Oceanis 36 CC (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Oceanis 36 CC falls within a period when Beneteau, a company founded in 1884 by Benjamin Bénéteau, had firmly embraced fiberglass construction, a pivotal shift spearheaded by Benjamin's grandsons, André and François, in the 1960s. This transition allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal beyond traditional fishing fleets, enabling Beneteau to focus on recreational sailboats that balanced performance, comfort, and affordability. The Oceanis 36 CC, introduced in 1998, embodies this ethos, specifically designed by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design to prioritize "exceptional safety and comfort" for long-term cruising. The vessel's center cockpit configuration is a defining feature, allowing for a unique interior layout and enhanced on-deck security. While no significant variations like MkI or MkII models are widely noted, its continuous production run until 2002 indicates a consistent design and build approach throughout its availability. Notably, the hull design for the Oceanis 36 CC shares similarities with the FIRST 36S7, a performance-oriented model from 1996, suggesting a blend of comfortable cruising with underlying performance characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is designed as a comfortable cruiser, and its performance ratios reflect this intention while still suggesting a responsive character. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 18.01, the boat exhibits good potential for performance in lighter air, indicating it can move efficiently even in softer breezes. Its Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio, calculated at around 194.95 (using long tons), places it on the lighter, more performance-oriented side for a cruiser, suggesting it is not excessively heavy for its waterline length and can offer respectable speeds.

The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio stands at approximately 0.35 (35%), with a cast iron ballast of 4,630 pounds (2,100 kilograms). While this ratio is slightly below the threshold typically associated with exceptionally stiff, heavy-air boats (often cited as >0.40), it still provides a decent level of stability for a cruising vessel of its size. Owners frequently note the "safety and comfort while sailing" afforded by its center cockpit design. Anecdotal reports suggest that while the boat sails comfortably and handles well in many conditions, some owners have noted a tendency for "pounding" when heading directly upwind in a chop. This characteristic is not uncommon for boats with broad sections forward or moderate displacement, but generally, the Oceanis 36 CC is praised for its pleasant sailing experience and stability in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The true hallmark of the Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is its remarkably spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, largely facilitated by its center cockpit arrangement. This layout allows for an expansive aft cabin, often described as a true owner's sanctuary. The interior is meticulously "designed to maximize space and comfort," offering "more head and elbow room, more usable space, than many larger boats". Reviewers and owners consistently praise the boat's beaminess, which translates directly into generous interior volume.

Upon descending from the companionway, one typically finds a well-appointed salon with comfortable seating, often featuring a U-shaped dinette that converts into a berth. The galley is generally located along one side, offering ample counter space, storage, and good ventilation, essential for extended cruising. Forward of the salon, a V-berth cabin provides additional sleeping accommodations, usually accompanied by a day head. The standout feature remains the large aft cabin, which often boasts a centerline berth and impressive standing headroom, a rarity in boats of this size. The finish quality generally aligns with Beneteau's standard for the era, featuring a blend of wood trim and fiberglass, creating a warm and practical living environment. Storage solutions are typically abundant throughout, with lockers, drawers, and compartments thoughtfully integrated into the design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC frequently highlight several key strengths. The boat is consistently praised for its remarkable interior volume and comfort, with many referring to it as an "incredible space within which a long-term stay is no problem," making it a popular choice for full-time liveaboards and coastal cruising. Its beamy and spacious nature is a recurring positive, attracting "lots of comments at moorings, anchorages, etc." due to its appealing design. The center cockpit design is also seen as a significant advantage for safety and comfort, particularly during longer passages.

However, some common drawbacks are also mentioned. A frequently cited weakness is the tendency for the boat to "pound" when sailing directly upwind in choppy conditions. Another minor but recurring issue noted by owners is the challenge of stowing an inflated dinghy on deck due to the boat's design. Despite these points, the overwhelming sentiment from the owner community is positive, emphasizing the Oceanis 36 CC's robust build and suitability as a comfortable and capable cruising platform.