PEARSON 36-2
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 36.5 ft |
| LWL | 29.58 ft |
| Beam | 12.33 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Displacement | 15,000 lb |
| Ballast | 5,800.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 47.1 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 683.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 362.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 616.5 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Atomic 4 |
About the PEARSON 36-2
Keel/CB version: Draft (BD): 8.25'/2.51m Draft (BU): 4.17'/1.27m Displacement: 15850 lbs./7190 kgs. Ballast: 6550 lbs./2971 kgs. Wing keel version: Draft: 4.70' /1.43m Displacement: 15700 lbs./7122 kgs. Basic specs from builder brochure.
Designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts (USA) from 1985–1990, the Pearson 36-2 is a heavy-displacement cruising sloop known for its solid construction and comfortable interior. With a displacement of 15000.0 lb and a ballast of 5800.5 lb, it offers a stable platform that appeals to traditionalists seeking a reliable coastal cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and families who prioritize interior volume and comfort over high-performance racing, as well as those seeking a manageable masthead sloop for weekend getaways or extended coastal passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.0 and a D/L ratio of 258.73, the boat exhibits strong stability and seaworthiness for offshore passages, though its fin keel and moderate draft of 6.5 ft limit access to very shallow anchorages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 34 and O'Day 35, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and interior layouts, as well as the Pearson 36-1, which serves as the direct predecessor with nearly identical dimensions and hull form.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
19 listings · boat years 1985–1988 · median $40,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 36.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
18 reported issues across 8 systems for the PEARSON 36-2, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a PEARSON 36-2? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 18 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your PEARSON 36-2?
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Used sails that fit the PEARSON 36-2
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