New and Used Pearson Yachts for Sale

With humble beginnings in 1955, Pearson Yachts was started by cousins Clinton and Everett Pearson out of their garage in Rhode Island, building dinghies out of lightweight fiberglass. Although this method at the time was not yet proven, the men were approached by American Boat Building with an offer to build a sailboat.

Launching the First Pearson Yacht at the 1959 New York Boat Show

A man named Tom Potter approached Pearson Yachts. Tom Potter worked for American Boat Building, and commissioned Pearson to build a sailing yacht.

The sailing yacht was designed by Carl Alberg, however after the first build, the shipyard needed to borrow money to have it transported to the New York Boat Show. The sailing vessel Triton 28 was successfully launched at the New York Boat Show in 1959, and by the end of the show, they had 17 orders for the boat.

Due to the company’s growth, they expanded by purchasing an additional yard, where they introduced a number of new models also designed by Carl Alberg. That spring, the Pearsons took the company public. 

Growth Came Too Fast

The company grew to over 100 workers who were churning out about one boat per day, amazingly. The growth grew to be too quick for them, and led to cashflow issues, and although they tried to raise capital, they were unsuccessful. The Pearson cousins withdrew from the company in the 60s, when Grumman Allied Industries bough controlling interest in the yard.

Grumman Allied Industries wanted to gain a stake in helping to develop the fiberglass technology that Pearson yachts so boldly attempted, and the shipyard was then considered a leader in the fiberglass arena at the time. With Grumman Allied Industries at the helm of Pearson Yachts, the company was stable for many years, and new models were launched into the market that were also designed by Carl Alberg. 

Planning to move the shipyard to Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Grumman Allied Industries financed the building of a 100,000 square foot plant in 1964. Bill Shaw was then hired as the director of design and engineering, and business was good for Pearson Yachts. Also at this time, the Pearsons were clashing with the new corporate culture, and decided to go their separate ways. 

With Bill Shaw in charge of boat design and engineering, the company continued to thrive in the late 60s and early 70s. Shaw designed new models that went up to 44 feet. Later in 1980, Grumman Allied Industries expanded the shipyard and Pearson began offering even larger yachts, such as the Pearson 530. However, later on, due to the recession of 1990, Grumman was forced to sell all in a bankruptcy sale, and that was the unfortunate end of Pearson Yachts. 

Pearson Models

TRITON 25

Of all the Pearson boats ever built, the shipyard had many popular Pearson models that are still available for sale today. A well-known Pearson model is the Triton 25, a popular family cruiser that is spacious and offers accommodations for up to five guests, a fully enclosed head, a comprehensive galley and a dinette that is convertible. 

ALBERG 35

Another Pearson model that is popular is the Alberg 35, that offers fine sailing qualities. This Pearson boat is a sloop and offers lots of space below. This popular Pearson boat boasts a large en suite, and a generous use of teak and mahogany to add warmth to the interior spaces. The Alberg 35 also offers lots of storage capacity, and over 6 feet of headroom in the staterooms. 

10-Meter Sailing Vessel

Designed by Bill Shaw, the more compact Pearson model is the 10-meter sailing vessel. At 33 feet, she offers an impressive cockpit and deck layout that is uncluttered. This Pearson boat features a low profile, but not at the expense of the headroom below deck, that is generous. The comprehensive galley is to starboard and features an ice chest, oven, sink, counter space and lots of storage for provisions.

Shipyard Stats

• Founders: Clinton Pearson, Everett Pearson
• Type: Sloop, cruisers, racer/cruiser, ketch, sailboats, and motor yachts

Peruse the Pearson yachts listed below. These yachts listed represent the solid Pearson reputation that was built on its fiberglass construction. Scroll below to search our yachts for sale database to find all sloop, cruiser, racer/cruiser, ketch, sailboat, and motor yacht listings of Pearson Yachts now!