Tiburon 36 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Tiburon 36 begins in 1972, marking Cabo Rico's decisive entry into the sailboat market from its Costa Rican origins. Only 36 units of the Tiburon 36 were built, establishing it as a significant, albeit limited, early model for the yard. The design philosophy behind the Tiburon 36, penned by W.I.B. Crealock, emphasized seaworthiness and robust construction, drawing from his extensive experience in designing cruising yachts. This aligned perfectly with Cabo Rico's manufacturing ethos of creating "heavy displacement offshore cruising yachts" known for their "safe and comfortable passage-making in any conditions." The builder's commitment to solid construction, often featuring solid teak interiors and designs with a deeper draft and wide beam, was evident from this early model.

A pivotal development occurred in 1976, when the molds of the Tiburon 36 were adapted to produce the Cabo Rico 38. While essentially the same hull, the Tiburon 36 featured a center cockpit, distinguishing it from the later Cabo Rico 38's aft cockpit configuration. This evolution underscored the builder's continuous refinement of their cruising designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tiburon 36, with its long keel and ketch rig, is characterized by a very heavy displacement to length ratio of approximately 375, indicating a robust and traditional cruiser designed to handle challenging offshore conditions rather than prioritize light-air speed. Its sail area to displacement ratio of around 20.04 suggests good performance in lighter winds, allowing it to move comfortably despite its substantial build. However, a ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 33.3% indicates moderate stiffness and stability, suggesting it stands up well to wind but might require reefing earlier than boats with higher ballast ratios.

Anecdotal reports from owners consistently praise the Tiburon 36 for being a sturdy and seakindly boat that performs well in heavy weather. It is noted to stand up particularly well and handle effectively when winds reach gale force. The ketch rig offers versatile sail plans, contributing to its ease of handling, with some owners modifying their vessels for simplified single-handed sailing by leading most lines back to the cockpit and utilizing hydraulic steering. The boat is generally considered comfortable and sails easily, making it a reliable choice for extended passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions are not consistently available, the Tiburon 36 is recognized for its spacious interior, a hallmark of Cabo Rico's design philosophy that leverages a wide beam for generous volume. The center cockpit layout often allows for a separated aft cabin, enhancing privacy and livability. Cabo Rico yachts are renowned for their high-quality finishes, typically featuring solid teak interiors that contribute to a warm and classic ambiance. While detailed interior layouts vary between individual vessels, common features include well-appointed galleys, comfortable salons, and ample storage suitable for extended cruising. Equipment such as deep freezers, battery chargers, and electric bilge pumps are often found onboard, further attesting to its offshore capabilities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cabo Rico Tiburon 36 frequently commend its sturdy construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, often describing it as a "great boat for the money." Many owners appreciate its "seakindly" nature, particularly when encountering rough conditions, noting that it "stands up well and handled better" in strong winds. The spacious and well-arranged cockpit is often highlighted as a positive feature, especially for those who enjoy the practicality of a center cockpit design. Some owners have lived aboard their Tiburon 36 for extended periods, underscoring its liveaboard suitability.

Regarding potential weaknesses, a recurring theme among owners relates to common maintenance issues that can arise in older vessels. One owner mentioned "hull deck problems," which might refer to leaks or other structural wear over time. Blistering, a common concern for fiberglass boats of that era, has also been noted in discussions related to the closely related Cabo Rico 38, which evolved from the Tiburon 36. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the dedicated community of Cabo Rico owners attests to the enduring quality and design of these vessels, particularly for experienced cruisers seeking a robust and reliable platform for adventurous voyages.