Bayfield 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bayfield 36 entered production in 1984 and was built until 1988, marking the concluding years of Bayfield Boat Yard Ltd.'s operation. This model was notably designed by Haydn Gozzard, who took the helm of the company after his brother, Ted Gozzard, departed to establish Gozzard Yachts. Bayfield Boat Yard had cultivated a reputation for constructing sailboats that blended a traditional "miniature traditional ship" appearance with modern fiberglass manufacturing techniques. Their design ethos consistently emphasized cruising comfort, featuring elements like long keels, clipper bows, and bowsprits, and often providing more headroom below decks than many contemporary competitors. The Bayfield 36, in particular, was seen as a culmination of this philosophy, with its generous length allowing the signature Bayfield aesthetic to integrate especially well. There is no widely documented information about significant variations (e.g., MkI, MkII) during its relatively short production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bayfield 36 is designed for stability and comfort over speed, making her a solid choice for blue-water cruising. With a calculated sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.56, she exhibits moderate performance across various wind conditions. While not a light-air flyer, she possesses sufficient sail power to move efficiently in a breeze. Her ballast to displacement ratio stands at roughly 0.35, indicating a good level of stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling.

The displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 291.1, firmly places the Bayfield 36 in the heavier, more traditional cruiser category. This high displacement contributes to her reputation as a boat that sails dry and steady, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway, even when encountering challenging conditions. Owners frequently describe the Bayfield 36 as a robust, capable vessel meant for offshore passages, acknowledging that while she won't win races, her balance and handling in varied sea states are reliable and confidence-inspiring.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bayfield 36 is celebrated for its generous accommodations, particularly its impressive maximum headroom of 6.25 feet, which is exceptional for a vessel of its size. The layout is thoughtfully designed for extended cruising, often featuring two private staterooms with double berths and a spacious head. Reviews highlight the Bayfield 36's ability to offer one of the most accommodating interiors found on any 36-foot sailboat. The galley is typically described as functional, and the overall finish quality generally involves traditional teak styling, consistent with Bayfield's classic aesthetic. The integration of a structural hull liner and fiberglass headliner contributes to a fair and smooth interior finish. Owners praise the ample interior volume, making the Bayfield 36 a comfortable live-aboard or long-distance cruiser for a couple and their guests.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bayfield 36 consistently commend its solid construction, seaworthiness, and comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable cruising platform. Its robust build quality and traditional full keel contribute to a sense of security and stability, particularly when offshore. Many owners are drawn to the distinctive, classic appearance and the spacious, accommodating interior, which offers excellent headroom and practical living spaces for extended periods aboard.

While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted common maintenance considerations. As with many older fiberglass boats, issues such as leaking deck fittings requiring re-bedding can arise over time. The construction method, which sometimes involved glassed-in-place structural hull liners, while contributing to a smooth exterior keel finish, could potentially lead to problems if water ingress occurred. Despite these potential issues, the enduring charm, practical liveability, and offshore capabilities ensure a strong community of Bayfield 36 owners who appreciate these Canadian-built yachts.