Pearson 390 (sloop rig)

Description

The Pearson 390 Sloop is a durable fiberglass center-cockpit cruiser optimized for offshore stability and family-oriented liveaboard use, with a single-mast sloop rig that delivers efficient upwind performance and straightforward sail handling. Sharing the same heavy-displacement hull as the ketch variant, it features a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder for reliable tracking, combining traditional lines with generous interior volume. Known for its "tank-like" build and sea-kindly motion, the sloop appeals to sailors prioritizing speed and simplicity over the ketch's divided-rig versatility—ideal for coastal passages or occasional bluewater legs with a small crew. Launched in 1973 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Pearson 390 was designed by William H. Shaw to fill the gap between the 365 and larger models like the 422, emphasizing center-cockpit security and roominess for extended cruising. Production spanned until 1980, yielding about 60 units total (sloop and ketch), with the sloop favored for racing or performance-oriented owners. Optional keel/centerboard addressed shallow-water needs, and diesels (Perkins/Yanmar) became standard post-1970s fuel shifts. Tank-tested for balance, it reflected Pearson's conservative ethos amid fiberglass proliferation. The yard closed in 1991, but the 390's reputation for longevity persists through owner groups, with many examples crossing oceans.