Knowing what you know now.....

[Randy]

Knowing what you now know, would you buy another 365 and why?

[ishmael]

Absolutely,  This is the best medium sized, extended duration, cruiser of anywhere near it's vintage.  We are full time live-a-board.  For 2 it is very comfortable below and easily sailed.  I could wish for more engine room space but that's about it.  

That said, these are 1970's and 80's vintage vessels.  Although the W-40 and the hull generally have held up nicely, many of those on the market have original electrical and plumbing systems.  Be prepared to spend some time updating unless you are lucky enough to find one already restored at a decent price.

Ron and Carol,
S/V Matchmaker
St. Marks, FL
1980 Hull#311

[SailingSeaDragon]

In one word, yes! Every year we go to the Annapolis boat show and spend money to purchase upgrades or fixes for Sea Dragon. Every year we visit all of the boats of the size we thing we need/want. Every year we walk away more convinced than before this is the right boat for us...

Some of the reasons we like our Pearson:
  1. She is a sturdy, easy to handle, and forgiving boat (important for us old guys)
  2. She is easily sailed singlehanded or short handed
  3. Comfortable for a family of four for overnight trips & two families of four for a day trip
  4. The head w/separate shower
  5. 150 gallons of water (nice)
  6. Galley & large ice box
  7. The below deck layout is comfortable at anchor or under sail
  8. Her classic looks

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/DesirableCharacter.htm

Garner

[Jim S]

Absolutely, she fits us just right.  We are near retirement age with no family concerns and do one and two week coastal cruises in Texas.  The systems are old, but not particularly difficult to repair or replace.  She is our lake house that has the ability to change lakes at our whim.  Hope this helps.

[Dale Tanski]

Right on, right on!
Even our son Eric who grew up sailing performance dingies, sails Hobies and has raced on boats such as Mumm 30's, Beneteau 367's J22's on up to J40's and even Farr 40's thinks the Pearson is cool. He is sold on the ketch rig because he can single hand the boat alone or take a group of friends out sailing that haven't a clue what a sail is and handle the boat with out their help. 

The boat is a comfortable stable platform when company is aboard and very predictable.  She is built to last and built to take it.  Accommodations are pretty darn good for a 36 footer of her vintage and most of all a 365 is for me anyway... affordable.

If I had dollars to burn I would love a F&C 44 and when I go to the Annapolis show the one and only boat I really would consider new is an Outbound 44/46.  I am sure when it came time to write the check I would walk away just the same and head back to our good old Pearson.

Would we do it again knowing what we know now?  With out hesitation.

Dale