Pearson 36-2 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

The Pearson 36-2, introduced in 1984, represents the pinnacle of William Shaw’s design evolution during the final decade of Pearson Yachts’ operation. Often referred to as the "36-2" to distinguish it from the earlier Alberg-designed 36 or the 1970s Shaw 36, this model was a ground-up redesign aimed at the competitive performance-cruising market of the mid-1980s. While earlier Pearsons leaned toward the narrow, deep-V traditions of the CCA era, the 36-2 embraced a more contemporary beam-to-length ratio and a sophisticated underbody. This model was intended to compete directly with the burgeoning French imports from Beneteau and Jeanneau, offering a blend of American build quality and modern interior volume. Over its production run, which lasted until roughly 1990, the 36-2 became a staple of the Chesapeake and New England coastal cruising scenes.