C&L 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the C&L 36 began in 1978. C&L Marine Corp, under the leadership of Li Kai-yuan, was a significant contributor to Taiwan's rapid ascent as a global yachting powerhouse during this era. The company embraced fiberglass construction, a material choice typical for the period, allowing them to build durable and long-lasting vessels. While the hull was laid up in Taiwan, some vessels were finished in California or by other yards like Martin Yachts in Richmond, British Columbia.

Doug Peterson, known for his performance-oriented designs, lent his expertise to the C&L 36, creating a boat that blended cruising comfort with respectable sailing characteristics. The C&L 36 features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen for its balance of performance and control, providing splendid maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&L 36 is lauded by owners for its sailing capabilities, described as an "excellent performer" and "a joy to sail". Anecdotal reports suggest she is "stiff and fast on all points of sail," excelling particularly on downwind runs and reaches. With a displacement of 18,000 lbs and a waterline length of 31.5 feet, her Displacement to Length ratio calculates to approximately 257. This places her in the category of a medium-weight cruiser, offering a solid and comfortable motion rather than extreme light-air performance.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio, at approximately 0.39 (7,000 lbs of ballast in an 18,000 lb displacement), indicates good inherent stability and stiffness, allowing the C&L 36 to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind and maintain a comfortable heel angle. While her reported sail area of 450 square feet results in a moderate sail area to displacement ratio, suggesting she may require a bit more breeze to get moving compared to lighter, more performance-focused designs, owners generally find her responsive and capable when the wind fills in. Her robust build contributes to a secure feeling in varied sea states, a characteristic often associated with C&L Marine's vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the C&L 36 prioritizes comfort and practicality, making her appealing to cruising enthusiasts. Reviews indicate the boat is typically equipped with six berths and a functional galley, providing ample space for extended stays. The layout commonly includes a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon area, and a navigation table. Owners often praise the space offered by both the interior layout and the cockpit. While specific details on interior finishes vary between individual boats due to different finishing yards and owner modifications, the general impression is one of a robust, well-appointed cruising interior suitable for liveaboard comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the C&L 36, or Peterson 36, consistently appreciate the vessel's solid construction and its ability to handle various conditions, reflecting the builder's reputation for robust yachts. Despite being older vessels, their continued presence in the used boat market is a testament to their enduring quality and design. While specific recurring problems are not widely documented for this model, like any boat of its vintage, potential owners should inspect for common issues such as aging systems and original deck fittings. Those who sail the C&L 36 often praise its balanced helm and comfortable motion, cementing its status as a respected cruiser from the classic era of Taiwanese yacht building.