Pearson 39 Mk II

Designed by Pearson’s in-house team, led by Bill Shaw, the later model Pearson 39 is typical of the company’s mid-to-late 1980s models in style. Contemporary yet conservative, this model seems more likely intended to appeal to current Pearson owners looking to move up than to first time boat buyers.

The Pearson 39’s hull is a solid lay-up of fiberglass and resin, while decks and cabin structures use a composite of fiberglass and balsa wood core. The quality of the fiberglass work is quite good for a production boat; attachments are neat and well-finished. Interior joiner work is well done, and systems are neatly installed and compliant with standards in effect at the time.

For the first two years of production, auxiliary power was provided by a 46-hp Westerbeke marine diesel engine. This was replaced in the 1988 model year with a 35-hp Yanmar. The Yanmar engine is about 100 pounds lighter than the Westerbeke, but 35-hp is minimum for this 18,000-pound boat. If you expect to spend much time motoring against strong currents or into nasty seas, the extra horsepower of the Westerbeke will be welcome.

Source: spinsheet.com - Image Credit: Sailboatlistings