Info on Pearson 39

[Captain Obvious]

Hi, first post woo hoo.

I have a small trailer boat and I am looking at upsizing to something I can keep in the marina and walk on walk off so to speak. Locally there is a 1973 Pearson 39 for sale which has caught my eye. Its old, but it has good bones and new rigging and everything works etc. I would not buy it without a survey so don't worry about that.

I have looked online and there is info out there but not a lot on the Pearson 39. I have found the owners website and lots of other links etc but not a lot of peoples personal experiences with the boats.

What I am really after is comments or info from people that own or have owned a Pearson 39 as to the boats faults, issues, problems, things to watch out for etc. I would also love the good side of things as well. I really just want to know if this is a good type of boat and also what to watch out for when I inspect it and negotiate.

Where I am the waters can be shallow in places and the idea of the centreboard that lowers appeals to me. My current boat draws 1.48 metres (4.8ft) board down which is similar to the Pearson 39 with the board up.

What I plan to do is coastal sailing the Eastern side of Australia and maybe once confident some trips further afield such as Lord Howe Island with my family of 4.

anyway I hope some of you can help.

thanks

Captain Obvious

[NormanMartin]

Back in the old days, the Pearson 39 was considered THE top coastal to near offshore cruiser around. They did pretty well in the distance racing circuit here in New England, as well. Hard as hen's teeth to find on the market. I raced against them but never on them. Good boats.

[Island Time O25]

Haven't sailed on P39 but P33/34s I did sail on were well built and tough. They had to be, they were our club's most popular boats for members' use.

[lesterbutch]

I have the Pearson 35 of about the same vintage, (1972), it is very well constructed and my 35 spent most of its life off shore in blue water. I would reccomend Pearson very highly.

[skipmac]

Overall I love my 1984 Pearson but like most boats there are some issues.

Not certain about the 39 but newer Pearsons had cored decks and if not maintained could be wet from leaks around chainplates, stanchions, etc.

A lot of the Pearsons used a steel mast step in the keel that frequently led to serious corrosion on the base of the mast. Have seen as least 4 Pearsons that had to cut a few inches off the bottom of the mast and install a higher step. If the 39 is keel stepped look carefully at the mast base.

[johnvsmithiv]

I have a 1978 P10m and she is quite sturdy and solid......steering in reverse is almost useless but I'm trying a new prop this season. What engine us in the 39? I Have the A4 which many complain about but I like it easy to work on. Skip mac is right about the mast step, mine is fine for now but sees a bit of water in the bilge and hard to keep dry hence the rot on many other vessels. Try googling pearson forums I saw a blog from a fellow that showed that repair in detail with photos.

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