Pearson 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Pearson 39's production run from 1970 to 1978 places it squarely within an era of significant growth and evolution for Pearson Yachts. Following the retirement of Carl Alberg, William Shaw took the helm as Pearson's Chief Naval Architect, a position he held for over two decades. Shaw's design philosophy for cruising boats prioritized practicality and comfort. His designs, including the Pearson 39, were part of a shift towards more modern configurations like fin keels and spade rudders, aiming for enhanced performance and maneuverability.

Pearson Yachts, known for its innovative adoption of fiberglass, built the 39 with solid fiberglass hulls and decks, a hallmark of their robust construction ethos during this period. The boat was offered in two primary rigging configurations: a masthead sloop and a yawl, with a tall rig option available for the sloop. This provided owners with flexibility depending on their sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson 39 exhibits characteristics of a well-behaved cruising yacht, offering a blend of stability and respectable performance. With a Displacement to Length Ratio (DLR) of approximately 281, she falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light, nimble feel. Her Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of around 16.2 for the sloop rig indicates a balanced sail plan, capable of decent performance across various wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light air or overpowered in heavy air.

A significant contributing factor to her stability is the high Ballast to Displacement Ratio of approximately 42.9%, thanks to her 7,300 lbs of lead ballast. This high ballast ratio means she stands up well to a breeze, providing a stiff and reassuring sailing experience. Owners generally report that the Pearson 39 offers good performance and handling under both sail and power, and is easily managed by a couple. It is noted for sailing well on all points of sail. The centerboard keel design, allowing for a variable draft from 4.64 feet (board up) to 8.88 feet (board down), offers excellent versatility, providing reduced draft for gunkholing and improved upwind performance with the board lowered.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data for the Pearson 39 is not provided in the detailed specifications, accounts from owners and reviews suggest a practical and comfortable interior designed for cruising. The interior layout is generally described as standard for a vessel of its size and era, featuring a "big galley" and a bright, cheerful ambiance with ample storage.

Typical interior arrangements likely include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, and a practical galley for meal preparation. The emphasis was on creating a functional and comfortable living space suitable for extended cruising, characteristic of William Shaw's focus on practical, comfortable cruising yachts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson 39 consistently praise its solid construction and overall sailing characteristics. Many appreciate its comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a reliable choice for extended passages. The robust build quality, a hallmark of Pearson Yachts, is frequently highlighted as a major strength, contributing to the boat's enduring appeal decades after its production.

However, as with any vessel approaching its fifth decade, potential owners should be aware of common maintenance areas. Some owners have reported issues with deck delamination and soft spots, which are typical concerns for older fiberglass boats, often requiring re-coring. Additionally, play in the centerboard hinge has been noted as a potential issue by some. Despite these potential concerns, the strong community of Pearson owners and enthusiasts underscores the lasting appeal and inherent quality of the Pearson 39, which continues to be a cherished vessel for many.