The Pearson 39-2 Sailboat

The Pearson 39-2, an aft-cockpit masthead sloop, was designed by William Shaw and built in the USA by Pearson Yachts.

Many thanks to Crystal and Rob Bleecher for this pic of their Pearson 39-2.

Published Specification for the Pearson 39-2

Underwater Profile: Fin keel and spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fiberglass)

Length Overall: 39'3" (12.0m)

Waterline Length: 31'3" (9.5m)

Beam: 12'5" (3.8m)

Draft: 6'10" (2.1m)

Rig Type: Masthead Sloop

Displacement: 16,800lb (7,620kg)

Designer: William Shaw

Builder: Pearson Yachts (USA)

Year First Built: 1986

Year Last Built: 1991

Published Design Ratios for the Pearson 39-2

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 18.2

Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.5

Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 246

Under 100: Ultralight
100 to 200: Light
200 to 275: Moderate
275 to 350: Heavy
Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 26.9

Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Pearson 39-2

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 18.2 suggests that the Pearson 39-2 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 40.5 means that the Pearson 39-2 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 246, tells us the Pearson 39-2 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 26.9 suggests that crew comfort of a Pearson 39-2 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 tells us that a Pearson 39-2 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.

The Pearson 39-2: The Key Features...

The Pearson 39-2 is a contemporary performance-oriented cruiser that was introduced in 1986 and built by Pearson Yachts until 1991. It was designed by William Shaw, a renowned naval architect who also designed other popular Pearson models.

The Pearson 39-2 has a simpler rig that allows for easy reefing of both the main and jib from the cockpit, using big self-tailing winches, a cabintop traveller, and a 44" elkhide covered wheel. The mast is keel stepped, which adds strength and stability to the rig. The boat has a slab reefing mainsail with two reef points and lazy jacks.

The Pearson 39-2 has an aft cockpit with contoured seating and a folding table. The cockpit is well protected by a dodger, and has ample storage in lockers and lazarettes. The boat has a sugar scoop transom with a swim ladder and cockpit shower.

The Pearson 39-2 has a spacious and elegant interior with rich woodwork, hand-rubbed varnish, and fine fabrics. The boat has two staterooms, one forward and one aft, each with a double berth and hanging lockers. The forward stateroom also has a vanity and sink. The boat has two heads, one forward and one aft, each with a marine toilet, sink, and shower. The aft head is accessible from both the aft stateroom and the main salon.

The Pearson 39-2 has a U-shaped galley to port, with ample counter space, a double stainless steel sink, a three-burner propane stove with oven, a microwave oven, a top-loading refrigerator/freezer, and plenty of storage for dishes, pots, pans, and food. The boat has a navigation station to starboard, with a large chart table, an electrical panel, and instruments.

The Pearson 39-2 has a comfortable main salon with an L-shaped settee to port that converts to a double berth, and a straight settee to starboard that can be used as a single berth. The boat has a folding dining table that can be stored against the bulkhead when not in use. The boat has plenty of natural light and ventilation from opening ports and hatches.

The Pearson 39-2 is a good performer in light to moderate winds, thanks to its fin keel, spade rudder, and balanced sail plan. The boat has a Yanmar 3GM30F diesel engine that provides reliable power when needed. The boat has a fuel capacity of 40 gallons and a water capacity of 120 gallons, which are relatively small for long-distance cruising.

The Pearson 39-2 is best suited as a coastal cruiser, although it can handle offshore passages with proper preparation and equipment. The boat has a moderate displacement of 17,000 lbs and a ballast ratio of 41%, which give it stability and stiffness. The boat has a good righting capability if capsized. The boat has an easy comfortable motion at sea under sail, but it can also have a lively less comfortable motion in choppy conditions.

Yacht Designer: William Shaw...

William (Bill) Shaw was an American-born yacht designer known for his long tenure at Pearson Yachts as their Chief Naval Architect. He was born in 1926 and died in 2006. He designed over 50 different sailboats and powerboats during his career. some of the sailboats designed by William Shaw are listed here:

Shaw 24: A 23.92ft/7.29m sloop designed in 1957. It was one of the first boats to use the ORC handicap rule, which Shaw co-founded;
Dolphin 24: A 24.16ft/7.36m sloop designed in 1959. It was a collaboration between Shaw and Sparkman & Stephens, where Shaw worked before joining Pearson;
Nutmeg 24: A 24.50ft/7.47m sloop designed in 1964. It was a modified version of the Hughes 24, which Shaw also designed;
Hughes 24: A 24.50ft/7.47m sloop designed in 1966. It was a popular trailerable racer/cruiser with a swing keel;
Lark 24: A 24.00ft/7.32m sloop designed in 1966. It was a simple and affordable daysailer with a fixed keel;
Coaster 30: A 30.00ft/9.14m ketch designed in 1966. It was a traditional cruising boat with a full keel and a canoe stern;
Wanderer 30: A 30.25ft/9.22m sloop designed in 1966. It was a performance-oriented cruiser with a fin keel and a spade rudder;
Pearson 24: A 23.50ft/7.16m sloop designed in 1967. It was a family cruiser with a moderate displacement and a shoal draft keel;
Renegade 27: A 27.17ft/8.28m sloop designed in 1967. It was a fast and agile racer/cruiser with a fin keel and a spade rudder;
Pearson 22: A 22.25ft/6.78m sloop designed in 1968. It was a small and simple cruiser with a shoal draft keel and an outboard motor well;
Pearson 35: A 35.00ft/10.67m sloop or yawl designed in 1968. It was one of the most popular and successful models from Pearson, with over 500 built. It was a spacious and comfortable cruiser with a long keel and an attached rudder.
Grumman Flyer: A 16.16ft/4.93m catboat designed in 1968. It was a lightweight and easy-to-sail boat with an aluminum hull and a gaff rig;
Pearson 43: A 42.75ft/13.03m sloop or yawl was designed in 1968. It was a large and luxurious cruiser with a center cockpit and an aft cabin;
Pearson 26: A 26.17ft/7.98m sloop designed in 1970. It was a popular and versatile cruiser with a fin keel and a spade rudder;
Pearson 30: A 29.92ft/9.12m sloop designed in 1971. It was a fast and agile racer/cruiser with a fin keel and a spade rudder;
Pearson 33: A 32.67ft/9.96m sloop designed in 1972. It was a spacious and comfortable cruiser with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder;
Pearson Ensign: A 22.50ft/6.86m sloop designed in 1972. It was a classic and elegant daysailer with a full keel and an attached rudder;
Pearson Flyer: A 30.00ft/9.14m sloop designed in 1981. It was a light and fast racer/cruiser with a fin keel and a spade rudder;
Pearson Triton: A 28.33ft/8.63m sloop designed in 1985. It was a modern and sleek cruiser with a fin keel and a spade rudder;
Pearson Electra: A 22.50ft/6.86m sloop designed in 1987. It was a small and simple cruiser with a shoal draft keel and an outboard motor well.

Pearson Yachts: Boat Builders...

Pearson Yachts was a sailboat manufacturer founded by Everett Pearson and Clinton Pearson in 1956. One of the first fiberglass sailboat manufacturers, they grew rapidly during the 60s and 70s, while also developing and designing new boats. However, the company changed ownership throughout the 1980s, after which the company filed for bankruptcy, and was eventually sold to Grumman Allied Industries in 1991. Pearson Yachts created some 68 sailboat models - they are listed here:

Alberg 35: A classic full keel cruiser designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1961 to 1967;
Ariel: A smaller version of the Triton with a full keel and a stepped cabin house. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1962 to 1966;
Coaster: A fast, sea-kindly, and roomy full keel yawl designed by John Alden and produced from 1966 to 1970;
Commander: A beautiful full keel cruiser designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1964 to 1967;
Countess 44: A luxurious full keel pilot house ketch designed by John Alden and produced from 1965 to 1970;
Electra: A racer, daysailer, and over-nighter with a full keel and a fractional rig. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1960 to 1965;
Ensign: A popular full keel one-design racer and family day-sailer designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1962 to the present;
Hawk: A saucy daysailer with a centerboard and a kick-up rudder. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1962 to 1963;
Invicta: A Bermuda class winner with a keel/centerboard yawl configuration. Designed by Bill Tripp and produced from 1960 to 1965;
Lark: A compact full keel cruiser with a flush deck. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1966 to 1968;
Packet: A Hudson River packet replica with a modified full keel. Designed by Phil Tritt and produced in 1963;
Pearson 10M: A comfortable and efficient fin keel cruiser/racer with a tall mast option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1973 to 1980;
Pearson 22: A sea-going sportscar with a fin keel and a fractional rig. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1968 to 1972;
Pearson 23: A daysailer with a fin keel or a keel/centerboard option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1979 to 1985;
Pearson 23C: A swift and simple cat rig with a fin keel. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1983 to 1985;
Pearson 24: A pure pleasure boat with a full keel. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1968 to 1969;
Pearson 26: The one that set the pace with a fin keel and a stepped cabin house. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1970 to 1982;
Pearson 26OD: A one-design version of the Pearson 26 with a fin keel. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1970 to 1982;
Pearson 26W: A weekender version of the Pearson 26 with a fin keel. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1974 to 1982;
Pearson 27: A spacious cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1986 to 1991;
Pearson 28: A fast and fun cruiser/racer with a fin keel and a spade rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1975 to 1981.
Pearson 28-2: A modern cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1985 to 1991.
Pearson 29: A versatile cruiser with a fin keel or a keel/centerboard option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1976 to 1979.
Pearson 30: A proven performer with a fin keel and a spade rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1971 to 1981.
Pearson 303: A roomy and comfortable cruiser with a shoal draft keel. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1982 to 1986.
Pearson 31: A sleek and speedy cruiser/racer with a fin keel and a spade rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1987 to 1991.
Pearson 31-2: A spacious cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1987 to 1991.
Pearson 32: A family cruiser with a fin keel or a keel/centerboard option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1979 to 1982.
Pearson 323: A sturdy and stable cruiser with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1976 to 1983.
Pearson 33: A fast and fun cruiser/racer with a fin keel or a keel/centerboard option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1970 to 1974.
Pearson 33-2: A modern cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1986 to 1991.
Pearson 34: A versatile cruiser with a fin keel or a keel/centerboard option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1983 to 1987.
Pearson 35: A classic cruiser with a keel/centerboard configuration. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1968 to 1982.
Pearson 36: A fast and fun cruiser/racer with a fin keel and a spade rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1972 to 1976.
Pearson 36-2: A spacious cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1985 to 1991.
Pearson 365: A comfortable and capable ketch or sloop with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1976 to 1983.
Pearson 367: A cutter version of the Pearson 365 with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1976 to 1983.
Pearson 37: A sleek and speedy cruiser/racer with a fin keel and a spade rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1987 to 1991.
Pearson 38: A modern cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1991 to the present.
Pearson 39: A versatile cruiser with a fin keel or a keel/centerboard option. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1970 to 1975.
Pearson 40: A fast and fun cruiser/racer with a fin keel and a spade rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1978 to 1981.
Pearson 422: A luxurious center cockpit ketch or sloop with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1982 to 1986.
Pearson 424: A spacious aft cockpit ketch or sloop with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1978 to 1985.
Pearson 425: A cutter version of the Pearson 424 with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1980 to 1985.
Pearson 43: A modern cruiser with a wing keel and an aft cabin. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1991 to the present.
Pearson 530: A magnificent center cockpit ketch with a modified full keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Designed by William Garden and produced from 1981 to 1984.
Pearson Ariel II: A larger version of the Ariel with a full keel and a stepped cabin house. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1967 to 1969.
Pearson Commander II: A larger version of the Commander with a full keel and a stepped cabin house. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1967 to 1969.
Pearson Countess II: A larger version of the Countess with a full keel pilot house ketch. Designed by John Alden and produced from 1970 to 1972.
Pearson Electra II: A larger version of the Electra with a full keel and a fractional rig. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1966 to 1969.
Pearson Ensign II: A larger version of the Ensign with a full keel one-design racer and family day-sailer. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1967 to 1969.
Pearson Flyer: A light and fast fin keel racer with a fractional rig. Designed by Gary Mull and produced from 1981 to 1985.
Pearson Invicta II: A larger version of the Invicta with a keel/centerboard yawl configuration. Designed by Bill Tripp and produced from 1966 to 1969.
Pearson Lark II: A larger version of the Lark with a full keel cruiser and a flush deck. Designed by Bill Shaw and produced from 1968 to 1970.
Pearson Renegade: A rugged and roomy full keel cruiser with a stepped cabin house. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1966 to 1970.
Pearson Rhodes 41: A graceful full keel cruiser designed by Philip Rhodes and produced from 1963 to 1966.
Pearson Triton: A popular full keel cruiser designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1959 to 1967.
Pearson Vanguard: A fast and comfortable full keel cruiser designed by Philip Rhodes and produced from 1962 to 1967.
Pearson Wanderer: A spacious full keel yawl designed by John Alden and produced from 1964 to 1970.
Triton Jr: A smaller version of the Triton with a full keel and a stepped cabin house. Designed by Carl Alberg and produced from 1962 to 1966.

The above text was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; we believe it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.