Pearson 365 Sloop

Description

The Pearson 365 Sloop is a timeless fiberglass cruising sloop celebrated for its seaworthiness, spacious layout, and ease of handling, making it a staple for coastal and offshore adventures. As the single-mast counterpart to the ketch variant, it features a fin keel with skeg-hung rudder for responsive yet protected steering, a moderate sail plan for balanced performance, and exceptional interior volume that punches above its 36 ft LOA. Designed for family or short-handed use, it offers a soft motion in waves while carrying provisions for extended passages—often hailed as one of Pearson's best "all-arounders" for its blend of comfort, stability, and value. Introduced in 1976 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Pearson 365 was designed by William H. Shaw as an evolution of the popular Pearson 35, incorporating a beamier hull for more livability and optional shoal or deep keels. Production ran through 1982, with about 100 units built across sloop and ketch rigs (sloop comprising ~40-50% for its simplicity and upwind edge). Diesel auxiliaries (Westerbeke 4-108) were standard by 1977, replacing earlier gas options. Tank-tested at the David Taylor Model Basin for optimized stability, it earned acclaim in Cruising World for its "yacht-like" qualities at a production price. A 1980s "tall rig" update boosted light-air performance. Pearson's 1991 closure ended the line, but the 365 remains active in charter fleets and owner associations, with many upgraded for bluewater use.