Clearwater 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Clearwater 36 began its production run in 1993, built by Holby Marine, a company with a distinguished reputation for blending high-performance design with innovative construction techniques. Holby Marine, founded in Rhode Island in 1984 by W. Barrett Holby, Jr., quickly became known for its quality, semi-custom yachts, often incorporating advanced materials like carbon fiber to achieve lighter, stronger, and faster vessels. This manufacturing philosophy aligns well with the Clearwater 36's design goals. The design credits for the Clearwater 36 are shared by Craig Walters and Sean Fawcett, with Fawcett being an associate of Walters at the time. Craig Walters is a retired yacht designer known for his decades-long career captivated by sailboats, while Sean Fawcett brings extensive personal experience from racing, cruising, and delivering yachts to his design work.

The Clearwater 36 represents an evolution from its predecessor, the Clearwater 35. Key modifications included a fixed keel and a taller rig, suggesting a deliberate intent to improve upwind performance and overall sailing efficiency. While specific details on the designers' philosophy for the Clearwater 36 are not widely published, their combined background points to a focus on well-engineered, capable sailboats. The commitment to building yachts "ahead of the times" with advanced materials at Holby Marine would have provided the ideal environment for the Clearwater 36 to achieve its full potential.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Clearwater 36 is designed to offer spirited sailing performance, characterized by its well-balanced statistics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.01, the Clearwater 36 suggests excellent performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, where it should be capable of moving efficiently. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.383 indicates a moderate level of stiffness and stability, suggesting the boat can stand up to a good breeze without excessive heeling, providing a secure feel for its crew. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at roughly 201.2, places the Clearwater 36 in the category of a moderate displacement vessel. This suggests a design that balances performance attributes with a reasonable capacity for cruising comforts, avoiding the extremes of either ultra-light racers or heavy, traditional cruisers. The reported hull speed of 7.3 knots further underscores its potential for swift passages.

Anecdotal reviews of the Clearwater 36 highlight its generally good handling characteristics. Owners often describe it as a well-behaved boat that offers a pleasing balance on the helm. While detailed handling characteristics across various sea states are not extensively documented in public forums, its design ratios suggest a lively yet manageable boat, consistent with the performance-cruiser category. The masthead rig further contributes to its sail-carrying ability and ease of handling. It has been noted that the Clearwater 36 was built with different keel alternatives, offering some variation in draft and performance characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Clearwater 36 is designed to be more spacious than many comparable sailboats, reflecting a deliberate choice by the designers to prioritize livability. While specific details on the maximum headroom are not available in the provided data, the boat's overall beam of 11.33 feet suggests a comfortable interior volume.

Typical layouts for a sailboat of this size and era often include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Given Holby Marine's reputation for quality, it is likely that the interior finish would feature well-crafted joinery, possibly with wood trim, and durable fiberglass surfaces. Storage is generally a key consideration in cruising boats, and it is expected that the Clearwater 36 would offer ample lockers and compartments for provisions and gear. While direct information on ventilation is limited, modern cruising designs typically incorporate multiple opening ports and hatches to ensure airflow. Given its design as a capable cruiser, the interior would likely prioritize functionality and comfort for extended time aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Clearwater 36 frequently praise its solid construction, a hallmark of Holby Marine's build quality. The boat's evolution from the Clearwater 35, with its fixed keel and taller rig, is often cited as a positive development, contributing to improved sailing characteristics. Owners appreciate the boat's ability to perform well in various conditions, striking a good balance between speed and stability. The "spacious hull design" is also a common point of positive feedback, indicating that the boat offers a comfortable living space for its length.

Common discussion points among owners revolve around the boat's suitability for both coastal cruising and more ambitious offshore passages, often noting its robust build and dependable performance. While no widespread, recurring issues are prominently highlighted in general reviews, as with any sailboat of its age, potential owners would typically consider inspecting for wear and tear on original equipment and systems.