perform as one would expect any Alberg design to. Ariel/Commander owners claim them to be unusually fast for their dimensions - can't say whether that's true or not. The Commander sounds ideal for what you're seeking. Accommodations are tight, but coming from a Typhoon will seem spacious. Commanders are fairly inexpensive and not all that hard to find - I've seen well equipped ones in good condition on both sides of $5K.

[David Spaulding]

Thanks for the insights -- Joel, too. I think we're going to keep our eyes open for one of these boats.

If you haven't seen it, there is a web site dedicated to Pearson Ariels and Commanders. Go to www.pearsonariel.org. There is a very helpful and active discussion board there - they'd love to bend your ear about Commanders.

The Commander is essentially an Ariel with larger cockpit and smaller cabin. They are solid, stable, well built boats, and perform as one would expect any Alberg design to. Ariel/Commander owners claim them to be unusually fast for their dimensions - can't say whether that's true or not. The Commander sounds ideal for what you're seeking. Accommodations are tight, but coming from a Typhoon will seem spacious. Commanders are fairly inexpensive and not all that hard to find - I've seen well equipped ones in good condition on both sides of $5K.

dspauld@rcn.com