Pearson 35

Description

The Pearson 35 is a classic fiberglass sailboat celebrated for its robust construction, seaworthiness, and versatility as a family cruiser or offshore passage-maker. Designed with a heavy-displacement hull and optional centerboard for shallow-water access, it offers a stable platform with a moderate sail plan suited to long-distance voyages. Available as a masthead sloop (standard) or yawl, it's prized for its timeless lines, roomy interior, and enduring value—often called a "poor man's yacht" for its balance of performance and affordability. Launched in 1968 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Pearson 35 was designed by William H. Shaw as a durable evolution of earlier Pearson models like the 33-2, targeting coastal and bluewater cruisers. Production continued through 1982, making it the longest-running Pearson model with 515 units built—remarkably unchanged over 14 years, reflecting its proven design. It was tank-tested for stability and featured optional diesel power amid the shift from gasoline engines. The yawl rig appealed to traditional sailors, while the sloop dominated racing and casual use. Pearson's closure in 1991 ended the line, but the 35 remains active in owner fleets worldwide. (Note: Not to be confused with the unrelated 1997 Pearson 35, a derivative of the 34-2 with fewer built.)