The Pilgrim had steps down to very decent maintenance spaces, and a much better genset access than the Manatee. Main Engine access to the Manatee is pretty much the same.....by removing floorboards (once done, access is very good) and has a small hatch in the galley for the generator space, where the generator sits athwart-ships and clogs access to things like the waste tank and non-service side of the genset. Adding coolant and getting into the relay box is also a real pain on the Manatee. This is bad enough that I've actually cut a new hatch in the veranda and will be installing the Manatee genset in a roomy new space just aft and below the salon doors. Both boats have full keels but the Manatee wins the draft contest at only 3'2". Cubic space of the interior is probably about the same, but the Pilgrim offers another head (not sure if this feature is on all 40's). They both have huge boat-decks and upper helm areas, but again, the Pilgrim offers a lower helm and the Manatee does not. The two stateroom versions of either are also a toss up for space and convenience, but the forward space of the fat beamed Manatee wins the single stateroom contest. The Pilgrim is a nicely styled boat and the Manatee is stylistically challenged by its function over form, full beam lower spaces. The side decks of the Pilgrim offer great dockside flexibility but narrow the interior spaces and there are a few up-down steps to get used to. The Manatee is a more convenient single- level boat for the salon, galley, head and stateroom. Economy is probably too close to matter. If I were moving up in size in the same character of vessel, I'd probably be looking for a 43 Pilgrim cuz there are no bigger Manatees. They are both very special, sea-worthy, durable designs that would probably find a market if they were built today. My two cents.
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Shown here is the more conservative and tasteful Pioneer "Pilot".
