Description
The Pearson 40 is a flush-deck, centerboard cruising sailboat that blends racy aesthetics with practical bluewater capability, designed for versatile coastal and offshore sailing in a 40-foot package. As a masthead sloop, it emphasizes speed and handling with a large sail plan and lightweight construction, while the centerboard allows shoal-draft access to skinny waters like the Bahamas. Influenced by IOR racing trends, its "whale-shaped" underbody and spade rudder deliver lively performance, making it forgiving yet responsive for short-handed crews or families. Owners rave about its stability in rough conditions, ample teak interior, and value as a "sleeper" performer, though the flush deck and original rudder can polarize opinions. At 45+ years old, it's a rewarding classic for upgrades, with a loyal following in the Pearson community.
Designed by William H. Shaw—Pearson's chief architect and general manager during the late 1970s—the Pearson 40 was introduced in 1977 as an innovative departure from the company's traditional cruisers, incorporating flush-deck styling inspired by contemporaries like the Ericson 39 and Tartan 41. Shaw focused on a lightweight, balsa-cored hull for speed without sacrificing seaworthiness, targeting sailors seeking a "racy" yet comfortable vessel. Built by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, production ran from 1979 to 1981, yielding 71 hulls—a modest number reflecting the divisive design and market shifts toward aft-cockpit models. It followed successes like the Pearson 365 and preceded the 424, marking Pearson's push into performance-oriented cruisers before the company's 1986 closure. The Pearson Yachts Owners Portal (pearsonyachts.org) supports the fleet with forums, parts, and upgrades like the Mark II rudder.
