pioneer 10 yacht review

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Is this the prettiest production cruiser ever? Pionier 10 review

• David Harding
• March 7, 2024

One of the prettiest production cruisers ever built, the Pionier 10 has the manners and performance to match her appearance, says David Harding

One lovely summer’s evening last year (and lets be honest, we didn’t have many of those) we were making our way down the Helford River. After six days of living and cooking aboard our chartered 25-footer, my crew and I were planning to drop anchor and row ashore for a decent meal.

As we went, we noticed a small fleet of yachts gathering near the mouth of the river. They were clearly getting ready to start a race of some kind and, as we were away from home and missing our regular club racing, we idly wondered if any of them might have needed extra crew.

It turned out that we might indeed have made ourselves useful. A few hours later, we were at the bar in the Helford River Sailing Club when I noticed someone standing next to me. It was Chris Olsen, who I had last seen a good 10 years earlier in Dartmouth when testing the Elan 210. Chris had owned and run Yachts of Dartmouth, and Elan had been one of his new-boat dealerships.

Since then Chris had moved to Cornwall and concentrated on the surveying side of his business. His current boat, which he had been racing that evening, was a Pionier 10.

A plan started to form in my mind. Here was a chap I knew, with a boat I had always admired. I needed no excuse to return to the Helford and was always on the look-out for Me And My Boat candidates. And so it was that, three months later, I did indeed return – with my crew, because there was no leaving her behind on a trip like this.

Stiff and well balanced, this is a boat that swallows the miles fast and comfortably. Photo: David Harding

Pionier 10 – lines of a classic

I have always admired the Pionier 10 (she has been around since the late 1960s) because she’s such a lovely boat to look at. And to some of us, that matters. There’s something about a spoon bow, a counter stern, well-balanced lines and a graceful sheer that encapsulates the essence of what a ‘proper yacht’ should look like.

One designer who made a habit of drawing boats that both looked good and sailed well was Van de Stadt. The legendary E G (Ricus) Van de Stadt was one of the pioneers in designing boats for glassfibre construction. He was also in the vanguard when it came to the development of the canoe body and the ‘fin and skeg’ configuration, separating the rudder from a keel that was shortened to create a fin.

A good number of Van de Stadt’s designs for glassfibre started life in England. He formed a long-standing association with Southern Ocean Shipyard (SOS) in Poole where, in 1959, his Pionier 9 became one of the very first GRP production cruisers. Moulded by Tylers in Kent and fitted out by SOS, the Pionier 9 was joined 10 years later by the longer and prettier Pionier 10.

With a pedigree like this, combined with her sweet lines and impeccable manners under sail, the new Pionier proved deservedly popular. She found favour with sailing schools and also excelled on the race course, twice winning her class in the Fastnet Race in the 1970s. She proved that a boat that paid little heed to the fashions or the rating rule of the day could still bring home the silverware.

As she was when Chris found her in Suffolk

These timeless qualities appealed to Chris Olsen when he was looking for his next boat back in 2009. He had sold his Centurion 32 – a Holman & Pye design of broadly similar ilk and vintage – and decided it was time to buy another boat. A Pionier was for sale near Ipswich at far too high a price, so he ended up buying an Ohlson 35 instead. ‘One of my earlier designs,’ he jokes (the Ohlson was designed by the Swedish 5.5m specialist Einar Ohlson, whose designs were among the most successful when the 5.5m was an Olympic class in the 1950s and 1960s).

Restoring and moving

Chris and his wife, Suzie, restored the Ohlson from a very run-down state. They cruised and raced her for a few years before selling her and moving to Cornwall. When a mooring on the Helford River became available, Chris then needed a boat to put on it, so he bought an Invicta 26 (coincidentally designed by Van de Stadt and moulded by Tylers, just like the Pioniers).

Since the Invicta was only ever going to be a stop-gap, Chris started thinking about what to buy next. As luck would have it, he saw the same Pionier advertised again. ‘It was at a bit of a low price this time and had been abandoned ashore for 12 years.

Article continues below…

I was surveying a big boat in Essex, not far away, and I just couldn’t help my car. It took over, and amazingly we ended up in Waldringfield!

‘Structurally she was absolutely fine’, he continued, ‘but cosmetically dire – really dire. Thankfully I could see through that. I negotiated a suitably low price because, quite apart from anything else, I knew the engine was going to be dead. I then spent the drive home working out how to tell my wife I had bought it.’

Chris’s ruse to maintain domestic harmony was to suggest naming the boat after their last golden retriever, which had recently died. It did the trick, and Maija became the latest addition to the list of boats that Chris had owned. ‘I wanted a good, classic-shaped boat – a 1960s tough design by the likes of Holman & Pye, Van de Stadt or Sparkman & Stephens.’

The Pionier ticked all the right boxes. The challenge was to bring her back to a sailable and presentable condition: this was the beginning of lockdown, and the boat wasn’t exactly next door. As soon as restrictions allowed, Chris drove over to Suffolk on several weekends to ‘get her physically into shape’. With the help of long-standing contacts in the trade, he replaced the engine and running rigging among many other jobs.

The keel had been taken off for checking in the recent past and the bolts replaced. The standing rigging had been replaced too, and the hull epoxy-coated, so some of the most important structural elements had already been seen to.

Two-tone decks look good and help reduce glare. The babystay is anchored just forward of the coachroof. Photo: David Harding

The fact that this particular Pionier had a shaft log instead of the usual P-bracket appealed to Chris, as did the rudder on its partial skeg. Further reassurance came from the wide flange on the root of the keel where it’s bolted to the hull. Essential jobs completed, it was time to sail the boat to Cornwall with a couple of friends and then to spend the winter working on her.

The job of restoring the more intricate interior joinery was entrusted to a skilled local shipwright. ‘He did all the nice bits inside,’ explained Chris, who took the rest of the woodwork (‘anything that moved’) home to strip and re-varnish. ‘After that it was a question of what I could afford when and where.’

Discovering a classic

When you’re sailing a lovely looking boat in beautiful surroundings, on a glorious day and in good company, it might be easy for analytical perspectives to become slightly skewed. Boat-testing can be surprisingly intensive and give little opportunity to draw breath, but on this occasion we had planned the day to allow some breathing space.

On board we indulged in proper coffee in the morning, one of the famous Gear Farm pasties from up the road for lunch, tea in the afternoon and even a tot of the Cornish-inspired Dead Man’s Fingers rum on passing Rosemullion Head on the way back. A tot on passing a headland is a tradition on Maija. Chris runs a thoroughly civilised ship.

A good ballast ratio and low centre of gravity provide plenty of power upwind. Photo: David Harding

For all this, I was still fully in boat-testing mode the rest of the time. After shooting the stills and video from the RIB – kindly made available by the sailing club – I hopped aboard Maija. Then we hoisted the radial-head spinnaker as we made our way out of the river. Downwind in about 12 knots of true breeze we surged along at an easy 5.5 knots before dropping the kite and hardening up for the beat home.

Clocking speeds in the high 5s upwind, the boat remained finger-light on the helm. The balance of boat and rudder between them was such that I was able to let go of the tiller and steer just using the mainsheet. She dug her shoulder in, stiffened up and covered the ground with the steady, purposeful feel of a thoroughbred. At the helm you can perch comfortably on the coamings, steering with the tiller extension of course. Few true sailors would have dreamed of having a wheel on a boat of this size in the 1960s, and even fewer would have wanted one. How times change – not always for the better.

The mainsheet is conveniently on a traveller across the cockpit, and the headsail winches – new Andersen self-tailers that Chris fitted – are within easy reach as well. Other treats in the cockpit include a coaming locker to starboard, and slatting on the seats made from teak left over from a job on a Swan 44.

As is the norm on boats of this era, the masthead rig with its substantial foretriangle calls for a bit of winching when you tack, especially given the babystay. The roller genoa by Crusader came with the boat, but Chris had just fitted a new mainsail from Dart Sails. Even with the old main, Maija had won her class in Falmouth Classics earlier in the summer, racing against other classic GRP cruisers.

The Pionier uses the conventional layout of the day, though the full-height pillar handholds by the galley and chart table have been added. Photo: David Harding

Below decks

Down below you find the traditional layout of the day, with the heads between the forecabin and saloon. The galley is to port by the companionway and the chart table to starboard. Abaft the chart table is a quarter berth, its head forming the navigator’s seat.

High bulkheads separate the galley and chart table from the saloon. On their inboard sides, Chris had full-height pillar handholds fitted – such useful features because you can loop your arms around them. In the saloon, the backrests hinge down for access to stowage outboard. Originally they hinged up to form pilot berths.

More joinery has been added in the forecabin: teak slatting along the hullsides, and a locker at the forward end of the V-berth abaft the anchor well bulkhead.

Teak hullside slatting and the locker at the forward end are additions on Maija. Note the support wire for the babystay. Photo: David Harding

One of the few structural weaknesses on the Pionier, says Chris, is the support wire for the babystay. It runs from the deckhead in the forecabin down to the inside of the hull, from where it breaks away if the boat has been sailed hard. Chis bonded and laminated in a new hardwood attachment pad.

Notable by its absence is a compression post. The load from the mast is taken by beams across the top of the bulkhead.

Behind the companionway steps is the new 25hp Beta engine. The cockpit sole can be lifted for access to the top and the aft end. Chris’s only regret in the engine department is that, because of lockdown, he was unable to replace the original mild steel fuel tank. Instead he designed his own fuel-polishing system to guard against debris and diesel bug. The original Gori left-handed folding prop has remained.

Pionier 10 verdict

It’s always interesting to see what boats are owned by people who work in the boating business. After a career in the merchant navy, followed by many years in the marine trade and experience as a cruising sailor, delivery skipper, yacht broker, dealer and surveyor, Chris is in a better position than most to recognise a good boat when he sees one. He has always had boats from this era that are good-looking, tough, capable and well-mannered cruisers.

Despite her moderate displacement, the Pionier’s fine ends and low wetted area help her to slip along in light airs. Photo: David Harding

The Pionier 10 might not match a modern equivalent when it comes to volume below decks, but she looks gorgeous and sails like a witch. Especially if you had to beat more than a mile or two into meaningful weather, she’s the sort of boat you would want to be on. It’s great to see Maija being sailed, enjoyed and given the attention that a boat like this deserves.

Designer: E G Van de Stadt Built: 1969-1975 Price: £15,000-£25,000 LOA 9.70m/31ft 10in LWL: 7.35m/24ft 1in Beam: 3.00m/9ft 10in Draught: 1.80m/5ft 11in Displacement: 4,100kg/9,039 lbs Ballast: 1,690kg/3.726 lbs Sail area: 43.20m2/465 sq ft

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For Owners of PIONIER 10's

• Thread starter Krusty
• Start date 11 Jan 2007
• 11 Jan 2007

For Owners of PIONIER 10\'s Has any owner or surveyor of a Pionier 10 knowledge of any strain or failure of the beam/bulkhead below the mast step? The one I have (built 1972 by Southern Ocean Shipyard) has doubler panels glued on both faces of the bulkhead above the arch of the through-bulkhead access, added by one of the two previous owners. The second was based in Portugal and evidently used her for single-handed ocean passages. This is a van de Stadt design with a fine reputation for seaworthiness and performance as a 'go-anywhere' yacht, and in that era S.O.S. had a good reputation for quality of build: it has certainly impressed three surveyors who have examined mine over the past twenty years, and I have driven her hard for over 60K NM in some quite wild waters without any sign of strain. But of course that could be vindication of the decision to add reinforcement! I have been below deck in three other Pionier 10's and I did not notice a similar 'beef-up' on any of them. Perhaps the previous owner did not trust a designer's calculations, (or builders?) or was just adopting a belt-and-braces strategy before ocean passage-making? I am curious!  

• 12 Jan 2007

Re: For Owners of PIONIER 10\'s Hi, Not an owner, but I chartered one once. Don't remember noticing any strengthening arrangments as you described, but wasn't really looking. Have to say, I thought the boat was ace and sailed well...I'd have one in a minute!  

Re: For Owners of PIONIER 10\'s Thanks for your input and comments: agreed!  

• 13 Jan 2007

jamesjermain

Active member.

Re: For Owners of PIONIER 10\'s I had a Pioneer 10, Solo, and she was a great boat in almost every respect. She had large beams either side of the main bulkhead which had been there since she was built, as far as I am aware. These may or may not have been standard as mine had been specially built to take part in an OSTAR. Interestingly, wehen I bought her, there was a crack in the bulkhead just under the beams down to the door opening. My surveyor wasn't bothered by this and the crack was still there unchanged 7 years later. One thing that did fail was the tang on a half bulkhead under the forecabin bunk which held the inner forestay span from the under-deck fitting.  

Re: For Owners of PIONIER 10\'s Hello James! Thanks for the information. I am sure those beams were standard; they are in mine and the other three P10s I've seen. The crack you mention could be the reason why the previous owner of mine added reinforcement to the bulkhead, especially if it ocurred during the OSTAR and was reported. I have a copy of the Nov.'72 review of the Pionier 10 by Andrew Bray when she was a new introduction, and knew you subsequently bought one: that was one of the factors that led me to a six-month search for one for my sea-school! It has been well justified. I am about to enter another post (historical) which might be of interest to you. See GRETEL I, II and III.  

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Are Pioneer Boats Any Good? 9 Things You Should Know

Pioneer Boats is a popular brand in the southeast of the USA, and they specialize in smaller bay boats.

Are they any good?

If you are looking to buy one, here’s what you should know:

Here’s How Good Pioneer Boats Are:

Pioneer Boats makes mostly mid-tier bay boats, but they have a reputation for top-tier fit and finish and quality construction. The quality of the boats has only increased their production numbers. For the money, they are a superior boat.

Table of Contents

A Brief History Of Pioneer Boats

The history of Pioneer Boats can be traced to 1999 when Mike Holmes and Roy McSwain began Carolina Composites, a company to manufacture boat specialty parts.

In 2002, they launched Pioneer Boats to make small bay boats. Their first plant was in Harleyville, South Carolina.

In 2008, they began manufacturing larger boats, including a 22-foot bay boat, forcing them to move to a larger facility in Walterboro.

Business flattened as the economy did around that time, but Pioneer remained in business. In 2010 sales began to pick back up.

Around that time, Pioneer began laying plans to compete in the mid-range boat market. With the introduction of the 197 Islander, a center console bay boat, their popularity began to grow.

In 2013, the Carolina Composites company added the Bulls Bay line as a lower-cost option for owners, and in 2017 they introduced the Avenger line, a high-end boat with a hull with Louisiana origins.

They continue to expand production. They employed 26 people in 2013 and 66 in 2015. In 2018 they had 90 employees and began another expansion that will see 180 total employees by 2023.

Pioneer Boats currently makes about 30 boats a week at their plant.

While originally popular in the southeast USA, their reputation has spread, and they now have dealers as far north as Maine.

How Durable Are Pioneer Boats?

Pioneer Boats has met with near-universal acclaim on boating, fishing, and outdoor forums. This is noteworthy, given how partisan and biting much of the online commentary on these sites can be.

They are perceived as giving maximum quality and durability for their mid-tier pricing.

A typical comment from an owner:

“GREAT boat. Mid-tier pricing with top-tier fit and finish. We have LOVED ours for 8 seasons now. Highly recommend.”

[Source: The Hull Truth]

Pioneer boats are advertised as being unsinkable, regardless of the damage they sustain on the water. This is due to the foam injected in between the hull and deck. Up to 90% of this area becomes foam-filled, which significantly exceeds U.S. Coast Guard recommendations.

Pioneer Boats are made 100% from composite materials, so there is no wood anywhere in the construction. There is no chance for any wood to start rotting in the deck or anywhere in the hull structure.

A primary feature of Pioneer Boats is their “Unigrid” structure. The stringer system is bonded to the hull with agents that are stronger than the fiberglass itself. This gives Pioneer hulls their celebrated strength in rough conditions and overall durability.

One issue that comes up on forums occasionally is for posts (and trailers) that have been powder coated rather than being made from aluminum. The powder coat looks good initially but usually starts to crack within a few years and begins flaking off.

This is more of a problem with the powder coating itself rather than an issue that Pioneer caused, but several people have mentioned it on forums.

Some commenters on forums have addressed a few other things: hatches that are not through-bolted, plastic livewell pump risers, and occasional sloppy wiring.

The owners have acknowledged that they do make a few compromises in construction to keep the price of the boat competitive, but the durability of the hull is one thing they will not compromise on.

Even the people on forums with complaints about specific issues with Pioneer Boats tend to agree that they are still well-built and made to last in rough waters.

How Long Do Pioneer Boats Typically Last?

Being made of fiberglass, the hull of a Pioneer boat is not going to rot.

They use good materials, and their manufacturing process is strong. There are no reports of any problems like delamination in Pioneer Boats resulting from poor materials or workmanship.

It is common on forums to see owners stating that their Pioneer bought in the mid-2000s are still going strong without any problems.

The caveat here is that the owner must take care of the boat. Any boat from any manufacturer will have problems that develop if they do get proper maintenance and winterization.

As they have only been in business for about two decades, there is not much data online about any Pioneer Boats falling apart or similar issues.

By almost all indications online, Pioneer Boats will last as long as any other fiberglass boat.

Has Pioneer made Any Recalls?

An online search of several databases, including the US Coast Guards Recalls database, indicated that Pioneer Boats has never had to make any recalls.

In addition, the parent company Carolina Composites has never made any recalls on any of their other lines or products.

Even considering that they have had a relatively short lifespan, that is still an impressive record.

What Are the Most Popular Pioneer Boats?

One of the most popular models the company ever produced has been the 197 Islander, a center console bay boat.

It was primarily responsible for their remarkable growth from the early to mid-2010s. It sold for around $45,000, and that was a very competitive price point for its size and what it offered.

It was discontinued a couple of years ago and has been replaced by the slightly larger 202 Islander.

The 202 Islander, which replaced the 197, has been very popular and has 8 people. Its focus is on water sports and is designed to take repeatedly being pulled up on the beach. It starts at $51,210.

The Baysport 220 has been a popular model since it was introduced in 2008. It is a hybrid design, with a shallower draft for access to rivers and other inland waters, but still being stable enough for offshore rides and fishing. It is still in production and starts at $56,066.

The Pelagic 270 is the largest boat that Pioneer makes, at 26.5 feet. It is a dual-engined offshore boat designed primarily for bluewater fishing. It starts at $175,875.

Most Pioneer Boats can be equipped with Yamaha, Suzuki, or Mercury motors.

Where Are Pioneer Boats Manufactured?

Pioneer Boats are made in the Carolina Composites factory in Walterboro, South Carolina, right off Interstate 95.

In addition to Pioneer boats, the Bulls Bay and Avenger lines, both owned by Carolina Composites, are built.

The plant has been expanding and is on track to be completed in 2023. At this point, they expect to be employing 180 people.

How Is the Warranty On Pioneer Boats?

Pioneer Boats come with a Limited/Lifetime Warranty on the hull.

This includes any failure in the structural integrity of the boat, as well as gel coat cracks, blisters, and fading. 

This applies to the boat’s original owner; the warranty is transferable to a second owner starting 7 years after the original delivery date, regardless of when the second owner purchases the boat.

What Is The Resale Value of Pioneer Boats Like?

While the overwhelming majority of boats depreciate from the moment you drive them off of the lot, Pioneer Boats hold their value very well about other brands.

A 197 Islander that was new in 2015 sold for between $44,000 and $47,000, depending on options and location. Most of these models from that year for sale online say to call for price, but those that do list an asking cost are between $36,000 and $42,000.

If 2015 197 Islander actually sells for $35,000, then that would be a depreciation of about %22, which is not bad.

Oddly, the NADA guides do not seem to show accurate retail prices for Pioneer Boats, undervaluing their original retail prices by significant margins. For instance, the 2015 197 Islander with a standard Yamaha 150 horsepower engine and a trailer is listed as having sold for $37,716, rather than in the mid-$40,000.

The current resale price is $32,265, but it is probably as inaccurate as the retail. But if the depreciation rate is accurate, then that is 15%, which is very favorable.

Which Brands Produce Boats Similar to Pioneer Boats?

Several brands are seen as competing with Pioneer boats.

One brand that is often brought up on forums is Scout Boats. Many like to compare the two companies head to head over features and construction.

While there is no consensus about which of these two brands is a clear winner, they are perceived as very close in build and price.

NauticStar is sometimes compared to Pioneer on boating forums, though NauticStar boats are usually cheaper, and Pioneer is generally considered a better-built brand.

Other brands mentioned competing with Pioneer are Carolina Skiff (which makes some bay boats) and Tidewater Boats.

The other two lines that Carolina Composites manufactures, Bulls Bay and Avenger, are also similar to Pioneer. Bulls Bay is a lower-priced brand, while Avenger features higher-priced boats and options.

Final Thoughts

Pioneer Boats makes tough and affordable boats.

They have an enthusiastic owner base, and most non-owners appreciate the company.

If you are looking for a mid-priced bay boat, Pioneer is a good place to start looking.

Pioneer Boats

Pioneer Boats Expands Workforce

Advice on Pioneer – The Hull Truth

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• Sailboat Guide

Pionier 10 is a 31 ′ 9 ″ / 9.7 m monohull sailboat designed by E. G. Van de Stadt and built by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. and Southern Ocean Shipyard Ltd. starting in 1969.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Twice winner of the Fasnet race in the 1970’s.

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The Pionier 10 is a 31.82ft masthead sloop designed by E. G. van de Stadt and built in fiberglass by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. (UK) since 1969.

The Pionier 10 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a fast cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a very short water supply range.

Pionier 10 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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NEW LISTING – 1976 Van De Stadt Pioneer 10 ‘GUILLEMOT’

Tuesday 28th February 2023

Mark Cameron Yachts are delighted to have been appointed to act in the sale of the 1976 Van De Stadt Pioneer 10 ‘GUILLEMOT’.

Designed by E.G. Van De Stadt the Pioneer 10 was introduced in 1969 just as production GRP boat building was gathering pace. In the early 1970’s examples of the design successfully competed in many offshore races including the OSTAR and Fastnet races. The boats proved to be capable and quick offshore cruisers, ideally suit to short or single-handed sailing.

A much loved example of the class the Pioneer 10 GUILLEMOT has been with her current owner since 2007 and benefits from extensive re-fitting and re-finishing works completed during the COVID lockdowns in 2020. She is offered for sale with an extensive inventory including:

• Epoxy coated hull
• Two-pack painted topsides and deck
• Keel re-faired in 2020/21
• Yanmar 2GM20 engine
• Simrad TP10 autopilot (2021)
• NASA Clipper instrumentation all new 2021/2022
• Garmin GPSMap 450
• Cobra DSCVHF
• Victron DC-DC charger (2022)
• Hebridean self-steering windvane
• Standing rigging fully replaced 2021
• Crusader Sails Mainsail 2021
• Crusader Sails tri-radial cut Genoa 2021

Wintering ashore at Toward Sailing Club, near Dunoon the Pioneer 10 GUILLEMOT is available for viewing strictly by prior appointment.

FIND FULL DETAILS OF THE VAN DE STADT PIONEER 10 HERE

OWNERS COMMENT:

I purchased guillemot 16 years ago as a good looking boat with a reputation for being quick, responsive and easy to sail single or short-handed or with a young family. Van de Stadt has a reputation for designing good boats and the Pioneer 10 is no exception , with new set of sails, a radial cut Genoa and an easily driven hull shape GUILLEMOT quickly gets into her groove, reaching hull speed in  light winds and when others are still having to motor, she remains light on the helm and is easily balanced on all points of sail and in all conditions.

I sailed her with my children when they were young and enjoyed some success at club racing. I have now set her up for singlehanded sailing and cruised extensively around the west coast,  spending 40-plus nights a year comfortably at anchor. The addition of wind vane self-steering has proved a great success working effortlessly on long and short passages, the Hebridean usually attracts interest from other sailors anywhere I go. GUILLEMOT has always been a joy to own,  whether to go for a long cruise or a short summer evening sailing or to just sit out  in the cockpit at anchor watching the world and the wildlife go by. I hope she can bring as much pleasure to her new owners as she has to me and my family.

1976 Van De Stadt Pioneer 10 GUILLEMOT

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Are Pioneer Boats Good & Reliable Enough To Own?

Pioneer boats are consisted of attractive design and solid fiberglass construction boats and available at and affordable prices.

But are Pioneer Boats good and reliable enough to consider?

Let’s find out together-

How Good Pioneer Boats Are?

Pioneer mostly offers mid-tier, but they also produce top-tier bay boats, and each of these boats is specially built with top-quality materials and fittings to meet the standard.

Pioneer offers boats equally suited for both inshore freshwater and coastal saltwater boating. 

How Reliable Are Pioneer Boats? 

Pioneer boats are the final products developed and constructed by a well-equipped dedicated team to ensure better riding experiences in every cruising journey.

Pioneer gives proper attention to details and offers well-built, strong, heavy, and unsinkable boats. Even these boats are suitable to ride in rough water and operate in temperatures up to ±40 °C.

Besides, these boats contain fully glassed transom, clean wirings, well-fitted compartments to prevent leakage, overheating, or blockage issues.

Pioneer also offers specially designed and built boats for handicap or people with disabilities. The Pioneer Multi boat model is dedicated to wheelchair users.

Even the pricing of Pioneer boat models is very affordable compare to the quality performance those boats serve.

According to most customers’ reviews, the customer service from the Pioneer brand is also very satisfying, and most users have not encountered any major issue with any of its currently available models.

How Durable Are Pioneer Boats? 

Pioneer boats are constructed with the highest-grade components, which combine with the highest quality Bi-axial, quad axial, and ISO-based resin or gel coat systems to ensure an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

The brand also claims that all Pioneer boats are unsinkable and they can sustain on the water regardless of the damage.

To ensure durability and sustainability of the boats, the manufacturer of the Pioneer boats has injected 2.3 LB density closed cell foam in between the hull and deck.

Also, that flotation foam is approximately 30% denser than the current industry standard.

Pioneer also ensures that all their Boats are made 100% from composite materials, so these boats are completely wood-free and built with recyclable components to offer environmentally friendly products.

Besides that, Pioneer boats also feature the “Unigrid” structure, which is considered the best way to permanently bond the grid system to the hull and ensuring zero possibility of hull stringer separation.

It ensures the ultimate durability while riding or cruising on tough or rough seas.

Where Are The Manufacturing Locations Of Pioneer Boats? 

In 2002, Pioneer launched the manufacturing plant in Harleyville, South Carolina for small bay boat production .

Later on, the company moved to another broader manufacturing facility in Walterboro, South Carolina for the larger boat, such as 22-foot bay boat production , and till this date, all Pioneer boats are made in the South Carolina production unit.

Do They Still Make Parts For Older Models?  

Pioneer boats have been manufacturing and selling boats since 2002. Over the years, the Pioneer brand has already expanded its boundaries. These boats are not only nationwide available, but Pioneer boats are also available worldwide.

According to the brand’s official website declaration, Pioneer offers replacement parts support for all its available boat models, and you can also find part support from your nearest authorized dealer of the Pioneer boat brand.

You can track down parts for older models through the Pioneer dealers, but in case your dealer fails to assist you, better to contact Pioneer boats customer service desk for accurate details regarding your replacement parts issue.

What Are Typical Problems With Pioneer Boats? 

Though most users claim that they have not encountered any major problem operating or using Pioneer boats, some users occasionally complaints about the powder-coated posts and trailers of these boats.

Since the manufacturer used power coating instead of making with aluminum, there is an obvious chance of cracking and flaking off.

Other technical or fitting issues that users have claimed in several boating forums are like hatches are not bolted securely or tightly, wiring may seem sloppy, and some even mentioned plastic Livewell pump risers used in Pioneer boats.

How Long Do Pioneer Boats Last Compared To Similar Brands?  

Pioneer boats reportedly have the standard rate of longevity like any other similar grade brand’s boats. 

However, Pioneer also claims that how long the boat will serve without any major issue mainly depends on how one operates and taking care of the boat.

There are specific maintenance techniques to enhance the boat’s performance and lifespan so, as long as the users follow all instructions thoroughly, boats will survive for a longer period.

Do Pioneer Boats Hold Their Value?   

To understand how well Pioneer boats hold their value, you need to see the depreciation curve rate comparison between Pioneer and other similar grade brands.

Let me explain the brand’s products are holding the value with an example-

A 2015 Pioneer 197 Islander was priced between $44,000 and $47,000 (the price varies depending on options and location) . According to the online resale platforms, that particular model’s resale value is between $36,000 and $42,000(with the good condition) .

So, if I assume that a 197 Islander from 2015 is reselling even at $35,000, the depreciation rate will be around 22%, and it is a decent value to consider.

Are Pioneer Boats Still Being Made?  

Yes, Pioneer is continuing its small, mid-tier and larger boats production in its current manufacturing plant located in South Carolina.

Final Thoughts

Pioneer brand offers exceptionally designed and constructed Boats for individual or professional fishers, family cruising, and fishing lovers.

Pioneer is constantly pushing its R&D team to develop and improvise each of the new versions to overcome the previous model’s Lackings. So, if you are seeking a decent quality boat at an affordable price, consider these boats at least once.

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Southern Ocean Shipyard Pioneer 10 Boat for Sale

• accommodation
• mechanical and rigging
• Manufacturer: Southern Ocean Shipyard
• Location: North Wales
• LOA: 31'10" (9.70m)
• Beam: 9' 10'' (3.00m)
• Keel: Fin keel
• ID no.: 072473
• Heating: Eberspacher
• Watertank Size: 25 Gallons
• Engine Make: Yanmar 2GM20
• Horsepower: 18hp
• Drive Type: Shaft drive
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Fuel Tank Size: 12 Gallons
• Cruise Speed: 5
• Top Speed: 7
• Range: 200km

Broker Remarks

Listed by Phil Jones of Network Yacht Brokers. This is a great cruiser with a glowing history. She is laid up ashore during the winter months. Survey carried out in 2006, Yachting Monthly review carried out in 1972 gives a full report on the Pioneer 10. Her sister boat won the Fastnet Race in 1971 and again in 1973 (Class 4). PRICED TO SELL

Accommodation

The generous beam gives her plenty of room down below deck. Two berths in the forecabin with stowage below. Further aft is the heads compartment which has a sliding basin and fresh water pump. The pump is arranged so that it ceases to function if there is less than 5 gallons of water in the tank. Lavac heads with separate wet locker opposite. The saloon offers two settee berths with an additional berth if required can be found behind the navigation table. The saloon table is fixed with folding leaves, the cabin being wide enough to prevent it getting in the way. The galley area is at the aft end of the cabin where there is adequate ventilation through the main entrance hatch. 2 Burner gas stove, stainless sink, fixed coolbox.

Mechanical and Rigging

Construction: Built by Southern Ocean Shipyards, Poole c1976 to a Van de Stadt design. Glass reinforced plastic, GRP conventional lay-up. Fin keel Mechanical: Yanmar 2GM20 18hp inboard diesel on shaft to a 2 bladed brass propellor Rope cutter Tankage: Fuel - 12 Gallon (Stainless steel fuel tank) Water - 25 Gallon (Plastic tank) Mast and Rigging:- Alloy mast and boom with stainless steel standing rigging (rigging replaced in 2007) Roller reefing genoa Roller reefing mainsail Back stay tensioner Twin jib tracks Sail wardrobe:- Radial Spinnaker 2 Mainsails 2 Genoa 2 Jib 1 Storm jib Winches:- 2 Lewmar 40 - Two speed 2 Lewmar 25 - Two speed 3 Lewmar 25 - Single speed

Navigation Equipment: Silva S15 VHF radio - 2003 B&G Depth and Sea temp Garmin 215 Chartplotter with Garmin 128 GPS Autohelm 2000 Raymarine Wind speed (One close hauled) Oil filled, illuminated compass by Sestrel Moore Irish sea chartplotter cartridges Deck Equipment: 20lb CQR anchor 15lb Danforth anchor c/w 40m chain & 40m warp Several spare rope hanks 4 Fenders 1 Boat hook 2 Dodgers 1 Bathing ladder 1 Sprayhood Safety Equipment: Fire blanket 2 Lifebouys 5 x Fire extinguishers (Powder) Flares Tender: Inflatable dinghy with oars and outboard bracket

Disclaimer : The company offers the details of this vessel for sale but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of the information contained in the specification or warrant the condition of the vessel or equipment. A buyer should instruct his agents, or surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered for sale subject to no prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Enquire About This Southern Ocean Shipyard Pioneer 10

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PIONEER yacht NOT for charter*

46m  /  150'11 | palmer johnson | 1996 / 2015.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Classic interior style
• Upper level sundeck with panoramic views
• Sundeck Jacuzzi, wet bar and tranquil lounge
• Newly reconfigured main salon
• Go-anywhere cruising capability
• Multiple water toys

The 46m/150'11" expedition yacht 'Pioneer' (ex. Turmoil) was built by Palmer Johnson in Monaco at their Sturgeon Bay, WI shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Axel Vervoordt and she was delivered to her owner in April 1996. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Vripack and she was last refitted in 2015.

Guest Accommodation

Pioneer has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 suites comprising two VIP cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 8 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include deck jacuzzi, WiFi and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Pioneer is built with a aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel Caterpillar (3508 DITA) 8-cylinder 819hp engines, she comfortably cruises at 11 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 15 knots with a range of up to 7,000 nautical miles from her 161,967 litre fuel tanks at 10 knots. Her water tanks store around 16,260 Litres of fresh water. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) A1, Yachting Service, AMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

*Charter Pioneer Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Pioneer is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Pioneer Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Pioneer Photos

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Pioneer

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Home / Boat models / Pioner 10 Classic

Standard colour

Colour ordered

Basic price:

2,990 EUR shipping excluded

Description

The new Pioner 10 Classic is a smart and safe boat that is easy to handle and manoeuvre – and a perfect choice for both children and adults.

This modern model is self-draining, solid, easy planing and great to row. The Pioner 10 Classic feels really secure and at the same time suitable for many different application areas, which is prized by young and not so young. The boat seats three people and approved for 8 HP.

Special Edition

The Special Edition package contains what you need for an easier boating life. The package is a set of equipment that makes the boat more useful. Buy the Special Edition and save money on a package adapted to the boat model.

Special Edition includes:

• Steering console low

Advanced Edition

Advanced edition – the optimal equipment package that contains everything you need to get a complete boating experience. Buy the Advanced Edition and save money on a complete boat package specially made for the boat model.

Advanced Edition includes:

• Cushion set (fore & aft)

Minimal maintenance

It’s a boat that needs minimal maintenance. This gives end users more time and an “Easy Boating Life”. Were your Steady to suffer damage, repairing it is no problem.

Steady boats are made from a plastic material that is UV stabilised, which means the boat retains its colour and strength for a very long time.

The shape and design of Steady boats make them safe, stable and secure. Their double hull design makes for a smooth passage, good buoyancy and a sense of security.

Steady models are inspected and certified by Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV-GL), as an independent third party. For Steady user peace of mind.

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Review of Pioner 10

Basic specs., sailing characteristics.

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Pioner 10 is about 28 kg/cm, alternatively 157 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 28 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 157 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

Sorry, we do not have sufficient statistical information available for this boat to provide a significant reliable analysis.

Maintenance

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Pionér 10 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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Four Most Popular Center Console Boat Packages

• By Chris Woodward
• Updated: October 10, 2017

Savvy boat buyers seek value. So when builders design a package — a boat plus select options, or a specific model-and-power combination — they create the bundle effect. And that often translates to better prices.

The most popular fishing-boat packages seem to involve smaller, single-outboard center consoles, for which pricing can be a key factor. For a closer look, I asked four boatbuilders to identify their customer favorites. The models are listed below by boat length. ( Read more about popular boat styles. )

Pioneer 202 SportFish

“We feel what drives the sales of this boat is that it’s one of the best layouts and most economical-to-operate hulls on the market — in a 20-foot package,” says Henry Sikes, sales and marketing director for Pioneer. Sikes points out that the 33-gallon livewell and leaning-post setup moves the weight forward. Coupled with a variable-degree deadrise hull, that gives the 202 a better attack angle when cutting through waves.

“That provides a smoother ride, and the boat also can carry enough live bait to get you through a day of fishing. With a draft of only 13 inches, the hull is very versatile,” he says.

The 202 SportFish with a Suzuki DF150 and a factory T-top retails in the mid- to upper 40-thousands. “The buyer most attracted to this package is looking for a very capable offshore boat that can be used inshore and a package that can be easily towed with smaller vehicles,” Sikes says.

Pioneer leaves the pricing ­structure intact year-round as opposed to rolling out the bargains for boat shows or other high-­volume sales periods.

Pioneer 202 SportFish Specs:

• LOA: 19 ft. 10 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 2 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 18 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 1 in.
• Dry Weight: 1,900 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 175 hp
• Package Price: $44,650 (w/ Suzuki DF150, T-top)

Scout 215 XSF Sport

Scout’s nationally advertised Get on the Water promotion for its 215 XSF Sport package includes a Yamaha F150 outboard; a T-top with an aft spreader light, an overhead T-bag for life-jacket stowage, and a rocket launcher; forward-seating backrests and a stern seat. The promotion extends to several other models, but the 215 XSF Sport comes with more equipment for anglers and families.

“The buyers get a deeper discount when they choose this entire package,” says Alan Lang, Scout’s director of sales and marketing. “The packages are usually centered on a certain type of boating. In this case, every option included in this package adds more appeal to a family.”

Scout’s legacy as a family-owned business keeps the brand in tune with the needs of adults and kids. “We pay close attention to how the boats are used,” Lang says. “We researched historical data on similar Scout models and determined that this package would be very popular.”

Lang says promotions on popular models usually have a long shelf life. “We usually keep them running year-round on models like this,” he says.

Scout 215 XSF Sport Specs:

• LOA: 21 ft. 6 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.
• Draft: 15.75 in.
• Dry Weight: 2,776 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 250 hp
• Promotional Price: $53,866 (w/ Yamaha F150, Sport package). Approximate; pricing was changing at press time.

Sea Born FX-22 Bay Tournament/LE

Sea Born says the Tournament and LE packages available for the FX22-Bay rank as its top sellers. “The reason for this popularity is based on the boat’s size, features and price,” says Sean McCoy, Sea Born director of marketing. “For starters, the FX22 is not too small but not too large, with respect to footage, and it seems to fall right in the sweet spot of our core buyers.”

The Tournament package includes 12 features beyond what’s standard for the model, including a console-front tackle center, aft-cockpit coaming cushions, raw-water washdown, aerated console well and two-position leaning post. The LE version adds nine features, including a hardtop, LED lighting, a two-tone hull and a Simrad NSS7 evo2 multifunction display.

“To decide how to package our features, we consistently review what options and third-party additions are the most commonly sold in our boats. Additionally, we receive and incorporate buyer and dealer feedback to make sure we’re building the absolute best boats possible with respect to features, quality and price,” McCoy says.

FX22-Bay buyers vary in age and boating experience, though they’re generally concentrated in coastal areas of the United States. McCoy also notes that about 80 percent of FX22-Bays are sold and shipped with either a canvas T-top or hardtop, which comes on the LE package. However, hardcore bay anglers often choose a standard model without a top.

“In the end, package selection really comes down to how and where the boat will be used,” he says.

Sea Born FX-22 Bay Tournament/LE Specs:

• LOA: 21 ft. 9 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 17 deg
• Draft: 11 in.
• Dry Weight: 2,000 lb. (w/o engine)
• MSRP: $58,119 (w/ Yamaha F150)

Everglades 243CC Fishing

“When you offer packages, you can generally save customers hundreds of dollars,” says Shane Kwaterski, Everglades Boats director of dealer development. “The items cost more when purchased individually rather than together.”

Everglades’ most popular ­combos include the 243cc Fishing and the 243cc Upper-Station packages. The fishing package includes an Atlas jack plate, a 10-foot Power-Pole Blade ­shallow-water anchor, and a Minn Kota trolling motor with iPilot and charger. The Upper-Station package comes with a T-top station, a sliding fiberglass sunroof/helm seat, four cup holders, a stereo remote, a footrest, a fiberglass box for standing, trim-tab indicators and upper helm space for electronics.

The 243cc already comes standard with a fiberglass hardtop sporting an aluminum powder-coated frame and featuring Everglades’ patented sliding windshield. Aft, it features a 36-gallon lighted livewell topped by an acrylic lid with friction hinges. The ­67-gallon fish box lies forward; lockable rod storage, under-gunwale mounts and vertical flush-mount holders ­accommodate loads of tackle.

Everglades’ packages are offered year-round. “It gives you the opportunity to bundle deals and build the boat to how you’ll specifically use it,” Kwaterski says. “Some prefer to cater their boat more toward fishing, while others might want it more for ­cruising purposes.”

Everglades 243CC Fishing Specs:

• LOA: 24 ft. 3 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 19 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 4 in. (hull only)
• Dry Weight: 4,000 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 300 hp
• MSRP: $119,860 (w/ Yamaha F300 and Fishing package)
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Pioneer 10 Poly Dinghy Trailer Rego NSW Can Deliver?

Used boats for sale, power boats to 25ft,        pioneer boats for sale.