Originally called The Electra Day Sailer, the Ensign is a Carl Alberg design
The Ensign hull design by Carl Alberg is based on the Pearson Electra. He modified the design for the Ensign in response to customer demand for a day-sailer with a larger cockpit and smaller cabin. Pearson Yachts was the only builder of the boat from 1962-1983 with 1775 boats constructed before ceasing production. Production was resumed in 2001 by Ensign Spars, Inc. of Dunedin Florida, where reportedly another 33 boats, (hull #2000 and above), have been produced as of 2019.
Consider this: The Ensign is the only sailboat from Pearson Yachts that is still in production today — and Pearson has been closed for close to 3 decades. Now isn't that a true test of time!
The Ensign is by far the largest one-design fleet of full-keel sailboats in the country. It was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 2002.
"Consider what has made the Ensign so popular… a large eight foot cockpit with full length teak seats so perfect for the safety and convenience of a large family; a twin-berth cuddy cabin with optional head for those overnights or weekends; national recognition as a one-design racing class; longevity of manufacturer; strict class rules for uniformity; Pearson Quality"!
More than 1700 ENSIGNS are sailing nationwide in a strong, active one-design association numbering 47 fleets in 20 states (1979). Rigid class rules insure continuity of design and manufacture thereby enhancing resale value. Her remarkable ability to race well while providing all the comfort and stability required of a good day-sailer or weekender has endeared here to hundreds of experts and novices everywhere.
Since the class was introduced in 1962, the ENSIGN has proven herself to be the ideal all-around family boat. Her ability, seaworthiness, and forgiving attitude have encouraged numerous people of all ages to "take to the water" for those precious leisure hours while providing those with a competitive spirit with a bonafide compromise between the thrill of racing and the lure of cruising.
Ask many of the experts now racing larger boats and they tell you it all started with the ENSIGN. Ask present ENSIGN owners, they tell you how difficult it is to find another boat that dollar for dollar represents the real value they presently enjoy.
If the ENSIGN will be your first boat, you can start with confidence — confidence in your boat and your investment. If it's your next boat you can rest assured that she will bring out the best of your experience.
Pearson Yachts 1961
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Sailboat Specifications* | |
---|---|
Length Overall | 22.5' |
Length Waterline | 16.8' |
Beam | 7.0' |
Draft | 3.0' |
Displacement | 3,000 lbs |
Ballast | 1,200 lbs |
Mast Height (above D.W.L.) | 25.0' |
Cockpit Length | 8' 0" |
Auxillary Power | Outboard |
Designer | Carl Alberg |
Years Built and Number (if known) | 1962–Present (1793+) |
Sail Area | |
Total (SA) | 245 sq ft |
Mainsail Area | 151 sq ft |
Foretriangle Area | 94 sq ft |
Sail Plan Dimensions | |
I – Height of Foretriangle | 25' |
J – Base of Foretriangle | 7.5' |
P – Mainsail Hoist | 25.4' |
E – Mainsail Foot | 11.9' |
ISP – Elevation of Spinnaker Halyard | 25' |
*approximations from Pearson Yachts |
Sailboat Performance Ratios | |
---|---|
Hull Speed | 5.49 Knots |
Sail Area to Displacement | 18.8 |
Displacement to Length Ratio | 282 |
Ballast Ratio | 40% |
Length to Beam Ratio | 3.21 |
Waterline Length to Ballast | 2.4 |
Overhang Ratio | 25% |
PHRF Average | 276 |
Rev 9 - 26-Feb-1992
CONSTRUCTION: Hull and deck are integrally molded fiberglass laminate construction (hand lay-up) with bonded bulkheads. Deck is balsa-core fiberglass for strength, rigidity, and insulation. Teak coamings with winch mount areas. Teak seats and cockpit sole.
HARDWARE AND DECK FITTINGS: Chromeplated brass or bronze, stainless steel and special marine alloys. Stainless steel stemhead fittings, backstay and shroud chainplates. Bow cleats with chocks (P &S), stern cleats (P &S). Two fixed ports.
SPARS:
MAST: Anodized aluminum 6061-T6 alloy with aluminum spreaders. Rigging fittings of stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Cleats for main, jib and downhaul. Gooseneck track, sail track and gate.
BOOM: Anodized aluminum 6061-T6 alloy with standard gooseneck, slide, topping lift fitting and mainsheet blocks.
STANDING RIGGING: Seven/eighths foretriangle rig (fractional). Stainless steel 1 x 19 construction with swaged tru-loc end fittings. Turnbuckles on all shrouds and stays. Toggles on headstay and shrouds.
RUNNING RIGGING: Main and jib halyards of 7 x 19 stainless steel wire with Dacron tails (spliced). Dacron jib and main sheets. Jib sheet lead blocks and cleats. Main sheet blocks and cleats.
INTERIOR: Provision for two full-length bunks in cuddy cabin.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT: All standing rigging and spars are grounded for lightning protection. Non-skid deck and cabin top.
The Ensign Class Association was founded in 1962. It is one of the strongest national organizations in the country, with numerous local fleets from coast to coast.
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