Pearson 367 Cutter (36 Cutter)

Description

The Pearson 367 Cutter is a sturdy, center-cockpit cruising sailboat designed for coastal and offshore adventures, emphasizing comfort, stability, and versatility in a 36-foot package. As a cutter-rigged variant of the Pearson 365 series, it features an inner forestay for a staysail, allowing easy sail reduction in heavy weather while maintaining drive with a genoa or jib forward. Built with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, it offers balanced handling and protection, making it suitable for couples or small families on extended voyages. Owners praise its roomy teak interior, forgiving motion in chop, and "bulletproof" construction, though its moderate sail area suits moderate winds over light-air racing. At 40+ years old, it's a popular choice for upgrades, blending classic Pearson durability with modern cruising needs. Designed by William H. Shaw in 1980, the Pearson 367 (also marketed as the Pearson 36 Cutter) was introduced in 1981 as an evolution of the successful Pearson 365, incorporating a dedicated cutter rig to meet demand for more flexible offshore setups. Shaw, Pearson's chief naval architect during the 1980s, focused on performance cruisers with fin keels and spade rudders for better speed and pointing. Built by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, production ran from 1981 to 1982, with only 49 hulls completed—a short run reflecting the company's shift toward larger models before its 1986 closure. This scarcity enhances its cult status among owners, who form active communities via the Pearson Yachts Owners Portal (pearsonyachts.org). Many have circumnavigated or crossed oceans, underscoring its seaworthiness.