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True North 38

Pearson Yachts

Beauty and Practicality


True North 38

The Pearson True North 38 is one of those rare cases where beauty and practicality seem to merge in perfect harmony. Innovation is an overused term in the yachting industry, but it certainly applies to the True North. Her Downeast styling was unique when the 38 was introduced in 2002 and the twin doors built into the 38’s reverse transom can open wide enough to haul a dinghy into the cockpit for storage. A life raft, bikes, or kayak can lie atop the hardtop, and extra-wide side decks provide seating space along both sides of the cockpit. Built on high-tech hull with a deep forefoot and skeg-mounted rudder, the deck plan of the True North 38 includes a sliding seat arrangement at the dinette that expands seating from four to six people while also converting to a double berth at night. A “sleeping loft” for young children is located above the V-berths, and the galley is positioned aft in the semi-enclosed pilothouse where it’s convenient to the cockpit. Note that the pilothouse can be fully enclosed with an optional bulkhead and door. A bow thruster is standard. A single 480hp Yanmar diesel will cruise the True North 38 at 20 knots (24–26 knots top). Over 100 were reportedly built.

Pearson true north


Pearson true north

Pearson true north

Never has so much thought gone into 38 feet.

Pearson Yachts began to design its next generation of boats by rethinking how space could be used. We talked to many boaters to find out what they liked and didn't like about their boats. And how they used them. We found that while everyone wanted more space, they didn't want more expensive, complex boats to maintain. A new "SUV" mentality of boating was emerging that called for different approaches. Active boating families wanted more room in the cockpit for all their outdoor activities. And they wanted space to stow their water toys like kayaks, wind surfers, and dinghies, as well as their mountain bikes, and fishing and snorkeling gear. So we designed our new True North 38 to accomodate all these things and yet still have plenty of room for friends and family. We designed a dinette area that could be expanded when needed, and not take up too much space when just a few people were onboard. Its innovative sliding seat arrangement expands seating from four to six people and easily converts into a double berth for overnight guests. Our answer to cruising with young children is an optional "sleeping loft" above the twin v-berths. Put the kids down early, and you have the rest of the boat to yourself. Easy entertaining was also high on everone's list, so we kept the galley up near the cockpit. Thirsty, hungry crew can step up to the counter withhout worrying about wet bathing suits or sandy feet. With over 90 square feet of cockpit space, and wide deck seating, there's room for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. Of course, all this extra room is no fun if you're busy maintaining and fixing things. So everything about the True North 38 is designed to keep things simple. You'll find no extra fluff and frills, just the things you need to enjoy your experience on the water, at an affordable price. Take a close look at our specifications and equipment lists for the Sport, Explorer, and Heritage models. You'll see how much thinking went into the all new True North 38 series.

Always Thinking, Pearson Yachts

Pearson true north

Pearson true north


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