Review: Sea Pearl 21
Convenient and capable, the Marine Concepts Sea Pearl is a trailersailing jewel.
The eminent L. Francis Herreshoff called his Walrus design a “man’s boat.” A motorsailer, Walrus carried 755-square-feet of sail, two 65-horsepower gasoline engines, and a pot-bellied stove in her saloon. She was ideally suited to the cold-weather expedition.
Her only weakness, especially in the eyes of a venturesome coastal-cruising captain, was her six-foot draft. Herreshoff thought Walrus deserving of an able tender to serve as a secondary cruising boat for exploring shallows; this boat he called Carpenter.
A double-ended 18-footer, Carpenter was designed to carry substantial loads even through rough water. She was also intended to be easily beached—drawing a mere five inches with her centerboard retracted into her flat bottom. So impressed with the Walrus’ tender was Herreshoff that he wrote, “it might become something of a question as to which boat was tending which.”
In 1979, fifty years after Herreshoff ’s sketches, George Jeffries and Ron Johnson formed a boatbuilding partnership called Marine Concepts. Their first “concept” was a family boat based on Herreshoff ’s Carpenter. Expanded to 21 feet, their “Sea Pearl” maintained the length-to-beam ratio of the original. Not quite double-ended, the Sea Pearl had a narrow tombstone transom.
Early versions employed a centerboard, but by the eighties leeboards were being offered. The leeboard model excelled in shallow water, since the boards remain somewhat functional while drawing no more than the hull. And the absence of a centerboard trunk meant more room inside the forward cockpit or under the optional canvas cabin. Centerboard Pearls were soon all but obsolete.
Early models were unballasted, but since 1988 most have a hull liner and water ballast tanks that when full add 360 pounds. The unique reefing gooseneck system was added by 1990. Four hundred-nineteen monohull Sea Pearls had been built when we wrote out initial review in 2004 (see issue #25). Marine Concepts remained “in the family,” operating under the watchful eye of owner Jim Leet—Ron Johnson’s brother-in-law. At that time we asked Jim about his typical customer.
“Most of our business comes from 60 to 80-year-olds. The Sea Pearl is so easy to rig and launch that older folks really like them.” Leet sees tremendous potential for his lightweight, rowable, sailable Sea Pearl in another market as well. “I’d also like to get the younger camp-cruise, kayak and canoe crowd. Our boat would be the absolute Cadillac of their market.”
We sailed with owner Drew Squyres aboard his 1991 model, Persuasion, and we asked the real experts—Sea Pearl owners—for their comments.
Note: Before publishing this article we reached out to Marine Concepts and didn’t get a reply. We were told by one Sea Pearl owner (but were not able to confirm) that Marine Concepts has ceased production of new boats, but that Jim Leet is possibly still selling accessories.
PERFORMANCE:
“I have sailed along side a Drascombe and Bay Hen and had to luff both my sails to keep my speed down to theirs. Downwind, the ability to go wing-onwing in air too light to sustain flying a spinnaker cannot be matched.” Steve Churchill, 1993 Silmaril.
“People claim to tack through 90 degrees. I guess you can, if you’re pointing to the max. I prefer to sail about 55 degrees off the wind for a little more speed.” Phil Bacon, 1986 Scout.
“In a light breeze I get 3-4 knots easily. When the wind is over 10 knots, I consistently get 4.5 to 5.5 knots upwind and 6 to 6.5 knots downwind. I’ve surfed occasionally over 7 knots.” John Weiss, 1998 DragonSong.
“The Sea Pearl is a family and recreational cruising boat, not a racing boat comparable to Flying Scots, Lightnings, Thistles, etc. Still, it is quite fast—commonly the fastest boat overall of a group of various trailerable cruisers such as the West Wight Potters, O’Days, Drascombes, Wayfarers, Dovekies, Hen boats, Sanibel, Com Pacs, etc. The 21 does not point well. The cat ketch rig, shallow draft, and leeboards in lieu of a keel or center/daggerboard all work against sailing close to the wind. I have found that about sixty degrees off of the wind is the best I can do in good conditions. In rough seas, achieving even that upwind success requires close attention to such things as weight distribution and tell-tales.” Bill Fite, Moon Shadow.
“Not as fast upwind as some, but often passes boats on a broad reach and downwind. Points fairly well, and sailing close-hauled is fun because it likes that initial heel, but some sloops can certainly out-point her at times. The lug rig has some mysteries I never fully solve, because sometimes I’m amazed how well it does even when close-hauled.” Tom Lyons, 1984 Besito (lug rig).
In a dead calm, we had a chance to test the Sea Pearl’s standard auxiliary propulsion system—9-foot oars. Drew rowed while I manned the tiller—later we switched. We pulled our way quietly through the desolate back bay. Almost any small boat can be made to row, but there’s a clear difference with those in which rowing was a design consideration. The Sea Pearl goes well. She’s too heavy to move like a. rowboat or racing shell, but if I owned her I think I’d frequently leave the outboard at home. I’d be tempted to make her an exercise machine in the morning’s light air and sail home on the afternoon sea breeze.
After rowing to a shallow spot near the dunes we unfurled the sails in an attempt to catch the freshening breeze. Sure enough the Pearl responded. The cat-ketch rig’s 136-feet of sail area was just enough. Light air performance was good.
Sixty minutes later the Santana arrived in force. Our mirror-like reflection on the water was shattered by whitecaps. Drew suggested we fill the tanks. “It’s like giving her a glass of wine,” he said, “the extra ballast relaxes her and takes the edge off.” The Pearl felt more substantial now—especially hard on the weather, clipping the tops off the foamy swells.
We were surprised when the wind built to a sustained 17 knots. Drew demonstrated another Sea Pearl strength—heaving to. Ease the main, harden the mizzen and let go. The boat weather-vaned, drifting slowly backward—the rudder turned sideways and acted as a brake. To reef, Drew lifted the thumb tab on the ingenious rotating gooseneck, unclipped the vang and eased the outhaul. This allowed him to rotate the mast— which spins freely in the mast tube— and roll up sail area. Very simple. Very Sea Pearl.
To keep a balanced rig we reefed using the Sea Pearler’s standard “3/2”— three turns on the main and two on the smaller mizzen. This leaves the Pearl—which can be set to sail with a neutral helm in any conditions—with a slight weather helm for assistance rounding into stronger gusts. To resume sailing Drew simply backed the mainsail, which was right at his fingertips. Obviously, traditional battens won’t fly on these roller-reefing masts but the factory does offer special vertical batten performance sails as an upgrade.
Even under reduced sail the Sea Pearl performed admirably. She was fast and predictable—and pointed fairly well. Owners told us Sea Pearls tack in 90-110 degrees. The truth is somewhere in between; not quite as good as a similar sloop-rigged centerboarder, but not bad.
The split rig is essentially self-tending, that is, her skipper can ignore the sheets on tacks. Push the tiller over, lower the leeward board, and raise the windward board. Optionally, the Pearl can be sailed less efficiently with both boards down as some owners do in short tack situations.
TRAILERING AND LAUNCHING:
“Even my 1982 Saab hauls it at highway speeds with ease. It sits so low on the trailer, it’s stable even in crosswinds . . .I blew a trailer tire at 65 mph and didn’t even know it except for a bit of rumbling noise from the wheel on the pavement” John Weiss, 1998 DragonSong
The lightweight Sea Pearl is one of the few trailerables appreciably lower than her tow vehicle. She also sits low, so the view in the rearview mirror is less impaired. Few boats are easier to tow.
We were ready to participate in the rigging and launching of Drew’s Persuasion, but we didn’t have a chance to do much—Drew had already stepped both masts and rigged in the time it took us to snap a few pictures. Many owners claim to rig and launch in less than 8 minutes—and we believe it.
Launching is even easier. Drew showed us how, with his tilt trailer, the Pearl can be launched without dunking the trailer hubs. That’s right—not just dry automobile hubs—but dry trailer hubs. A gentle push and the boat slid right off. Drew deftly played bow and stern lines to turn his boat toward open water, tied off at the dock, and we were ready to go.
SEAWORTHINESS:
“I had my Pearl out in tropical storm Frederick in 1988 with winds of 45 knots, with sails reefed down to tiny size. We not only didn’t capsize, but made near hull-speed upwind. I had her offshore (along the coast) in 12-foot waves and stayed dry and in complete control.” Steve Churchill, 1993 Silmaril.
“I use ballast tanks whenever I’m alone, or in more than 12 knots or so. In combination with prudent reefing, she keeps right on going.” Phil Bacon, 1986 Scout.
“So far, so good. My boat does NOT have water ballast as many newer models do, but I really don’t want it. My only worry is in a possible breach situation when we are unavoidably crossways to big surf, but I have never rolled the boat or had it knocked down despite some adventurous chances. I do know the 21-foot length is a lot for its somewhat narrow beam and this helps when going upwind in a chop. The boat feels a bit light in big winds but it can take water over the rail without any problem because it just flows back to the cockpit and drains readily” Tom Lyons, 1984 Besito (lug rig).
Who can forget small-boat adventurer, Shane St. Clair’s account of sheeting the mizzen tight and going below to get some sleep in a 40-knot blow near Cape Hatteras. (SCA #13). In total darkness, surrounded by angry seas, St. Clair crawled forward, closed his eyes and left his Sea Pearl to fend for them both.
One look at the 600-pound Pearl, with its minimal freeboard and lack of a fixed cabin, and you’ll appreciate St. Clair’s courage. But Sea Pearls have been employed for a number of ambitious journeys.
She’s not only an able sailer, but also easy to reef and easy to beach—two qualities that add to a small-boat’s seaworthiness and versatility. Many owners laud their boat’s performance in high winds and big seas.
The Sea Pearl is not exempt from the realities of a narrow, relatively light, open boat. It’s possible to swamp or capsize her, and we’re told she can be difficult if not impossible to self-rescue. A few owners prepare for this unlikely possibility by adding more foam flotation to the hull and masts, but we’ve several reports of Sea Pearls bring towed to shore upside down.
Pearls benefit from hearty construction and a basic simplicity. The split rig means both low-aspect sails are easily manageable—neither requires winch or mechanical advantage. And unlike a centerboard, the leeboards are totally open to inspection and unlikely to jam with rocks or sand.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
“I think four can daysail comfortably, but three is great for balance and stretching out. For overnight, one can sleep in the center cockpit and one on the stern platform I made from folding plywood. Three of us have done extended cruising in the Sea of Cortez, but we slept on the beach and set up a full-blown camp. If you treat the Pearl as you would a big backpack, she will hold weeks worth of stuff. Of course, I never took three dozen tortillas and a case of Negra Modello on a backpacking trip.” Drew Squyres, 1991 Persuasion.
“There’s plenty of room, but a lot of it is in inconvenient shapes or locations. (e.g., stowage racks under side decks are too shallow; space under cockpit is voluminous but hard to access).” John Weiss, 1998 DragonSong.
As a daysailer the Sea Pearl is one of the more accommodating small boats on the market. Six people for an afternoon sail is said to be plenty comfortable. Under-deck storage is good, with most owners customizing the space with storage boxes or duffel bags.
Overnighting aboard below the tonneau cover, optional convertible cabin (3' 6" headroom), or a canopy of stars (limitless headroom) is comfortable enough for two persons—if a bit spartan. Drew Squyres constructed his own aft tent to cover an aft berth made with plywood filler boards. This combination creates a giant caravan suitable for more extended cruises.
There is no designated spot for head or galley. Cruisers typically carry buckets, camp stoves, air mattresses, and other tent-camping gear.
QUALITY:
“At 34 years old (the boat, not me), I have replaced some wooden spars (cheap and easy) on the lug rig and repaired a lee board that was losing a lead shoe. Most Sea Pearls have the aluminum marconi rig, which must last forever. (But mine looks cooler and gets under low bridges better!) Virtually everything that can break is fixable with some line and a few minutes of creative rigging.” Tom Lyons, 1984 Besito (lug rig).
We asked owners about all aspects of construction, trying to uncover any pattern of failure or corner-cutting. Owner responses bordered on the mundane. A bent cleat, some faded paint—very little trouble of any consequence. The only significant report we heard related to some leaky ballast tank seams. Potential owners might want to double-check this system.
Marine Concepts cores the Pearl’s double-laminate hull and deck with Klegecell™ (cross-linked PVC), where older models used end-grain balsa. We crawled around Drew’s boat, pushing and pulling, and were impressed with both strength and finish.
Jim Leet tells of one Sea Pearl that fell from its trailer at 70 mph. The owner reportedly picked up the scattered components and sailed that afternoon.
SEA PEARL LOA: 21’ LWL: 19’ Draft: 6”/ 2’6” Trailering Weight: 600 lb
Sail Area: 136 sq ft (Vertical batten rig 180 sq ft ) * Drawing shows original centerboard model
COMPROMISES:
“You can’t throw it on top of your car, and you can’t put a queen-sized bed in it. It’s a perfect compromise between those two.” Drew Squyres, 1991 Persuasion.
“You forgot to ask about shallow-water worthiness. That’s where this boat shines. The Sea Pearl can go just about anywhere a kayak can go. With lee boards barely in the water she can work her way upwind. Stick the boat on a sandbar 5” deep and it still usually floats free as soon as you step onto the sand. For exploring little islands and mangrove lagoons that other sailboats have to steer clear of, the Sea Pearl is wonderful. And it is great for taking shortcuts where other boats must go around. . Who needs channels?” Tom Lyons, 1984 Besito (lug rig).
We’ve touched on some compromises already. The Sea Pearl is essentially open, so the boat and her crew are more exposed than they might be on a cabin cruiser, and accommodations are comparatively rudimentary. Some sailors—and especially non-sailors—are put off by the Pearl’s initial tenderness, although she stiffens up considerably once heeled. The Sea Pearl is nearly defined by its cat-ketch rig and leeboards, which are both compromises—trading certain virtues for others—but we think the net results are positive.
MODIFICATIONS:
“I bought an aftermarket rudder for about $400 in hopes of getting extra lift for perhaps a bit of extra speed or higher pointing. Every penny of that cost was a waste, as I have found absolutely no evident advantage to the rudder, which I later learned was simply a Com Pac 16 rudder. I also eventually replaced my original sails with the horizontally-battened sails which have added roach and sail area, and therefore make the boat slightly faster in light air. Once I have to reef, however, anyone with standard sails can put up as much sail I do.” Bill Fite, Moon Shadow.
Several owners we spoke with who have older boats have retrofitted them with ballast tanks. Additional flotation, side motor-mounts and custom storage bins were common mods. Owner Kevin Mart was more ambitious, having built a beautiful new deck of mahogany and teak.
VALUE:
“A bit pricey at first glance, but worth every penny! There may be cheaper boats, but I doubt there are any with the Sea Pearl’s quality and versatility.” John Weiss, 1998 DragonSong.
“I suppose I could have bought two clunky 24-foot Chlorox bottles, complete with bunks, galley and head, for the same price. I think the Sea Pearl, at $4-5k for a good used one is a better deal” Phil Bacon, 1986 Scout.
“If you want a built-in cabin where you can keep your bunk made, this boat isn’t for you. It is a good-sized day-sailor and readily used for camping, but not in easy comfort at all times. You will get wet when sailing in the rain. Fun to sail, but not on auto-pilot while you mix martinis. It is a lively boat and you stay close to the water.” Tom Lyons, 1984 Besito (lug rig).
Sea Pearls are custom built and the options list is long. Even central components like the gunnel rub-rail are offered three ways. Vinyl is standard—teak, aluminum, and the “heavy teak classic” are optional upgrades. The base boat sailaway price is $11,295. Pearls appear to hold their value remarkably well. Few used models are found for less than $5,000.
The Sea Pearl has a noteworthy pedigree and is both attractive and capable. She even has an avid owner’s group with whom to share the excitement. But nothing makes her so appealing as her simplicity. Like Marine Concepts’ Jim Leet told us: You can arrive at the launch ramp parking lot the same time as an owner with a different trailerboat, and you’ll be two miles off shore by time the other boat is rigged. In a world where time seems to be an increasingly precious commodity, the Sea Pearl allows us to hurry up and relax.
ONE OWNER’S OPINION
We asked well-known Everglades Challenge veteran and Sea Pearler, Bill Fite, if he would offer a list of the design’s pros and cons.
Pros
• The SP 21 is simple. Its rugged fiberglass construction makes it easy to maintain. The masts are free-standing, and the sails furl around the masts for easy reefing and storage. There is a sheet for each sail, and a pennant each for raising and lowering the leeboards and the rudder. The leeboards avoid the through-hull penetrations (and potential problems) that come with centerboards and dagger boards. Once in place, the excellent camper top can be put up or down in seconds.
• At less than 1000 lbs, the SP 21 is easy to trailer, launch, and recover.
• The hull is a beautiful design that helps make the boat reasonably dry and remarkably seaworthy in coastal and bay waters, even in severe chop.
• The SP 21 is surprisingly fast for a recreational family boat not designed for racing, especially on close reaches to broad reaches and on runs.
• The divided sail plan of main and mizzen allows easy balancing of sails as well as quick and effective heaving to—a potentially valuable safety measure.
• The collapsible Sunbrella camper top is brilliantly designed and constructed to provide virtually complete protection from weather and insects.
• Beside sailing well, the Sea Pearl is easily rowed for a 21 foot sailboat, and easily motored with an electric or small gasoline outboard (the Honda 4-stroke 2 hp is a favorite).
• The extreme shoal draft (6 inches) of the Sea Pearl opens many shallow areas for gunkholing or riding out a thunderstorm at anchor, and emergency beaching.
• Use of the water ballast tanks can add stability and a reassuring heavier feel to the boat in high winds and chop.
Cons
• The 21 is tender. Despite strong final stability, it can be difficult to right if capsized, and can “turtle” readily without rapid employment of flotation such as an inflated boat roller.
• The boat does not point well due to the lack of a jib, centerboard, or keel. Tacking about 60 degrees off of the wind is about the best the boat can do.
• Sleeping two adults within the camper top is cramped. Removing baggage to the rear cockpit to make room, and sleeping head to foot is common in expeditionary races or challenges.
•The boat is slightly bow down in the water during even solo rowing. Placing heavy baggage in the rear cockpit before rowing long distances can help improve rowing efficiency.
• The SP 21 is self bailing only at rest, as the weight of the helmsman puts the drain hole below the water line when underway.
• The rear cockpit is small, and the relatively low seating position with little backrest is uncomfortable for some (extending legs to place feet against the opposite seat improves comfort).
• The narrow canoe-like transom of the SP 21 makes it less stable running in high winds. Surfing down swells at 12 or more knots is common, but more exciting than one would wish. It is important to take advantage of the SP 21’s easy reefing options early.
• The narrow stern makes outboard motor access difficult for some using the standard rudder mount.
•SCA•
Our Pearl was the best boat we ever had and our worst mistake was to sell it to get a West Wight. No comparison. On top of that, the guy I sold it to turned it turtle and lost the rig. Regrets abound.