Corsair 36 Information, Review, Specs

The journey of the Corsair 36 began in 2002, marking a new chapter for Corsair Marine following the conclusion of its design relationship with naval architect Ian Farrier in 2000. While Farrier had established Corsair's reputation for innovative, high-speed, and trailerable multihulls, the Corsair 36 showcased the builder's continued evolution in design. The overarching goal for this model was to create a fast cruising platform that was both lightweight and easily trailerable, maintaining the core ethos of Corsair Marine. The company, founded in 1984 by John Walton, had always specialized in lightweight composite construction, a tradition the 36 continued with its fiberglass solid hull and deck. This design philosophy aimed to offer sailors an unsinkable hull with solid construction, combined with low operating expenses and terrific performance. While specific "Mk" variations are not widely documented for the 36, its development reflected Corsair's ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of multihull design post-2000, leading to boats that offered both interior volume and strong sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Corsair 36 is engineered for speed and agility, characteristics inherent in its trimaran design. With a displacement of 5,500 lbs and a length on waterline of 35 feet, its exceptionally low Displacement to Length ratio (approximately 57.25) clearly positions it as a very light and performance-oriented vessel. Further underscoring its speed potential is a high calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio (approximately 34.7), suggesting excellent performance in light winds and an ability to accelerate rapidly. This combination translates into "terrific performance" and a reputation as a "fast cruising platform" capable of "overtaking full planning speedboats by sail".

Owners have reported that the Corsair 36 can easily achieve speeds of 15 knots in fair conditions, and even reaches 10 knots under engine power with a 50 hp outboard. Its design offers good performance under sail, making it a truly exhilarating boat to helm. The wide beam of 25.58 feet, achieved when the amas are deployed, contributes significantly to its stability and ability to stand up to a strong breeze, typical of a performance trimaran. The shallow minimum draft of 2.0 feet with the daggerboard retracted, deepening to 6.0 feet when extended, provides versatility for both shallow water access and optimal upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Corsair 36 makes significant strides in offering comfortable and practical accommodations, challenging the perception that multihulls of its type compromise on interior space. It has been lauded for offering "both interior volume" and being "really liveable". Reviewers have noted its "excellent accommodations" and "unprecedented interior space and luxury for a boat of this type".

A notable feature of the interior layout is a spacious aft cabin that provides additional sleeping accommodations for two. While specific headroom figures are not available in the provided data, the descriptions imply a design that maximizes available space for comfort. The typical interior arrangement would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with a dining area, a galley, and a head, designed to make the boat a viable cruising vessel. The general finish quality and use of materials are suggested to be of a luxurious standard, contributing to the overall appeal of the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Corsair 36 frequently praise its exhilarating sailing performance and its solid construction. The ability of the trimaran to achieve high speeds, sometimes exceeding 15 knots, is a consistent highlight, providing immense satisfaction for those seeking a fast cruising experience. The "unsinkable hull" and robust build quality are also points of confidence for owners.

However, some specific instances of structural issues have been noted by owners on forums, with one owner mentioning having Corsair perform repairs to damage, though not being entirely satisfied with the outcome. Another forum participant indicated that "both had the same structural problems, along with some others of the", suggesting that while not universal, some boats may have encountered particular construction challenges. These instances, though seemingly not widespread recurring defects across all models, highlight the importance of thorough inspection when considering a pre-owned Corsair 36. Conversely, the general sentiment regarding Corsair Marine's solid construction and the overall "low operating expenses" for the vessel is positive among the owner community.