Design and Construction
The hull is a solid laminate of fiberglass cloth and plastic resin, while the deck and cabin structure utilize end-grain balsa core between fiberglass laminates for added strength and rigidity. Structure is supported by plywood bulkheads, longitudinal stringers, and fiberglass liners, and the deck and hull are joined with through bolts on an outward flange covered by a plastic molding. That joint is otherwise strong and secure but is susceptible to damage by minor collisions with docks and pilings deck and hull joint damage. Reviewers rated the construction and finish a step above entry-level production builders, and the underbody was offered in two configurations: a fin keel drawing 6 feet 6 inches, and a keel/centerboard version drawing 4 feet 2 inches board-up and 8 feet 3 inches board-down, the latter carrying an extra 850 pounds of displacement to offset its slightly higher center of gravity.
Rig and Handling
Shaw's designs earned a reputation among testers for predictable, well-balanced handling without quirky characteristics, and the 36-2 is no exception. The rig is proportioned to give outstanding light-air performance, balanced with simple systems of sail reduction when the breeze builds, according to the builder's own description. The mast stands 52 feet above the waterline, carrying 660 square feet of sail area against a 363-square-foot foretriangle and a 297-square-foot mainsail, yielding a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 17.4 to 17.5 and a displacement-length ratio near 258 to 259. The builder claimed outstanding steering control both under sail and power, and the boat carries wheel steering as standard. A 30-horsepower Yanmar diesel mounted near the longitudinal center of gravity provides auxiliary power, accessible from three sides for routine maintenance per the manufacturer.
Accommodations
Below, the 36-2 trades cockpit size for living space: the cockpit is quite small to maximize accommodations, though it seats four adults in comfort and carries a deep locker in the port seat, with a split stern rail giving access to a transom-mounted folding swim ladder. Down below, a private v-berth cabin forward offers standing headroom, a hanging locker to starboard, and a chest of drawers to port. The main saloon centers on a U-shaped dinette to starboard that seats five and converts to a double, with a settee to port; an L-shaped galley aft of the dinette holds a double sink, top-loading ice box, and propane stove and oven, though the engine below the counter limits storage there. Opposite sit a small navigation station, a wet locker, and a head/shower without a separate stall. Aft to starboard, a quarter-berth cabin provides a queen-sized double and another hanging locker, though half lies beneath the cockpit with limited headroom. Throughout, the boat offers an unusual amount of out-of-sight stowage, and the builder noted the galley is part of the living space so the cook remains in the scene.
Known Issues
The most common structural concern is osmotic blistering: it is quite common to find moderate to occasionally severe osmotic blistering of hull bottoms that have not been barrier coated or undergone some remediation hull-bottom blistering, and a thorough professional repair is expensive. The outward-flange deck joint, while secure, is vulnerable to minor dock and piling contact. On deck, the teak toe rail along the side deck is not large enough to serve as a comfortable foot hold, and the foredeck is unobstructed with a separate bow anchor locker to keep damp lines out of the cabin.
Refits and Ownership
Owners shopping a 36-2 should budget for blister inspection and possible barrier coating on any uninspected hull, and inspect the deck-to-hull flange for collision damage. The Yanmar's three-sided access simplifies routine service, but the galley-counter engine placement constrains stowage planning. The boat has maintained its popularity over the years for its size, accommodations, Pearson's reputation for above-average quality, good sailing characteristics, and value.
The Verdict
The Pearson 36-2 is a thoughtfully laid-out Shaw design that prioritizes livable accommodations and predictable handling over sparkling speed, built to a construction standard a notch above entry-level production boats of its decade.
Pros
- Two private double staterooms with a shared-but-accessible head layout
- Predictable, well-balanced sailing manners suited to cruising couples
- Balsa-cored deck and solid hull with above-average finish quality
- Choice of fin keel or shallow-draft centerboard underbody
Cons
- Common osmotic blistering on untreated hull bottoms
- Deck/hull flange vulnerable to minor dock contact
- Small cockpit and limited galley storage from engine placement
- Toe rail too small for secure footing
