Sailcrafter 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Sailcrafter 36 emerged from a period of innovation at Columbia Yachts, a company pivotal in the widespread adoption of fiberglass in recreational boat building. Designed by William Crealock, the Columbia 36, on which the Sailcrafter 36 is based, was first built in 1967. Columbia's design philosophy, often in collaboration with prominent naval architects like Crealock, aimed to strike a balance, delivering capable and comfortable yachts. The Sailcrafter 36, specifically commencing production in 1969, represented Columbia's venture into the burgeoning kit boat market through Sailcrafter Custom Yachts, which operated between 1971 and 1973. 2, 9, Builder Article This approach made boat ownership more accessible, allowing owners to customize and complete their vessels to their specifications. While details on specific variations during its production are limited, a Columbia 36 MkII version was also produced, indicating ongoing refinements to the original Crealock design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sailcrafter 36 is characterized as a moderate displacement masthead sloop, with a hull design that was considered "speedy" for its era. Its performance characteristics can be further understood through its key ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): At approximately 15.90, this ratio suggests the Sailcrafter 36 is designed as a capable cruiser rather than a light-air speedster. It indicates a vessel that will perform reliably in moderate to strong breezes.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.346, the Sailcrafter 36 offers a moderate level of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a good amount of wind without excessive heeling. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length (D/L): A D/L ratio of approximately 277.84 places the Sailcrafter 36 in the heavier end of the cruising boat spectrum for its length. This points to a robustly built vessel with a comfortable motion, favoring seaworthiness and stability over outright racing performance.

Anecdotal owner reports confirm that the Columbia 36, and by extension the Sailcrafter 36, "sails very well," even demonstrating good handling in strong winds, with some owners reporting comfortable sailing in 20-25 knots gusting to 35 knots. The Crealock design is often praised for being "sea kindly in open water," making these boats suitable for offshore passages when properly equipped.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sailcrafter 36, based on the Columbia 36, typically features a traditional and functional layout designed for cruising comfort. The arrangement generally includes a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping cabin. A U-shaped salon, often with a dinette, forms the central living area, providing space for dining and relaxation. While specific details can vary, especially with kit-built boats, the finish quality of the Columbia 36 was generally rated "above average" by owners. Interiors often utilized warm materials like teak, contributing to a classic yacht aesthetic. Common amenities for boats of this size would include a galley area, usually situated along one side of the salon, and an enclosed head compartment. Storage is typically provided through lockers and shelving throughout the cabin. One frequently mentioned drawback by owners is that engine access can be "very poor," which may complicate maintenance tasks for the Universal-Atomic 4 gasoline engine.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 36 and Sailcrafter 36 often praise the solid construction and seaworthy nature of these vessels. Many have found them to be reliable and comfortable cruisers, capable of extended voyages. The "sea kindly" motion in open water is a consistently highlighted strength. The generous cockpit is also a feature admired by many, providing a comfortable space for sailing and socializing.

However, as with any older vessel, there are common areas that potential owners should consider. Poor engine access has been a recurring complaint, making routine checks and repairs challenging. Some owners have reported issues such as soft spots on the deck, which often indicates water intrusion into the core material over time, and problems related to the original installation on kit-built versions, requiring attention to re-bedding fittings. Despite these potential maintenance items, the underlying quality of the Crealraock design and fiberglass hull construction means that well-maintained examples continue to be valued for their cruising capabilities.