Pearson 365 vs Alberg 37

[RickandBre]

Hello Sailnet folks,

My husband and I are first time boat buyers and have been seduced by Albergs, in particular the 37. We are currently looking at two boats, one the Alberg 37 (1979) Yawl and the other a Pearson 365 (1977) Sloop. They are similarly priced and both close to our home. The added bonuses ie electronics etc are similar and the engines in both are comparable. We are hoping to do some sailing on the BC and Alaska Coasts in the immediate future and then work our way up to a big offshore journey. Can any one offer advice on the advantages of one over the other? Thanks so much.

[sailingdog]

The Pearson is going to have a bit more room and be a bit faster, as well as have a bit more load-carrying capacity. The Alberg will be a bit more seakindly, and may be easier to sail in heavy weather, given the split sail plan. IMHO, both are fairly well suited to doing what you're planning., and given your plans, what is the tankage and stowage like on both boats—that may be a bigger deal than the differences in their performance and interior space.

[RickandBre]

Thanks so much for your opinion. We really appreciate any advice you are able to give. The Pearson has big tanks 120 gallons water, 50 gallons fuel and 10 gallon holding tank. The Alberg has a holding tank which has been converted to also be able to hold fuel while offshore- a valve and alot of cleaning I am assuming. The tanks on the Alberg are 60 gallons water and 35 fuel. I have am under the impression that the sailing on the Alberg may be a little better, but the Pearson will have more space for living... The Alberg has been epoxy coated and repainted on the hull and new zincs this spring and the Pearson was repainted last year. Are you aware of any reoccuring problems ie. blisters or weak deck to hull joints etc with either? Thanks again

[johnshasteen]

I don't know much about the Alberg, but I sailed thousands, of sea miles aboard my best friend's Pearson 365, s/v Skimmer. Over 25+ years we sailed either Skimmer or Paloma (they are both '79's) all over the Gulf, down to Isla Mujeres, Vera Cruz and more and in several unfortunate voyages - some really harsh weather. I really like the 365, it's a good boat in a seaway, big and roomy with a great galley, a chart table that while working at you can converse with the helmsman, a decent shower and a great seaberth to starboard. It's easy to work on the engine by going down into the starboard cockpit locker and sit beside the engine while you work on it and while sitting there, you've got easy access to the fuel tank, steering quadrant and the stuffing box. I also like the underbody, which is the same as my Bristol - cutaway forefoot keel and well-protected, skeg-hung rudder.
If I was looking for a bigger boat than Paloma, I would serious consider a Pearson 365.

[sailingdog]

Given the disparity in tankage, the Pearson is going to be more capable and comfortable for longer passages.

[sharedwatch]

Alberg 37 by a long shot. The Pearson will have more room but for a crusing couple the '37 is great. Thankage ~39 gallons of fuel then a 15 gallon tank a 35 gallon tank and another 35 gallon tank. One of these should be the holding tank. ...recommend the 15 gallon tank.

I'm not sure why someone posted the 365 would be faster. I'd bet on almost all points of sail the '37 is a faster boat and looks much sexier while doing it.

I owned one for about ten years and only recently sold it.

They are well built, well thought out, easy to work on and maintain. The fit and finish is not on par with some of the high end boats or even the Taiwanese boats (they have nice joiner work) but they are strong and very sea kindly.

[Branko]

Hi.I would also say Alberg 37.I have one.Well equiped and in good shape for sale for $60,000
canadian.It is listed on boatdealers.ca.Check it out.It is on lake Huron in Byfield,ON.Good luck.

[mitiempo]

A convertible holding tank/fuel tank? That's a new one on me. While they are both good boats the Alberg will be more comfortable at sea.

[Architeuthis]

I'd lean toward the Alberg but then I had a A30 which didn't have enough interior room for me so maybe the Pearson......uhhhh just get the one you like the most, both are great boats.

[aquanta]

I owned a 365 for ten years and loved it! Just a few "must do's" for the Pearson (if chosen): 1) re-enforce the deep bilge with concrete or other solid substance! 2) hull insulation, 3) A large dodger.

I'm don't know the Alberg much but the Pearson should be a great cruising companion. They aren't really blue water rated boats but that doesn't mean they haven't and can't make the trips.