Vancouver 36 (Harris) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Vancouver 36 (Harris) begins in 1977, marking the start of its production under Durbeck's Inc. in Bradenton, Florida. Production continued until 1985, with Hidden Harbor Boat Works also constructing some units after Durbeck's ceased operations in 1983. A distinct pilot house version was later introduced in 1987 by Sarasota Marine. Robert B. Harris, who established his own design studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1972 after a tenure with Sparkman & Stephens, developed the "Vancouver" brand for his designs. His design philosophy for the Vancouver 36 centered on creating a capable ocean cruiser, aptly sized for extended cruising and as a comfortable liveaboard platform.

During this era, Durbeck's Inc. was renowned for its commitment to building "heavily built" and "solid fiberglass" vessels, a testament to their focus on durability and offshore performance. This manufacturing ethos aligned perfectly with Harris's design intentions, resulting in a yacht known for its robust construction, suitable for "all ocean cruisers." It is crucial to distinguish this Harris-designed Vancouver 36 from a later, unrelated model built in the United Kingdom by Northshore.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Vancouver 36 (Harris) is characterized by its cutter rig, a configuration often favored for offshore sailing due to its ability to break the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails. The mast's placement almost amidships is a notable feature, providing distinct advantages for experienced sailors, particularly in challenging conditions like squalls. With a long keel hull type, the boat is designed for stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Analyzing its performance ratios further clarifies its design intent:

• Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.94 suggests moderate sail power for a heavy cruiser, indicating it can move respectably in various wind conditions for its type.
• A Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.443 is notably high, pointing to excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to strong winds and maintain a more upright position.
• The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 370.4 firmly places it in the heavy displacement category, underscoring its traditional, robust cruising design rather than an emphasis on light-air performance or speed. This combination of features contributes to its reputation as a vessel with a solid "sailing pedigree," albeit one more focused on comfort and capability offshore than outright speed.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with extended cruising in mind, the interior of the Vancouver 36 (Harris) offers a practical and comfortable living space. A generous maximum headroom of 6.33 feet allows for comfortable movement below deck. The boat is well-equipped for self-sufficiency on long voyages, boasting substantial tankage, including a water capacity of 140 gallons and a fuel capacity of 65 gallons. [7, While specific detailed layouts can vary, typical arrangements for offshore cruisers of this size and era usually include a functional galley, a dedicated navigation station, a comfortable salon, and sufficient berthage for a crew, often featuring a V-berth forward and possibly quarter berths aft. The robust fiberglass hull contributes to a low-maintenance interior, allowing owners to focus on enjoying their time at sea.