1978 Pearson 424 Ketch

This 1978 Pearson 424 Ketch is a well-equipped example of William Shaw’s respected cruising design. The Pearson 424 was conceived from the outset as a serious cruising yacht, combining a substantial fiberglass hull, fin keel, skeg-hung rudder, generous 13' beam, and approximately 21,000-pound displacement with the accommodations and storage needed for extended time aboard.

The traditional ketch rig divides the sail plan into smaller, more manageable sails and provides a variety of combinations for balancing the boat as wind and sea conditions change—attributes that remain particularly appealing to cruising and short-handed sailors. With more than 7,600 pounds of lead ballast and a moderate 5'3" draft, the 424 offers the substantial feel and practical dimensions that have helped these boats develop a loyal following among traditional cruising sailors.

Purchased by her current owner in Michigan in 2001, this 424 has spent the current ownership in freshwater and has benefited from numerous mechanical, electrical, navigation, sailing, and comfort upgrades. Among the most significant are a Cummins B3.3 diesel repower, bow thruster, lithium house battery bank, Magnum inverter/charger, updated Garmin electronics, newer mainsail, whole-boat air conditioning and heat, and Frigoboat keel-cooled refrigeration.

With over 25 years under the same ownership and many of the expensive cruising upgrades already completed, this Pearson offers an excellent foundation for a buyer looking for a capable, traditional cruising yacht.

Engine

The original Westerbeke diesel was replaced around 2006 while the vessel was located in the Grafton, Illinois area. A new 56-horsepower Cummins B3.3 diesel was purchased from Atlantic Diesels and installed at that time.

The seller estimates approximately 200–300 hours of use on the Cummins since installation. The Cummins B3.3 utilizes mechanical fuel injection

Notable Upgrades & Equipment

• 56 HP Cummins B3.3 diesel repower
• Approximately 200–300 estimated engine hours
• 80-gallon aluminum fuel tank
• Dripless stuffing box
• Feathering propeller
• Rebuilt steering system
• Bow thruster
• Maxwell windlass
• Dedicated battery and charger for bow thruster and windlass
• Magnum inverter/charger
• Two 8D lithium house batteries – new 2024
• Two starting batteries – new 2024
• Garmin GPS
• Garmin radar
• Garmin transducer
• AIS
• VHF radio
• Mainsail new in 2022
• Roller-furling headsail
• Ketch rig with Marconi mainsail and mizzen
• Whole-boat air conditioning and heat
• Electric freshwater head
• Approximately 40-gallon holding tank
• 11-gallon water heater
• Granite Transformation countertops
• Frigoboat keel-cooled refrigeration system
• Main salon cushions reupholstered in high-quality leatherette vinyl
• Deck and topsides painted in 2020
• Last hauled and bottom serviced in 2025

Specifications

• LOA: 42'4"
• LWL: 33'8"
• Beam: 13'
• Draft: 5'3"
• Displacement: Approximately 21,000 lbs.

With over 25 years under the same ownership, a low-hour Cummins repower, extensive system upgrades, and a proven Pearson cruising platform, this 424 Ketch offers a solid foundation for a buyer looking for a capable traditional cruising sailboat.