Pearson 390 (ketch rig)

Description

The Pearson 390 Ketch is a robust fiberglass center-cockpit cruising ketch celebrated for its offshore seaworthiness, expansive accommodations, and traditional aesthetics with modern performance. Sharing the hull with the sloop variant, the ketch rig divides the sail plan for reduced weather helm and easier short-handed management, making it a favorite for couples or families on extended passages. With a heavy-displacement fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, it offers a stable, forgiving platform that excels in heavy weather while providing luxurious liveaboard space—often described as a "bluewater condo" for its balance of comfort and capability. Introduced in 1973 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Pearson 390 was designed by William H. Shaw as a larger successor to the 365, targeting serious cruisers seeking volume without excess size. Production continued until 1980, with approximately 60 units built across sloop and ketch configurations (ketch being more popular for its handling). It featured optional keel/centerboard for shallow drafts and was tank-tested for stability. Amid the 1970s oil crisis, diesel engines became standard, enhancing reliability. The model bridged Pearson's classic era with evolving demands, influencing later center-cockpit designs before the yard's 1991 closure. Owner associations maintain active fleets, with many restored for circumnavigations.