Nonsuch 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Nonsuch 36 commenced in 1983, with approximately 70 units built by Hinterhoeller Yachts Ltd. This period saw George Hinterhoeller's reformed company, known for its commitment to quality and sensible, timeless designs, flourishing in a purpose-built facility in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Mark Ellis's overarching design philosophy for the Nonsuch line was to "simplify sailing" by creating vessels that offered unparalleled ease of handling, luxurious accommodations, and strong performance. The hallmark of the Nonsuch series is its unique unstayed cat-rig, featuring a towering mast positioned forward with a single large sail. This design minimizes rigging complexity and sail handling, making the boat particularly appealing to couples or those seeking a less strenuous sailing experience. Hinterhoeller's construction ethos emphasized robust fiberglass hulls and thoughtful detailing, contributing to the graceful aging of these vessels. A notable variation during its production run was the availability of a shoal keel model, reducing the draft from 5.5 feet to a more accessible 4.42 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nonsuch 36, despite its substantial interior volume, delivers a commendable sailing performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.95, she exhibits good light-air performance, allowing her to move well in lighter breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.38 indicates a solid level of stability, enabling her to stand up to wind effectively and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 198 suggests a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for her size, aligning with the cat-rig's efficiency.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Nonsuch 36 for its exceptional ease of handling. The unstayed cat rig, with its single sail, streamlines sail management, making the boat manageable even for a couple. The design's generous beam, carried well aft, contributes to her stability and allows her to remain upright when sailing to windward, even without an excessively deep keel. The boat is noted for her ability to accelerate and maintain speed once underway, offering good windward performance. The theoretical hull speed for the Nonsuch 36 is an impressive 7.78 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Nonsuch 36 is widely celebrated for its remarkable spaciousness and thoughtful layout, often noted as feeling larger than its 36-foot length suggests. Mark Ellis designed these boats with "roomy" and "luxurious accommodations," making them highly suitable for extended cruising or even as liveaboards. Owners frequently highlight the "spectacular" and "huge" interior volume, which provides ample living space and storage. While specific interior configurations can vary between individual boats, the general arrangement typically includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a spacious salon, and a functional galley, providing all the amenities expected in a cruising yacht of this size. The quality of materials and finish, characteristic of Hinterhoeller builds, contributes to the enduring appeal and graceful aging of these interiors.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nonsuch 36 consistently laud the boat's ease of handling, particularly appreciating the simplicity of the cat rig for single-handed or short-handed sailing. The generous interior volume is a recurring point of praise, with many owners finding the accommodations exceptionally comfortable for extended periods aboard. The robust construction and thoughtful design are often cited as reasons for the boat's longevity and continued desirability. Common maintenance considerations, typical of older vessels, may include addressing original equipment components, with some owners noting that original replacement parts for the Westerbeke 52-horsepower diesel engine, which was commonly installed, could be expensive. However, the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction with a well-built, capable, and user-friendly cruising sailboat.