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Pearson 39
Designer: William Shaw  ·  Builder: Pearson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Pearson 39

Built during Pearson Yachts' highly regarded production era, this 39-foot sailboat represents the builder's commitment to creating solid, seaworthy cruising vessels. Pearson established a strong reputation for constructing well-built fiberglass boats that could handle both coastal cruising and longer offshore passages, and this model continues that tradition. The design emphasizes comfort and reliability over racing performance, making it well-suited for serious cruising sailors who value dependable construction and thoughtful layout. Like other Pearson models from this period, the boat likely features a moderate displacement hull with good stability characteristics and a practical deck layout that facilitates safe handling in various conditions. Pearson's attention to interior accommodations typically resulted in boats with comfortable living spaces below, suitable for extended cruising or liveaboard situations. The company's boats gained a following among sailors who appreciated their sturdy build quality and reasonable pricing compared to custom alternatives. For sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser or offshore voyager with proven construction standards, this model offers the reliability and seaworthiness that made Pearson a respected name in production sailboat manufacturing during their peak years.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$49,900 – $90,000
typical asking price
Median $69,950  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$49,900 – $90,000 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.25 ft / 11.96 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
Beam 11.67 ft / 3.56 m
Max Draft 8.88 ft / 2.71 m
Displacement 17,000.00 lb / 7,711 kg
Ballast 7,300.00 lb / 3,311 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer William Shaw
Builder Pearson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1970
Last Built 1978
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
132
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
42.94
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
281.08
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. 7.5 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 4.64 ft / 1.41 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.16 ft / 4.93 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 673.00 ft² / 62.52 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 30
Fuel Capacity 30 gals / 114 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
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