Proud MaryPearson 39-2
Proud Mary sailing on the Chesapeake Bay

For sale · Magothy River, Chesapeake Bay

Proud Mary

1989 Pearson 39-2 centerboard performance cruiser

Performance, comfort and access—without the usual project list.

Designed by Bill Shaw, the Pearson 39-2 combines balanced sailing characteristics with comfortable cruising accommodations and the versatility of a keel/centerboard configuration. Owned by the current owner since 2004, Proud Mary underwent a comprehensive refit beginning around 2015, focused on reliability, reduced maintenance, simpler operation and greater comfort at anchor.

01

Shoal-draft versatility

A 4 ft 8 in board-up draft opens Chesapeake and ICW cruising grounds; lower the centerboard for an 8 ft 9 in draft when sailing to windward.

02

Integrated energy management

A 920Ah lithium house bank, Victron controls, solar charging and a 275A alternator support comfortable nights at anchor, including 12-volt climate control.

03

Configured for a small crew

Renewed rigging, roller furling, cockpit-led controls, an electric winch and a versatile sail inventory reduce workload while preserving responsive handling.

Proud Mary cockpit at anchor with custom solar arch

Comfortable cruising at anchor

An integrated system, built for the way the boat is used.

The professionally integrated energy-management system supports normal overnight cruising loads at anchor, including the Mabru 12-volt, 12,000 BTU heating and air-conditioning system, refrigeration, lighting and navigation electronics.

  • 920Ah Epoch LiFePO₄ house bank (2025)
  • Victron MultiPlus 2,000-watt inverter / 100-amp charger
  • 275A ARCO alternator with Zeus regulator (2024)
  • Solar charging with dual Victron MPPT controllers
  • DC-to-DC charging and dedicated Group 31 AGM engine-start battery
  • Charles isolation transformer (2025)

What has been renewed—and why it matters.

The equipment is important, but the larger story is a decade of systematic ownership. Each project was chosen to improve reliability, reduce maintenance, enhance safety or make the boat easier to use.

01

Rig, sails & navigation

Confident short-handed sailing

Proud Mary's rig, sail plan and deck hardware were refined to reduce workload while preserving the responsive handling of the Pearson 39-2.

  • Standing rigging renewed; all turnbuckles replaced
  • Harken roller furler and headstay replaced
  • Mainsail with StackPack and 135% radial-cut genoa
  • Removable Dyneema Solent stay with dedicated working jib
  • Asymmetrical spinnaker, storm trysail and storm jib
  • Updated running rigging with Lewmar self-tailing cockpit winches
  • Harken electric winch for the main halyard, mainsheet and reefing
  • Dual 12-inch B&G displays, radar, AIS and autopilot
  • Mast rewired with renewed antenna and radar cabling
02

Hull, deck & exterior

Reduced maintenance, preserved character

Structural and exterior projects were selected to reduce long-term maintenance without changing the appearance or sailing character of the boat.

  • Deck professionally recored in Coosa composite and refinished in Awlgrip
  • Awlgrip-painted hull; bottom stripped and repainted
  • Centerboard system renewed with all components replaced except the retained winch
  • Chainplates inspected, rebedded and reinstalled
  • VETUS MAGNUS hatches and Lewmar opening portlights
  • Anodized aluminum toe rail and rub rail
  • Exterior brightwork minimized with stainless steel and anodized aluminum
  • Custom teak cockpit table and companionway doors and trim
  • Custom aluminum stern arch, dinghy hoist and swim platform
  • Maxwell windlass, 44 lb Rocna Vulcan and saltwater washdown
03

Engine & propulsion

Reliable mechanical performance

Mechanical work has focused on dependable operation, charging performance and straightforward serviceability for coastal cruising.

  • Yanmar 3HM35F freshwater-cooled diesel
  • Injectors and engine water pump replaced (2024)
  • Engine wiring harness renewed
  • Electric fuel pump and Racor primary fuel filter
  • Professionally fabricated aluminum fuel tank
  • FeatherStream three-blade self-feathering propeller
  • 275A ARCO alternator with Zeus smart regulator (2024)
04

Interior, galley & amenities

Cruising comfort

The three-cabin layout combines a warm, practical interior with systems intended to make weekends and longer cruises comfortable.

  • Seafrost refrigeration (2024) with optional water cooling
  • Rebuilt galley counters and sink; original three-burner stove and oven
  • Variable-speed freshwater pump, filtration and replaced water heater
  • Mabru 12-volt, 12,000 BTU heating and air conditioning
  • VacuFlush freshwater head with separate shower
  • Fusion stereo, TV/DVD entertainment and LED cabin lighting
  • Starlink internet for connectivity while aboard
  • Forward V-berth, salon and aft double cabin
05

Preventive maintenance & reliability

Problems addressed before they become problems

Vulnerable below-waterline and emergency systems were renewed proactively, reflecting the preventive-maintenance approach used throughout the refit.

  • All below-waterline bronze through-hulls replaced
  • 3,700 GPH emergency bilge pump
  • High-water alarm for early warning
  • Original manual cockpit emergency bilge pump retained
  • Centerboard system renewed with all components replaced except the retained winch

Printable buyer package

Prefer the complete brochure?

The ten-page brochure brings the photographs, specifications and equipment highlights together in a format that is easy to save or print.

View or download brochure

Specifications

A performance cruising design with shoal-draft access and comfortable accommodations for extended time aboard.

Full equipment and refit details
Designer
Bill Shaw
Builder
Pearson Yachts
Year / Model
1989 Pearson 39-2 centerboard
Length overall
39 ft 3 in
Beam
12 ft 5 in
Draft
4 ft 8 in up / 8 ft 9 in down
Displacement
17,500 lb
Ballast
7,300 lb
Engine
Yanmar 3HM35F diesel
Fuel / Water
29 gal / 100 gal
Mast height
57 ft above DWL
PHRF
120

Located on the Magothy River · Chesapeake Bay

Interested in Proud Mary?

Call or email the owner to ask a question or arrange a showing.