Cascade 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Cascade 36 in 1967 was a natural progression for Yacht Constructors, Inc., a company founded on the ambitious goal of building large fiberglass sailboat hulls with exceptional strength and durability. Following the success of their earlier Robert A. Smith designs, the Cascade 29 and Cascade 42, the 36-foot model further solidified the builder's reputation for creating seaworthy vessels. Robert A. Smith's design philosophy for the Cascade 36, akin to that seen in the Cal 40, incorporated a more "canoe-shaped" underbody, a characteristic considered forward-thinking for its era, contributing to both performance and seakeeping.

Yacht Constructors, Inc. distinguished itself through its meticulous hand lay-up method of hull construction, utilizing woven roving and cloths. This process resulted in a hull with a significantly lower resin content (around 50%) compared to many contemporaries, ensuring a more durable and less brittle laminate. This commitment to quality contributed to the Cascade 36's legendary status for integrity and longevity. While the Cascade 36 was primarily offered as a cutter rig, optimized for offshore sailing by breaking down sail area into more manageable sections, earlier versions or options included a standard, shorter sloop rig without a bowsprit, a traditional transom, and a longer fin keel. These variations highlight a period of evolution in the model's production, although specific changes likely occurred incrementally rather than all at once.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cascade 36's design ratios underscore its capabilities as a capable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of 17.59, she is moderately powerful, suggesting respectable performance across a range of wind conditions, including lighter airs. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio of 35.46% indicates a solid level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a breeze with good stability. The Displacement to Length Ratio, calculated at approximately 232, places the Cascade 36 firmly in the medium-heavy displacement category, characteristic of traditional cruising yachts designed for comfort and resilience in challenging sea states rather than outright speed.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Cascade 36 as a "very strong, seaworthy design" that performs well for both racing and cruising. Anecdotal evidence highlights its robust nature and reliable handling, with one vessel reportedly sailing to Tahiti and back without issues. This solid performance, combined with its sturdy construction, contributes to its reputation as a dependable vessel that "will sail reasonably well and not fall apart if caught" in adverse conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior dimensions are not fully detailed in standard specifications, the Cascade 36 is designed to offer a comfortable and functional living space for extended cruising. Typical layouts for vessels of this size and era generally feature a traditional arrangement with a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, and a galley. The salon often includes a charming wooden table and bench, reflecting the classic aesthetic of the period.

As a vessel intended for offshore passages, the interior would have prioritized practicality and storage. Finish quality, while varying depending on whether the boat was factory-finished or owner-completed from a bare hull (a common practice for Cascade models), typically showcased a robust, utilitarian approach with durable materials. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, essential for comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cascade 36 consistently commend the vessel for its solid construction and seaworthiness, often referring to it as an "affordable circumnavigator." Its ability to undertake significant voyages, including transatlantic and circumnavigation trips, is a frequently cited strength. The robust build quality, a hallmark of Yacht Constructors, Inc.'s hand lay-up method, provides peace of mind in challenging conditions, and owners often praise its comfortable motion in a seaway.

However, a recurring issue noted by some owners concerns the hull-to-deck bond and the original toe rail system. This area has been identified as a potential weakness that may require re-bedding or repair over time to prevent leaks. Despite this common maintenance item, the overall sentiment among owners remains overwhelmingly positive, valuing the Cascade 36 for its reliability, blue-water capability, and enduring craftsmanship.