1980 Pearson 36 Pilothouse Sailboat
Pearson 36 Pilothouse – A Rare Four-Season Cruiser Built for Comfortable Passage Making
The Pearson 36 Pilothouse is a rare and highly sought-after cruiser that combines proven offshore capability with the comfort and protection of an enclosed pilothouse. Designed by renowned naval architect Bill Shaw and built on the same dependable hull as the popular Pearson 365, this model offers exceptional seaworthiness, comfortable accommodations, and the versatility to extend your sailing season in virtually any weather.
Powered by a reliable Westerbeke diesel engine, this yacht delivers dependable performance with responsive handling. Owners consistently praise its predictable sailing characteristics, excellent directional stability, and confidence-inspiring manners both under sail and power.
One of the Pearson 36 Pilothouse’s greatest strengths is its ability to comfortably accommodate extended cruising. The spacious interior features two private cabins and one head, making overnight trips and long-distance cruising enjoyable for family and guests alike.
Above deck, you’ll appreciate the wide side decks, expansive 9-foot cockpit, and stable sailing platform. The fixed keel/centerboard configuration provides outstanding versatility with a draft of just 4’5″ allowing access to shallow anchorages without sacrificing offshore performance.
The defining feature of this yacht is its raised pilothouse with an interior steering station. Large windows provide outstanding 360-degree visibility from the salon while allowing the skipper to navigate comfortably from inside during rain, cold weather, or long passages. Fewer than 50 Pearson 36 Pilothouse models were built, making this a unique opportunity to own one of Pearson’s most distinctive cruising sailboats.
Comfortable Interior
The bright, open salon offers panoramic views rarely found on a vessel of this size. The practical “galley-down” layout keeps meal preparation secure while maximizing living space. Forward, you’ll find a spacious V-berth along with a large head featuring a separate shower stall—a premium feature that is seldom found on sailboats of this vintage.
Classic Pearson craftsmanship is evident throughout, with beautiful teak joinery, durable laminate surfaces, and quality bronze port lights creating a warm, inviting interior ideal for extended cruising or live-aboard use.
Sailing Performance
The Pearson 36 Pilothouse is a heavy-displacement cruiser designed for comfort and confidence offshore. Its long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder provide excellent tracking, directional stability, and added protection for the steering system. While the raised pilothouse creates additional windage when maneuvering in tight quarters, the boat rewards sailors with a smooth, predictable motion in rough water and exceptional comfort during long passages.
Whether cruising the Great Lakes, exploring the coast, or planning offshore adventures, this yacht offers the ideal balance of performance, safety, and comfort.
Specifications
- Length Overall: 36.42 ft
- Waterline Length: 30 ft
- Beam: 11.5 ft
- Draft: 4.5 ft
- Air Draft: 52 ft
- Construction: Fiberglass
- Hull Type: Monohull
- Keel: Fin
- Rudder: Skeg-hung
- Displacement: 17,700 lbs
- Ballast: 7,300 lbs (Lead)
- Rig: Masthead Sloop
- Sail Area: 570 sq. ft.
- Hull Speed: 7.34 knots
Features & Equipment
- Westerbeke 50hp Diesel Engine
- Dual Steering Stations (Interior & Exterior)
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Radar
- Loran
- Depth Finder
- Bilge Pump
- Head with Separate Shower
- Electric Winch
- Roller Furling
- Stainless Steel Feathering Propeller
- Three Anchors
- New Fuel Tank
- Newer Custom-Made Sails
- Bimini with Strata Glass Windshield
- 50/50 Window Screens
- Custom Winter Cover
- Cradle Included
- New Deep Cycle Batteries 2026
- Oil and Filter Change 2026
Highlights
- Rare Pearson 36 Pilothouse design
- Spacious raised salon with panoramic 360° views
- Protected interior helm for comfortable all-weather cruising
- Proven offshore hull designed by Bill Shaw
- Two-cabin layout ideal for cruising or live-aboard use
- Stable, predictable sailing performance
- Keel/centerboard versatility for shallow or deep-water cruising
- Excellent equipment package with numerous upgrades included
If you’re looking for a capable cruising sailboat that offers exceptional comfort, proven offshore performance, and the rare convenience of an enclosed pilothouse, this Pearson 36 Pilothouse is an outstanding opportunity.
