I don't know anything about Norseboat but the fact that a Sea Pearl cannot be recovered from being swamped is a deal breaker for me. It has happened in the EC and the Texas200.
I chose the Sea Pearl but only because I have the trimaran leeboard version. The design always amazes me being a very stable camp cruiser with all the storage and folding camp enclosure. Love the benefit of the mizzen as well. As a mono though, the self rescue problem would definitely concern me.
It doesn't, really. Or maybe I should say the factors have been considered and Dale's statement is correct. I've done it. You can make serious modifications to the Sea Pearl to keep her on her side, but there is no purchase to get her back up without a centerboard.
I would add that until she goes over the Sea Pearl is an extremely capable boat. I'm very happy with it overall, but the lack of self rescue should be respected.
I know nothing about either boat, but one has a sloop rig, lapstrake planking, and a wineglass transom, so of course that one has to be my choice. I recognize that it's likely slower and may not point as well as the skiff, but we all suffer for our art.
Primary Advantages: Carbon fiber mast & boom make for easy single handed rigging. Easy to reduce sail with roller furling jib & jiffy reefing system on the main. NB is still in production. And yes - she’s very pretty to look at.
Norseboat. I have had the pleasure of sailing in one with my neighbor. Classic design combined with top quality materials and craftsmanship. Exceptionally versatile - sailing, rowing or camping.
I know both of these boats are very capable and have done major expeditions. I think the Norseboat is more complete and being newer has incorporated a lot of the features and tricks that would have to be customized into the Sea Pearl. If cost was a factor, though, I am pretty sure a Sea Pearl could be found for less than a Norseboat in the same condition.
Friend of mine and his crew almost died off some islands in Casco Bay when they capsized a Sea Pearl. He sold it. I'm not a Norse boat fan, don't like the rig, but I'll have to go with it assuming it can be righted. Has any one done a capsize test?
I corresponded with him a bit when he was selling his Caledonia and I was buying a Sea Pearl. If he builds a Jewell that's going to be one heck of a boat and he is going to have some awesome adventures!
I've always been intrigued by that custom gaff on the Norseboat. It seems like a great way to get extra sail area without going up higher and without some of the hassles of a true lug rig. I suppose battened sails with extra roach are very close to this, but the Norseboat rig is inspiring. Has anyone tried something similar on another craft?
Iain Oughtred designed a curved gaff for the Fulmar. I think you could put a curved gaff on any gaff rig.
Also, most sailmakers would be happy to make a full battened sail for a few hundred extra bucks. One sailmaker I talked to loves full battens because they hold the draft of the sail longer—they boat will point upwind well for more seasons, because the sail doesn't 'blow out' as soon.
On the flip side, I talked to the owner of a Norseboat, and while he agreed the curved gaff was good looking, he wished he had a straight gaff. He said the curved gaff was a pain to stow.
I owned a Sea Pearl 21 for years. Capsized it twice with rogue winds over 50 miles per hour. I was able to right it. It did well in winds at 45mph. I was able to camp in it easily and rig it in minutes easily. What I would have changed would have been to add outriggers, the easy blow up would have made a huge difference. People couldn't believe the places I was able to navigate through especially here in Prescott on Watson Lake where there are really neat coves and quiet places to explore. Loved it on Lake Powell and really loved it running wing on wing. My nephew has the Pearl now and is in love with it as well. The other one looks great but for overall with modifications the Pearl wins. I also loved the water ballast and the leeboards, easy to use and if I needed to work on them it was easy, not like a centerboard or daggerboard. But, if i had a real choice and the bucks I would get the Sea Pearl Trimaran.
the first capsize was in warm weather, fortunately. My nephew and I were sailing on Willow Lake in Prescott on a really windy day on purpose to "test" the Pearl's heavy wind capabilities. We were prepared for a knock down including two 5-gallon buckets for bailing. We were on a beam reach coming out of a long chute and it was blowing about 42mph and we had the sails partly reefed. We hit an open stretch and were immediately capsized. We floated and discussed the strategy and realized we could do nothing until we released the sails. Then we positioned ourselves on either side of the boat and I pulled up while Steven levered the boat up on the windward side. As soon as the boat was up I bailed while he held up the boat and then he was able to get in and help bail and we rowed to shore. The second capsize winds came from 10mph to at least 40mph with no warning on Watson Lake and we were too close to shore to try to right the boat. Both times I had the main sheet in my hands which I always do.
The sails kept the boat from turtling. They splayed out and gave us enough time for my nephew to push up on the main mast while I was on the other side of the boat pulling up. I uncleated both as they also were preventing the righting of the boat. As soon as the boat was up my nephew held onto the boat while I bailed enough for him to then help bail. The boat then stayed stable enough to row to shore and get the boat on the trailer. I am not sure if the two masts, being hollow, helped with the buoyancy. Possibly!
One advantage of a centerboard boat that I have seen is one can stand on the extended centerboard to help right it. A fellow sailor always did this with his Capri and it worked every time.
Very interesting. My experience is that the Sea Pearl went completely turtle without a pause. I uncleated the sails in what seems like perfectly bad timing--too late to stop the capsize and just soon enough to not provide any resistance in the water to turtling. I did not have the ballast tanks full, which not only helped lead to the capsize, but also probably helped it turtle all the way over.
Thanks for sharing, it is always helpful to learn.
I'm sure readers would love to read an extended recap of these events. Maybe you've written something already? Would love to hear more, lessons learned, etc. If you get inspired you can send to me at josh@smallcraftadvisor.com
Our Sea Pearl was one of the loves of my life. I closed up the centerboard slot and covered it with (4) 1X12X12 steel plates giving me considerably more stability. Then installed leeboards and handrails on the hull where the leeboard chafing bar would have been.
The wife and I cruised the boat in NJ , the Outer banks and Fl Everglades. We could have slept in the boat but were always able to find a campsite. Shoal draft , easy to row, what more could we ask for?
I have never had opportunity to sail or be around one but have loved them since the first time I saw them when they were introduced in Small Boat Journal.
I own and sail a Sea Pearl 21’ and am enjoying it immensely. I find myself drawn to the lines of the Norseboat and have been looking for one for sale used. I enjoy the adventures that I have read about them.
I have a Norseboat 17.5 Classic which is the new version, the picture is the old version. Same hull just some changes in the rig and the rudder. I have not sailed a Sea Pearl but had one sail next to me in my M-17 at one of the HPCC events and it looked like a nice boat to sail. The Norseboat is very easy to rig, I find it easier than my Scamp to rig and get in and out of the water. Sails great but can be a challenge to tack through the wind. I have a camp tent and spent two nights at a guest dock and it worked out well for my cooking and camping arrangement.
I don't think you will find any sailboat other than a sunfish or laser that is easier to rig than the Sea Pearl. My kids and I can get from fully-prepped for trailering to in the water ready to sail in about 15 minutes.
I sailed a Sea Pearl for 4 years on the Columbia River, Willamette River, Willapa Bay, and Port Townsend. Excellent rowing, good sailing, very good on beach with inflatable roller. I especially appreciated the side-boards.
Norseboat. Classic good looks, modern materials, great design.
Sea Pearl is next to impossible to self rescue. I hope Norseboat is. So chose Norseboat for that reason alone.
I don't know anything about Norseboat but the fact that a Sea Pearl cannot be recovered from being swamped is a deal breaker for me. It has happened in the EC and the Texas200.
I chose the Sea Pearl but only because I have the trimaran leeboard version. The design always amazes me being a very stable camp cruiser with all the storage and folding camp enclosure. Love the benefit of the mizzen as well. As a mono though, the self rescue problem would definitely concern me.
that certainly depends on a lot of factors - - - (planing) !!
It doesn't, really. Or maybe I should say the factors have been considered and Dale's statement is correct. I've done it. You can make serious modifications to the Sea Pearl to keep her on her side, but there is no purchase to get her back up without a centerboard.
I would add that until she goes over the Sea Pearl is an extremely capable boat. I'm very happy with it overall, but the lack of self rescue should be respected.
I know nothing about either boat, but one has a sloop rig, lapstrake planking, and a wineglass transom, so of course that one has to be my choice. I recognize that it's likely slower and may not point as well as the skiff, but we all suffer for our art.
Norseboat for me. Beauty wins. Sorry for being so shallow…
I have a NorseBoat 17.5, so that’s my vote.
Primary Advantages: Carbon fiber mast & boom make for easy single handed rigging. Easy to reduce sail with roller furling jib & jiffy reefing system on the main. NB is still in production. And yes - she’s very pretty to look at.
Norseboat. I have had the pleasure of sailing in one with my neighbor. Classic design combined with top quality materials and craftsmanship. Exceptionally versatile - sailing, rowing or camping.
I know both of these boats are very capable and have done major expeditions. I think the Norseboat is more complete and being newer has incorporated a lot of the features and tricks that would have to be customized into the Sea Pearl. If cost was a factor, though, I am pretty sure a Sea Pearl could be found for less than a Norseboat in the same condition.
Friend of mine and his crew almost died off some islands in Casco Bay when they capsized a Sea Pearl. He sold it. I'm not a Norse boat fan, don't like the rig, but I'll have to go with it assuming it can be righted. Has any one done a capsize test?
Was that Christophe? What's he sailing these days?
It was. He went to a Caledonia which didn't fit him, I think he's building a Jewell. Haven't heard for a while.
I corresponded with him a bit when he was selling his Caledonia and I was buying a Sea Pearl. If he builds a Jewell that's going to be one heck of a boat and he is going to have some awesome adventures!
I've always been intrigued by that custom gaff on the Norseboat. It seems like a great way to get extra sail area without going up higher and without some of the hassles of a true lug rig. I suppose battened sails with extra roach are very close to this, but the Norseboat rig is inspiring. Has anyone tried something similar on another craft?
Iain Oughtred designed a curved gaff for the Fulmar. I think you could put a curved gaff on any gaff rig.
Also, most sailmakers would be happy to make a full battened sail for a few hundred extra bucks. One sailmaker I talked to loves full battens because they hold the draft of the sail longer—they boat will point upwind well for more seasons, because the sail doesn't 'blow out' as soon.
On the flip side, I talked to the owner of a Norseboat, and while he agreed the curved gaff was good looking, he wished he had a straight gaff. He said the curved gaff was a pain to stow.
I owned a Sea Pearl 21 for years. Capsized it twice with rogue winds over 50 miles per hour. I was able to right it. It did well in winds at 45mph. I was able to camp in it easily and rig it in minutes easily. What I would have changed would have been to add outriggers, the easy blow up would have made a huge difference. People couldn't believe the places I was able to navigate through especially here in Prescott on Watson Lake where there are really neat coves and quiet places to explore. Loved it on Lake Powell and really loved it running wing on wing. My nephew has the Pearl now and is in love with it as well. The other one looks great but for overall with modifications the Pearl wins. I also loved the water ballast and the leeboards, easy to use and if I needed to work on them it was easy, not like a centerboard or daggerboard. But, if i had a real choice and the bucks I would get the Sea Pearl Trimaran.
I'm interested about the two capsizes--did the boat turtle? Did it have any modifications?
the first capsize was in warm weather, fortunately. My nephew and I were sailing on Willow Lake in Prescott on a really windy day on purpose to "test" the Pearl's heavy wind capabilities. We were prepared for a knock down including two 5-gallon buckets for bailing. We were on a beam reach coming out of a long chute and it was blowing about 42mph and we had the sails partly reefed. We hit an open stretch and were immediately capsized. We floated and discussed the strategy and realized we could do nothing until we released the sails. Then we positioned ourselves on either side of the boat and I pulled up while Steven levered the boat up on the windward side. As soon as the boat was up I bailed while he held up the boat and then he was able to get in and help bail and we rowed to shore. The second capsize winds came from 10mph to at least 40mph with no warning on Watson Lake and we were too close to shore to try to right the boat. Both times I had the main sheet in my hands which I always do.
Interesting. I'm mainly curious why the boat didn't turtle, but instead stayed on its side.
The sails kept the boat from turtling. They splayed out and gave us enough time for my nephew to push up on the main mast while I was on the other side of the boat pulling up. I uncleated both as they also were preventing the righting of the boat. As soon as the boat was up my nephew held onto the boat while I bailed enough for him to then help bail. The boat then stayed stable enough to row to shore and get the boat on the trailer. I am not sure if the two masts, being hollow, helped with the buoyancy. Possibly!
One advantage of a centerboard boat that I have seen is one can stand on the extended centerboard to help right it. A fellow sailor always did this with his Capri and it worked every time.
Very interesting. My experience is that the Sea Pearl went completely turtle without a pause. I uncleated the sails in what seems like perfectly bad timing--too late to stop the capsize and just soon enough to not provide any resistance in the water to turtling. I did not have the ballast tanks full, which not only helped lead to the capsize, but also probably helped it turtle all the way over.
Thanks for sharing, it is always helpful to learn.
Hi Gary,
I'm sure readers would love to read an extended recap of these events. Maybe you've written something already? Would love to hear more, lessons learned, etc. If you get inspired you can send to me at josh@smallcraftadvisor.com
Thank you for providing lived experience. There is a bit of fear, uncertainty, and doubt surrounding this boat!
I have sailed for over 40 years and never sailed without some uncertainty. I saw too many "laid back sailors" get in trouble.
Our Sea Pearl was one of the loves of my life. I closed up the centerboard slot and covered it with (4) 1X12X12 steel plates giving me considerably more stability. Then installed leeboards and handrails on the hull where the leeboard chafing bar would have been.
The wife and I cruised the boat in NJ , the Outer banks and Fl Everglades. We could have slept in the boat but were always able to find a campsite. Shoal draft , easy to row, what more could we ask for?
We named her "NAMASTE" and loved her.
JW
Sea Pearl. No rational reason.
I have never had opportunity to sail or be around one but have loved them since the first time I saw them when they were introduced in Small Boat Journal.
I own and sail a Sea Pearl 21’ and am enjoying it immensely. I find myself drawn to the lines of the Norseboat and have been looking for one for sale used. I enjoy the adventures that I have read about them.
I have a Norseboat 17.5 Classic which is the new version, the picture is the old version. Same hull just some changes in the rig and the rudder. I have not sailed a Sea Pearl but had one sail next to me in my M-17 at one of the HPCC events and it looked like a nice boat to sail. The Norseboat is very easy to rig, I find it easier than my Scamp to rig and get in and out of the water. Sails great but can be a challenge to tack through the wind. I have a camp tent and spent two nights at a guest dock and it worked out well for my cooking and camping arrangement.
I don't think you will find any sailboat other than a sunfish or laser that is easier to rig than the Sea Pearl. My kids and I can get from fully-prepped for trailering to in the water ready to sail in about 15 minutes.
I sailed a Sea Pearl for 4 years on the Columbia River, Willamette River, Willapa Bay, and Port Townsend. Excellent rowing, good sailing, very good on beach with inflatable roller. I especially appreciated the side-boards.
Sea Pearl to be sure. Water line length. Free board. Volume. General ease of use. It's a shame it is not in production at this time.