1981 Pearson Flyer – SLAPSHOT

BMW Diesel | 2024 Marine Survey | Performance Sailboat

SLAPSHOT is a 1981 Pearson Flyer offering a wide-beam, performance-oriented platform with inboard diesel power and a remarkably accessible asking price.

With almost 30 feet of length, an 11.82' beam, 5.75' draft and displacement of only 6,135 lb, the Pearson Flyer combines considerable beam with comparatively light displacement.

A professional marine survey was completed in August 2024, with the boat subsequently hauled for an additional below-waterline inspection in October 2024. 

SPECIFICATIONS

HULL & CONSTRUCTION

SLAPSHOT is built with a heavily constructed fiberglass hull, fiberglass decks and framing.

The deck incorporates coring, while the hull framing utilizes fiberglass-over-plywood construction. 

The hull above the waterline is fair and smooth and was documented in very good serviceable condition during the 2024 inspection.

A representative moisture reading on the starboard hull was 2.6%.

The transom was dry and secure. 

2024 OUT-OF-WATER INSPECTION

The October 2024 haul-out provides useful documentation of the underwater structure and running gear.

The bottom was pressure washed and inspected, with:

• No cracks documented
• No blisters documented
• No hull damage documented
• Keel straight
• Keel securely bonded to the hull
• Rudder gear straight and secure
• Bronze feathering propeller secure
• Propeller shaft secure
• Strut secure
• No delaminated areas identified through percussive testing
• Moisture readings below 5% throughout tested areas
• Good corrosion protection

For anyone considering a boat of this age, having a relatively recent out-of-water inspection is a significant advantage.

DECK, RIG & SAILING EQUIPMENT

The decks and associated hardware are secure and in very good serviceable condition.

Moisture readings across the inspected deck areas were below 10%.

The chainplates are secure, with no documented leaks into the cabin and no stress cracking around the chainplate areas.

The standing rig, mast and spars are secure.

Blocks, travellers and winches are in serviceable operating condition.

SLAPSHOT is also equipped with roller furling.

The mainsail and additional sails aboard were documented as appearing serviceable during the 2024 inspection. 

COCKPIT & HELM

SLAPSHOT uses traditional tiller steering, keeping the cockpit simple and uncluttered.

The tiller system is secure and operational.

The cockpit deck shows no stress cracking, and the railings and safety cabling are secure. 

BMW DIESEL

Auxiliary power comes from a single BMW diesel engine.

The engine is securely mounted in its bed.

The accessible engine stringers are secure with no signs of debonding.

Mounting bolts, coupling, output shaft and stuffing box are secure. 

The fuel tank is securely mounted and in good serviceable condition, with secure fuel filler and engine supply lines. No leaks or fumes were documented during inspection. 

INTERIOR

The Pearson Flyer was designed with sailing performance in mind, and the interior reflects that philosophy.

The accommodation is straightforward, open and functional.

Long opposing settees provide seating and sleeping space, while the 11.82-foot beam gives the cabin a surprising amount of volume for a boat just under 30 feet.

The cabin headliner, hull sides, flooring and upholstery are all documented in good serviceable condition. 

KNOWN ITEMS

The 2024 documentation identified two minor items worth confirming prior to purchase:

An engine starting battery was to be installed, and shorepower was not present at the time of inspection. 

A boarding ladder was also not present or visible during the cockpit inspection. 

These are straightforward items and can simply be confirmed during a showing.