I am interested in upgrading from a Pearson 1976 365 Ketch to a 1987 Pearson 39-2 sloop. I have heard that the hull is fiberglass over balsa and I am concerned about the spade rudder being vulnerable to damage. Does anyone have one of these boats and what are the Achilles Heels of this boat. Thanks
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The spec sheet on pearsoninfo.net does say that the hull has a balsa core. The 36-2 and 38 of the same "family" does not have a core. I would verify the core with an owner as you are doing.
As for the rudder, our 36-2 has a 3 1/2 inch rudder post that does help with strength. As with all spade designs we are very carefull when backing into a slip. On our CB design, the rudder is several inches shorter than the keel with the CB up. On the deep keel boats the longer rudder is also shorter than the keel. The only time we hit anything with the rudder is when we hit a log off the Conn. River. It hit the keel first and then the rudder with no damage to either.
There is a review of the 39-2 by Bob Perry on www.pearsoninfo.net.
Hope this is of some help.
Dave
s/v Ariel
As for the rudder, our 36-2 has a 3 1/2 inch rudder post that does help with strength. As with all spade designs we are very carefull when backing into a slip. On our CB design, the rudder is several inches shorter than the keel with the CB up. On the deep keel boats the longer rudder is also shorter than the keel. The only time we hit anything with the rudder is when we hit a log off the Conn. River. It hit the keel first and then the rudder with no damage to either.
There is a review of the 39-2 by Bob Perry on www.pearsoninfo.net.
Hope this is of some help.
Dave
s/v Ariel
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