Pearl 55/60, your experiences of these boats appreciated

[Greg01]

Has any one owned or skippered either a Pearl 55 or Pearl 60. If so your experiences would be welcome, especially sea keeping and any big sea experiences. I am researching an article on buying a used one so all points, good and bad.

 

[Hurricane]

We did a sea trial on one (Pearl 60) 2 years ago

In Southampton Water - average sea conditions

Handled just like any other flybridge cruiser.

Nicely fitted out - I believe that the 55 and the 60 are the same - just that the 60 has that nice bathing platform.

Aft cabin is nice but, overall, you dont get much storage space.

Good layout for bare boat chartering - ideal to two families sharing - 2 double cabins - plus two smaller ones from memory.

Access to the engines is through the boat though - imagine carting all that oil through. Can be done though.

Nice boat - Just wasnt for us.

 

[Nautical]

I ve skipper a 60 a few times and was impressed with its sea keeping. Not the fastest handling kid on the block but a well built, solid boat that will keep bashing through the lumpy stuff when others are slowing down.

Aft cabin is lovely and you get another three cabins so for charter market one of the best there is. Helm is bit tight for 6' plus types (me!) and was surprised there was no real adjustment of the helm seats. Other gripe was that if you step down from the helm the companionway steps to below decks is right beside you so if not careful you end up on your face down the stairs.

Mooring gear was up to par and everything about the stainless gear was good and solid.

Smallish fly bridge for a 60 footer but you are only a few steps down to a good size aft cockpit so guess you can use both areas for lounging and especially with the sliding cockpit roof opens up the whole area to the sun.

Interior is looking a bit dated now with lots of swoops and curves so could do with an update with lighter more modern edgy design (ala new Sqd 55) .

Storage for cruising gear was a bit tight but manageable, a downside to the aft cabin arrangement.

All in all though I thought she was a very good alternative to the normal fayre and big inside for her size, also of benefit to owners which I thought was very good is direct access to the boss man, the owner told me he could ring him anytime and get things sorted in double quick time. They seem also willing to do a fair amount of customisation for owners so I am sure no two two boats are exactly the same.

High / Lo platform on the 60 was a great boon, much better than struggling with passerelle crane or lifting off the fly or out of a garage , just push a button and the jet rib lowers into the water, all 50' + boats should have these in my opinion saves a load of grief.