Pearson 37-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Pearson 37-2 emerged during a significant period for Pearson Yachts, a company that pioneered the mass production of fiberglass sailboats. Founded in 1956 by cousins Clinton and Everett Pearson, the company quickly established itself as an innovator in fiberglass construction, notably with the success of the iconic Triton. After Grumman Allied Industries acquired a controlling interest in 1961, William Shaw joined Pearson in 1964, eventually becoming Chief Naval Architect. Under Shaw's leadership, Pearson continued its rapid expansion and evolved its design philosophy, moving towards more modern configurations like fin keels and spade rudders for enhanced performance and maneuverability., 14, 15]

The 37-2, produced between 1988 and 1991, reflects Shaw's emphasis on practical and comfortable cruising yachts. Her design aimed to maximize liveaboard appeal while retaining solid sailing performance. While earlier Pearson models under Carl Alberg featured a "skinny" hull form and long overhangs, Shaw's designs, including the 37-2, moved towards a more contemporary profile, though the 37-2 retains a wing keel, a feature designed to reduce draft while maintaining good lift characteristics., 1]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson 37-2 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that offers good performance and notable stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.65, she exhibits moderate performance in lighter airs, capable of making good progress without being overly tender. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.375 indicates a respectable level of stiffness and stability, suggesting she can stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 275.81 places the Pearson 37-2 firmly in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her a suitable vessel for longer passages where stability is prized. Owners often describe her as a "racer cruiser sailboat" that "sails very well" and is stable, stiff, and possesses good righting capability. The deck layout and rig were designed with shorthanded cruising in mind, aiming for ease of handling across a range of conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Pearson 37-2 was a significant selling point, often earning it the nickname "condo model" due to its emphasis on spaciousness and liveaboard comfort. The design was developed with considerable influence from maximizing interior living space. Upon stepping below, one finds a well-appointed space, often featuring a luxurious varnished interior.

Key features typically include an island double berth in the forepeak, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. The saloon is particularly noteworthy, often configured with a pair of lounge chairs rather than a traditional settee, contributing to the "condo-like" feel. While specific details on the galley and head arrangement would require more precise schematics, the overall focus was on providing ample living space, storage, and a comfortable, if sometimes lightweight, finish. Pearson offered optional interior color plans, allowing for a degree of customization. Modern owners have sometimes upgraded interior cabin light fixtures to LED for improved efficiency and ambiance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson 37-2 generally praise her solid construction and the comfortable motion she exhibits in a seaway, consistent with her design as a cruising yacht. However, common themes in owner discussions also highlight a few recurring maintenance considerations. A frequently noted issue across Pearsons of that era is the tendency for original deck fittings to develop leaks. This is often attributed to the use of gaskets rather than bedding sealant or tape during construction, requiring re-bedding of hardware over time. Another issue sometimes mentioned is related to the shaft log, which owners report can be solved by adding a second cutlass bearing where the shaft enters the hull, suggesting a design improvement implemented over time or as a common owner modification. Overall, the Pearson 37-2 is regarded as a reliable and comfortable vessel, well-suited for extended cruising and enjoyed by an active community of owners.