Hughes 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Hughes 36 lies in a strategic move by Hughes Boat Works to expand its fiberglass sailboat offerings. Production of the Hughes 36 commenced in 1971, utilizing tooling acquired from Columbia Yachts. The design itself is attributed to William H. Tripp Jr., a prominent naval architect known for his successful cruising designs of the 1960s and 70s. Tripp's philosophy often centered on creating comfortable and capable cruisers, with an emphasis on practical living spaces, sometimes even suitable for liveaboard use. The Columbia 34 MkII, a direct ancestor to the Hughes 36 hull, was a coastal cruising sailboat introduced in 1970 and featured a distinctive "bubble top" deck design that aimed to maximize interior volume.

During this period, Hughes Boat Works, having undergone corporate changes including an acquisition by US Steel and later a repurchase by founder Howard Hughes, eventually acquired Columbia Yachts in 1979. This led to the formation of Hughes-Columbia, under which the Hughes 36 continued production, sometimes referred to as the Hughes-Columbia 36. The company was known for offering its boats, including this model, in both finished and kit forms, making sailing more accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts. The Hughes 36 was offered as either a sloop or ketch rig, providing versatility for different sailing preferences. Additionally, a center cockpit variant of the Hughes-Columbia 36 was produced, further diversifying its appeal.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 35.25 feet and a waterline length of 27.5 feet, the Hughes 36 presents a moderate-to-heavy displacement profile for a vessel of its size. Her displacement of 13,000 lbs, combined with 4,700 lbs of ballast, yields a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.36. This indicates a respectable level of stiffness and stability, suggesting the boat can stand up to a good breeze and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement-to-length ratio, around 279, further supports its classification as a solid, traditional cruiser rather than a lightweight racer, prioritizing comfort and seaworthiness over outright speed.

The reported sail area of 500 square feet gives a sail area to displacement ratio of about 14.4. While this figure suggests the Hughes 36 may not be a spirited performer in very light air, it indicates a well-balanced rig designed for comfortable cruising in a range of conditions. Equipped with a fin keel, the Hughes 36 offers good maneuverability, which is a desirable characteristic for navigating harbors and close quarters. The skeg-hung rudder further contributes to responsive steering and provides a degree of protection for the rudder post.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Hughes 36 can vary, its heritage from the Columbia 34 MkII and Coronado 35 provides strong indications of its typical accommodation plan. These Tripp designs were noted for their emphasis on interior volume and comfortable living spaces, with one owner remarking on the "huge" interior for a 35-foot yacht. The "bubble top" deck design, characteristic of the Columbia lineage, would have contributed to generous headroom throughout the cabin, enhancing the sense of space below.

A conventional layout for a cruiser of this size and era would typically include a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would feature opposing settees, often convertible into berths, surrounding a dinette table. A functional galley, likely equipped with a sink, stove, and icebox, would be situated within the main cabin area. Aft, quarter berths or a dedicated aft cabin, particularly in the center cockpit variants, would offer additional sleeping arrangements. Owners can generally expect solid construction with traditional wood trim, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for extended cruising or weekend trips.