Boat models · Catalina

Catalina 36

Sailboat, coastal cruiser · built 1982 · designed by Frank Butler

Key figures

Comfort23.8moderate
Capsize screen2fails the screen
SA/D15.7undercanvassed
D/L218moderate
Ballast ratio0.44stiff
Hull speed7.4kt
Built
1982
Designer
Frank Butler
Builder
Catalina Yachts (USA)
Rig
Masthead Sloop
Keel
Fin w/spade rudder, lead ballast
Length
36.3 ft
Beam / draft
11.9 ft · 5.8 ft
Displacement
13,500 lb

Design figures as published, not for any one hull. Full specifications on sailboatdata.com.

Reputation

Classcoastal cruiseras owners use it
Forumsordinarydoes the job, nobody seeks it

Roomy, forgiving, cheap to own; a solid coastal boat, not a sailor's boat

Coastal cruising
respected · roomy, easy to sail, parts and support plentiful
Liveaboard
ordinary · big interior and storage for the price
Club racing
ordinary · PHRF-friendly but outclassed by racier peers
Offshore passages
mixed · light build and big ports; few choose it
Loved
Spacious interior for 36 ft · Easy, forgiving handling · Low price and strong resale · Active owners association and parts
Gripes
Slow in light air and tight upwind · Weather helm when overpowered · Hard to reef main early · Basic joinery and tabbing
Survey for
Wet deck core at chainplates and stanchions · Chainplate and bulkhead leaks · Rudder bearing and shaft wear · Original Universal/Atomic 4 engine condition
Cross-shopped
Hunter 36 · C&C 37 · Beneteau First 36.7 · Pearson 36

Owner opinion from catalina36.org, forums.sailboatowners.com, cruisersforum.com

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