Pearson 37 (Tall Rig)
Description
The Pearson 37 TR (Tall Rig) is a classic fiberglass racer-cruiser designed for competitive performance under IOR and PHRF rules while offering comfortable accommodations for family cruising. Built during the early 1980s transition from racing-focused to more versatile designs, it features a sleek, IOR-influenced hull with a tall masthead sloop rig for superior light-air performance and upwind pointing ability. Known for its balanced helm, durable construction, and spacious interior, the TR variant emphasizes speed without sacrificing seaworthiness, making it a favorite for coastal racing and extended passages. Launched in 1981 (some sources cite 1982), the Pearson 37 was designed by William H. Shaw—one of 43 models he created for Pearson Yachts—and produced until 1986, with about 42 units built in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It marked Pearson's shift toward modern racer-cruisers, blending the yard's conservative engineering with performance-oriented features. The Tall Rig option, introduced to enhance sail-carrying power, was popular for its efficiency in variable winds. A successor, the Pearson 37-2 (1987-1989), adopted a more cruiser-friendly wing keel and beamier hull, but the original 37 TR remains prized for its agility. Pearson Yachts ceased operations in 1991, but the 37's reputation endures through owner associations.
Construction Details
| Designer | William H. "Bill" Shaw |
|---|---|
| Builder | Pearson Yachts |
| Length | 36.920 ft |
| LOA | 36.920 ft |
| LWL | 30.080 ft |
| Beam | 11.830 ft |
| Displacement | 12500 lb |
| Ballast | 5400 lb |
| Max Draft | 6.500 ft |
| Year Built | 1981 |
The standard boat dimensions
| i | 48.95 ft |
|---|---|
| j | 14.83 ft |
| p | 42.62 ft |
| e | 13.03 ft |
| p2 | - |
| e2 | - |
| i2 | - |
| j2 | - |
| I | J | P | E | P2 | E2 | I2 | J2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48.95 ft | 14.83 ft | 42.62 ft | 13.03 ft | - | - | - | - |
Sails
Pearson 37 (Tall Rig) - MAINSAIL
| Luff | * 42.62 ft - (12991 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 13.03 ft - (3972 mm) |
| Leech | * 43.99 ft - (13408 mm) |
| Tack Angle | * 88 ° |
| Diagonal | * 44.13 ft - (13451 mm) |
| Head (inches) | * 6 in - (152 mm) |
| Area | 277.37 ft² |
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Pearson 37 (Tall Rig) - JIBSAIL
| Luff | * 40.92 ft - (12472 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 19.47 ft - (5934 mm) |
| Leech | * 35.84 ft - (10924 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 115 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 17.05 ft - (5197 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 12 ° |
| Area | 348.89 ft² |
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Pearson 37 (Tall Rig) - GENOA
| Luff | * 48.59 ft - (14810 mm) |
|---|---|
| Foot | * 23.8 ft - (7254 mm) |
| Leech | * 45.87 ft - (13981 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 150 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 22.25 ft - (6782 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 4 ° |
| Area | 540.34 ft² |
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Pearson 37 (Tall Rig) - SPINNAKER
| Stays | * 48.59 ft - (14810 mm) |
|---|---|
| MidGirth | * 26.69 ft - (8135 mm) |
| Foot | * 26.69 ft - (8135 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 180 % |
| Area | 1102.34 ft² |
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Disclaimer. Boats are not all the same -- even when produced in the same factory of the same model. Sailrite does its best to publish accurate dimensions, but we often find it worthwhile to have our customers measure their boats carefully before we produce kits for them. You should take the same precautions, especially when the data is not from Sailrite. The information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Sailrite offers this content as a service to our community, but takes no responsibility for the reliability of the data provided.