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Pearson 38
Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Cal-Pearson Corp.  ·  First built: 1989
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About the Pearson 38

Among Pearson Yachts' production line, the 38-footer represents the builder's commitment to creating solid, seaworthy cruising boats during their active years. This model continues the Rhode Island manufacturer's tradition of building practical family cruisers designed for coastal and offshore sailing adventures. Built with Pearson's characteristic fiberglass construction methods, the 38 showcases the design philosophy that made the company respected among cruising sailors. The boat features a moderate displacement hull form that balances comfort with reasonable sailing performance, making it well-suited for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. The interior layout typically emphasizes livability over racing accommodations, with thoughtful use of space for extended cruising. Pearson's reputation for solid construction quality suggests this model would appeal to sailors seeking a dependable platform for serious cruising rather than weekend day sailing. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Pearson 38 fits within the company's legacy of producing boats that prioritize seaworthiness and comfort over speed. For sailors researching a vessel capable of handling various sailing conditions while providing comfortable accommodations, this model deserves consideration as part of Pearson's well-regarded cruising boat lineup from their production era.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.50 ft / 11.43 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.58 ft / 9.02 m
Beam 12.33 ft / 3.76 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 15,175.00 lb / 6,883 kg
Ballast 6,050.00 lb / 2,744 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 655.00 ft² / 60.85 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa cored deck
Designer William Shaw
Builder Cal-Pearson Corp.
First Built 1989
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Performance Ratios
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
17.16
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
25.86
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
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. 7.29
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
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