C36 Speed?

[Mark Gale]

We love our C30 but, as most sailors do, we are constantly looking at other boats. My wife and I are scheming about that next move up. I like the space and amenities of the 36 but have not heard the best comments regarding speed. Is the 36 fast? A dog? Good to windward? I would appreciate candor.

[John Langsenkamp]

Mark, My wife and I own a '83 36 we just purchased at the beginning of the season. We love it! The layout and room is great. The speed is decent, but it is no dog.It does a good job to windward.I can point it to about 30 degrees from windward with out to much lose of speed. The optimum is about 40 degrees. The boat is great for cruising with a family.Good luck John

[Mike Silverthorne]

Mark, Just for reference your 30' has a 168 perf. the 34' has a 141 both are tall rigs, the 36' is 141 and 135 tall, 38' is 114 and the 42' is 96.. these are Lake Mich. seconds per mile handicaps..hope this gives you a feel for the speed. Mike WD9EOU C-38 s/v Chute the Breeze Michigan City, IN

[Art]

Mark;We own a '93 C36 and sail her on the Chesepeake Bay. She is roomy and handles well in the various winds conditions we sail in (from 10-15 knots generally) and rounds up easy in stronger winds. The newer version (MKII) have a wider stern which provides for more cockpit space and a larger aft berth.

[Michael McCann]

Mark;I have a 93 C36 standard rig. I have sailed the 25, 34, and 42. The 36 sails very well. Ours has spent most of its life sailing the Columbia River at Astoria, where the winds are mostly 18-24 kts. The boat balances well, and does not round up if the sails are trimmed to the conditions. Mike

[Gene Foraker]

We also loved our 30, but moved up this year to a new 36 for the extra room. The 36 standard rig is probably not at its best at wind speed under 10 kts. By this, I mean that on a recent cruise, I was just keeping up with some 320's I was sailing with in lower winds. At higher winds I would be faster. I am still getting used to the boat and am not entirely sure I like the cut of my factory genoa, so your milage may vary. I am sure I am not yet sailing her to her potential.Bottom line, you won't be slower than the 30 and if you sail mostly in light winds, you may want a tall rig or asymetrical spinaker. In higher winds you will be much faster. If you try to sail it with the rail in the water like the 30 you will have much more weather helm (at least with the Mk II). The 36 likes to sail more upright than the 30. That's not a problem, since it is stiffer and you don't need to reef until around 22 kts. of wind.I think the newer hull forms such as the 320 and 380 are going to be faster in light winds. I wouldn't be surprised in a few years when sales slow down to see a new 350 design.

[Michael McCann]

The new Catalina designs, 320, 380, 400, do have a higher SA/D than the earlier designs. Gene is correct, if you mostly sail in light winds, you should consider a tall rig. Also sail shape plays a huge part in boat speed, as does the condition of the bottom.