CS 36 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the CS 36 took place during a pivotal period for CS Yachts, with production spanning from 1978 to 1987. Raymond Wall, who served as chief designer for CS Yachts from 1977 to 1983 after a distinguished career with British yacht builder Camper & Nicholsons, was the architect behind this successful model 2, 20, Builder Article. CS Yachts, during this era, was known for producing high-quality cruising yachts that blended performance with a classic, elegant aesthetic, primarily utilizing durable fiberglass construction.

The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized creating well-built, comfortable, and capable vessels, a philosophy evident in the CS 36. The hull is a one-piece fiberglass moulding, while the decks, cockpit, and cabin are balsa-cored for an optimal balance of light weight and stiffness. The model saw a significant evolution during its production run; the original design became known as the CS 36 Traditional when a more performance-oriented variant, the CS 36 Merlin, designed by Tony Castro, was introduced in 1987 3, 9, Builder Article. Additionally, a shoal draft version was available, offering more versatility for various cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The CS 36 is recognized for its impressive yet comfortable performance, both upwind and down. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.38, she offers respectable performance, capable of moving well in a range of conditions without being overtly optimized for light air. Her substantial Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 41.9% points to a stiff and stable platform, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.

The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 276.75, places the CS 36 firmly in the category of a medium-heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly vessel rather than a lightweight racer. This robust build, combined with a deep fin keel and spade rudder, contributes to excellent handling characteristics and a good balance under sail. Owners frequently commend its good sailing performance, highlighting it as a versatile boat for various sailing endeavors.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the CS 36 is designed to be a comfortable cruiser/racer for two to four people, emphasizing a straightforward and functional layout. Descending a companionway often described as steep, one typically finds an interior rich with varnished teak, contributing to a classic and impressive ambiance.

The typical arrangement includes two staterooms, a single head, and a large, well-appointed galley. The galley is noted for its excellent design and includes a large, well-insulated cooler. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior is generally described as spacious. The construction quality extends to the interior wood joinerwork, which is considered very good and above average for its time. Early models were equipped with brass gate valves.

Owner's Perspectives

The CS 36 garnered significant praise during its production run and continues to be highly regarded by its owners, forming a dedicated community that actively shares information and experiences, 15]. Owners consistently laud the boat's solid construction and overall build quality, often noting the attention to detail and superior joiner work compared to many contemporaries. The CS 36 is frequently cited as one of CS Yachts' most popular models, with many owners expressing high satisfaction.

While generally well-regarded, some common issues have been noted. Water-logged rudders, a problem not unique to the CS 36 but common among boats with foam-filled rudders, have been reported. Some owners have experienced hull blisters, though this was not a universal complaint. A shallow bilge has been mentioned as a minor inconvenience by at least one owner. Additionally, early production boats occasionally faced issues with the deck lifting from a secondary bulkhead. Despite these minor points, the overarching sentiment among CS 36 owners is one of appreciation for a well-built, capable, and enduring cruising sailboat.