Cape George 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the Cape George 36 commenced in 1979, marking Cape George Marine Works' commitment to crafting yachts inspired by classic naval architecture. The builder's ethos, established by Cecil Lange, focused on exceptionally strong and capable fiberglass sailboats, a unique approach in an era of evolving production methods. William Atkin's design philosophy, deeply rooted in the trend toward serious offshore voyaging that emerged in the mid-1920s, informs the Cape George 36's characteristic long keel and short overhang hull form, 13]. This design is celebrated for its seakindliness and inherent stability. A notable aspect of the Cape George 36's production run is the significant variation among individual vessels; Cape George Marine Works often supplied the core hull and ballast, allowing owners to complete the interior finishing themselves, 8, 9]. This unique builder-owner collaboration means that nearly every Cape George 36 encountered on the market will differ substantially in its interior layout and finishes, fostering a fleet of highly customized and personally invested yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape George 36 is characterized by its heavy displacement, making it a stable and forgiving vessel in a seaway. With a displacement of 23,300 pounds and a waterline length of 31.5 feet, she falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, as indicated by a Displacement-Length Ratio (DLR) of approximately 333. This contributes to her comfortable motion and ability to stand up to robust conditions, 16]. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of 45% (10,500 lbs ballast to 23,300 lbs displacement) is notably high, suggesting excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to carry sail effectively even when winds pick up.

Despite being a heavy displacement vessel, the Cape George 36 possesses a healthy sail area of 806 square feet, providing a good sail area to displacement ratio for its class. This allows her to perform competently in light air, preventing her from becoming sluggish. Her long keel hull type, coupled with a transom-hung rudder, contributes to exceptional directional stability, a highly valued trait for long-distance cruising. Owners consistently praise the Cape George 36 for being "insanely well balanced" under cutter rig and for its general ruggedness and seaworthiness. She is widely regarded as a capable blue-water cruiser, confidently handling the rigors of offshore sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom figures are not consistently available, the Cape George 36 is known for offering a "well-thought-out interior that maximizes both comfort" and functionality. The typical interior arrangement generally includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head, designed to provide a comfortable living space for extended voyages. Many Cape George 36s feature a warm and inviting interior, often constructed with high-quality wood trim such as teak, cedar, and mahogany. Storage is typically ample, befitting a vessel designed for long-distance cruising, and the robust construction extends to the interior finish, giving a sense of security and durability.

Owner's Perspectives

The Cape George 36 has cultivated a strong and loyal owner community, underscoring its enduring appeal. Owners frequently praise the vessel's "solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway," highlighting its inherent safety and reliability for offshore passages, 16]. The boat's ruggedness, seaworthiness, and long-distance cruising capabilities are consistently mentioned as key strengths. Many owners are deeply involved in the maintenance and customization of their vessels, a common characteristic given the builder's practice of providing hulls for owner completion, 8].

A recurring issue noted by some owners concerns the original "wood-lined fibreglass bulwarks," which could become an entry point for water, leading to swelling of the wood. While this is a known area for potential maintenance, it is often manageable. The highly customized nature of each Cape George 36, while a strength for personalization, can also be a challenge for buyers seeking a "standard" boat, as each vessel often presents unique outfitting choices.