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Pearson 37

Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Pearson 37

Launched during Pearson's productive era of fiberglass yacht manufacturing, this 37-footer represents the builder's commitment to creating solid, dependable cruising sailboats for American sailors. Pearson Yachts built a reputation for producing well-constructed vessels that balanced performance with comfort, and this model continues that tradition. Designed primarily for coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages, the Pearson 37 appeals to sailors seeking a manageable yet capable boat for extended adventures. The hull form reflects classic cruising proportions, emphasizing seaworthiness over pure speed. Her moderate displacement and sensible sail plan make her forgiving to handle while still providing respectable performance in varied conditions. The cockpit and deck layout prioritize safety and ease of handling, with well-positioned winches and logical control placement. Below decks, the accommodation plan maximizes living space while maintaining the structural integrity Pearson was known for. Built during an era when fiberglass construction techniques were maturing, these boats exhibit solid laminate work and attention to detail. For sailors considering a Pearson 37, expect a yacht that rewards careful maintenance with years of reliable service, making her particularly appealing to those planning serious coastal exploration or liveaboard adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.92 ft / 11.25 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.08 ft / 9.17 m
Beam 11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 12,500.00 lb / 5,670 kg
Ballast 5,400.00 lb / 2,449 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 640.00 ft² / 59.46 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa cored hull & deck
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts
First Built 1982
Last Built 1986
Related Sailboats Catalina 37 · J/37 · X 372 · Passport 37 · Irwin 37 5
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 102
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 19.08
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 22.39
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.04
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.35
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.88
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 48.92
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.83
P (Mainsail Luff) 42.63
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.0
ISP (Spinnaker Luff) 49.1
SPL/TPS 14.83
SA Fore 362.74
SA Main 277.1
How It Compares

vs. Catalina 37, Irwin 37 5, J/37, Passport 37, X 372

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Pearson 37 ★
36.9 ft
Catalina 37
36.9 ft
Irwin 37 5
37.0 ft
J/37
37.0 ft
Passport 37
37.0 ft
X 372
37.0 ft
LWL
Pearson 37 ★
30.1 ft
Catalina 37
31.5 ft
Irwin 37 5
30.0 ft
J/37
30.8 ft
Passport 37
29.6 ft
X 372
29.5 ft
Beam
Pearson 37 ★
11.8 ft
Catalina 37
12.3 ft
Irwin 37 5
11.5 ft
J/37
12.1 ft
Passport 37
11.9 ft
X 372
11.7 ft
Displacement
Pearson 37 ★
12 lbs
Catalina 37
16 lbs
Irwin 37 5
20 lbs
J/37
12 lbs
Passport 37
17 lbs
X 372
11 lbs
Ballast
Pearson 37 ★
5 lbs
Catalina 37
6 lbs
Irwin 37 5
7 lbs
J/37
4 lbs
Passport 37
6 lbs
X 372
4 lbs
Sail Area
Pearson 37 ★
640 sq ft
Catalina 37
641 sq ft
Irwin 37 5
625 sq ft
J/37
641 sq ft
Passport 37
673 sq ft
X 372
593 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Pearson 37 ★
102 s/nm
Catalina 37
—
Irwin 37 5
—
J/37
75 s/nm
Passport 37
138 s/nm
X 372
95 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Pearson 37 ★
19.1
Catalina 37
15.8
Irwin 37 5
13.6
J/37
19.4
Passport 37
16.1
X 372
19.0
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Pearson 37 ★
—
Catalina 37
40.0 %
Irwin 37 5
—
J/37
40.0 %
Passport 37
—
X 372
43.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Pearson 37 ★
22.4
Catalina 37
—
Irwin 37 5
37.2
J/37
29.0
Passport 37
31.1
X 372
20.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Pearson 37 ★
2.04
Catalina 37
—
Irwin 37 5
1.70
J/37
1.67
Passport 37
1.84
X 372
2.10
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Pearson 37 ★
—
Catalina 37
235
Irwin 37 5
—
J/37
136
Passport 37
—
X 372
195
Hull Speed
Pearson 37 ★
7.4 kts
Catalina 37
—
Irwin 37 5
7.3 kts
J/37
8.7 kts
Passport 37
7.3 kts
X 372
7.3 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Pearson 37 ★
2.9
Catalina 37
—
Irwin 37 5
1.3
J/37
—
Passport 37
1.7
X 372
3.0
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