Hans Christian 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Hans Christian 36 began in 1974, emerging from a period when Hans Christian Yachts was establishing its reputation for heavily built cruising sailboats. The design itself has an intriguing lineage, originating as a lengthened version of the Hans Christian 34, a boat originally commissioned from Robert Perry. Due to various circumstances and disagreements within the nascent Taiwanese boatbuilding industry, this design and very similar vessels were also built and sold under different names, including the Mariner Polaris 36, Union 36, Mao Ta 36, and EO 36, all often produced by the same yard, Union Ship Co., in Taiwan. Robert Perry himself acknowledges a connection to Hans Christian owners, even if he did not design all their boats.

Robert Perry's design philosophy for vessels like the Hans Christian 36 focused on creating sturdy, double-ended, cutter-rigged cruising yachts. Hans Christian's manufacturing ethos, as described in the company's history, prioritized traditional aesthetics, robust construction, and exceptional seaworthiness, making them highly regarded for long-distance cruising. These yachts were intended to be "timeless in design" and to exhibit "unmatched craftsmanship," ensuring they could handle the rigors of ocean voyaging with comfort and safety. The full-keel hull, a characteristic feature, contributes significantly to their stable and comfortable motion in open water.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.8, the Hans Christian 36 is classified as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This ratio suggests that while she may not be the fastest in light winds, she is well-powered for her displacement and will perform capably once the breeze picks up, exhibiting a steady and predictable character. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 32.7% indicates a solid degree of stability, further enhanced by her heavy displacement and full keel. This combination allows her to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 300 confirms her status as a heavy displacement vessel. This translates into a comfortable, seakindly motion, making her an excellent choice for offshore passages where comfort and stability are paramount over blistering speed. While a full keel provides excellent directional stability, particularly appreciated on long passages, it also means the boat may be less nimble in tight maneuvering situations like crowded harbors, requiring more planning and perhaps a touch more patience. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Hans Christian 36 is a reasonably good performer and is stable and stiff. Some owners have noted that the original mainsheet traveler's extreme forward location could make trimming difficult, and a dodger might interfere with cranking, but these are often addressed in refits.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hans Christian 36, while not explicitly detailed in the provided specifications regarding maximum headroom, is generally described as straightforward and well-appointed, focusing on comfort and functionality for extended cruising. Owners and reviewers typically highlight the use of warm wood finishes, often teak, creating a traditional and inviting atmosphere. The layout usually features a V-berth forward, a head, a comfortable main salon with settees and a table, a functional galley, and often quarter berths aft. Practical Sailor notes that Hans Christian 36s boast features like plenty of deck ventilation. Storage is typically ample, a crucial consideration for long-distance cruisers. While the specific finish quality can vary based on the original builder (given the multiple names associated with the design) and subsequent owner care, Hans Christian yachts are generally known for their quality craftsmanship and robust, often overbuilt, interiors.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hans Christian 36, and Hans Christian yachts in general, often express strong loyalty to the brand, valuing their boats' solid construction and capability for serious voyaging. Strengths frequently cited include the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway, its robust build quality, and its suitability for liveaboard cruising. Many appreciate the classic aesthetics and the feeling of security these heavy, full-keel boats provide.

However, like any older vessel, there are commonly noted areas for attention. Recurring issues mentioned by owners can include the maintenance demands of extensive exterior brightwork, such as teak, and the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. Some owners have noted that the original wiring and plumbing may require upgrades on older models. Despite these potential refit considerations, the Hans Christian 36 is often viewed as an excellent platform for those seeking a well-built foundation for extended cruising or liveaboard life, supported by a dedicated global community of owners.