Finngulf 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Finngulf 36's production began in 1990 and continued until 2003, with 99 units built during this period. The design came from Håkan Södergren, a prominent Swedish naval architect who was instrumental in the early success of Finngulf Yachts. Södergren's philosophy, evident in his designs for Finngulf, emphasized creating performance-oriented yachts built with modern, durable materials like fiberglass and foam core, initially for racing but quickly adapted for comfortable cruising. Finngulf Yachts, established in 1981 by Stig Nordblad, was known for its commitment to "hand-crafted, classic sailing yachts for owners who demand quality," a ethos clearly reflected in the Finngulf 36. The company's focus during this era was on crafting yachts primarily between 10 and 14 meters, always utilizing GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) with a foam core for enhanced strength and insulation. Variations of the model, such as the Finngulf 36 MH, were also produced.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Finngulf 36 is designed for spirited sailing, a characteristic evident in its performance ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 21.0, the Finngulf 36 indicates good light-air performance and a responsiveness that suggests it can be lively in varying wind conditions. This ratio is higher than 58% of similar sailboats, suggesting it is slightly "overrigged," contributing to its speed-oriented hull design. Its ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.46 points to a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and maintaining its sail plan effectively. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of roughly 242 suggests a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, balancing comfortable motion in a seaway with respectable speed. Overall, the Finngulf 36 is described as combining excellent sailing performance with a slightly more speedy hull design.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Finngulf 36 is characterized by an attractive Scandinavian style, prioritizing both functionality and comfort. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the structured data, online descriptions and reviews suggest a well-appointed living space for a vessel of its size. The typical layout often includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a central table, a functional galley, and a navigation station. Many models feature a single, spacious head. The quality of finish is generally high, with owners frequently praising the interior woodwork, which is a hallmark of the Finnish boatbuilding tradition. Storage is typically well-integrated, and ventilation is usually achieved through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Finngulf 36 frequently praise its robust construction, excellent seaworthiness, and spirited sailing performance. The build quality, a consistent theme across Finngulf Yachts, is a significant draw for many, with the hand-laid fiberglass hull and foam core construction providing durability and insulation. The yacht's ability to handle various sea states comfortably and maintain good speed under sail is often highlighted. Owners appreciate the timeless Scandinavian design and the quality of the interior finishes. While specific common problems were not extensively detailed in the search results beyond general boat maintenance issues, the overall sentiment points to a highly regarded and well-maintained vessel that fosters a loyal following among its owners.