Sun Dance 36 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Sun Dance 36 in 1988 aligns with a period where Jeanneau, a French shipyard with a history rooted in innovation and a passion for boating since 1957, was firmly established as a significant force in sailboat manufacturing, building on the success of models like the Sangria. Jeanneau has consistently embraced new technologies, becoming an early adopter of fiberglass construction for its hulls. The design philosophy behind the Sun Dance 36, like many Jeanneau yachts of its era, emphasized elegant, modern lines and clever layouts to maximize onboard comfort. Daniel Andrieu's hull design provided the foundation for its sailing capabilities, while Olivier Lafourcade's interior work, notably featuring light ash wood veneer, aimed to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere below deck. Interestingly, the Sun Dance 36 shares its hull with the later and equally popular Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36, which featured a redesigned interior. For sailors navigating shallower waters, a variant with a reduced draft of 4.58 feet was also offered, in addition to the standard 6.42-foot keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Dance 36 is designed to offer a balanced and enjoyable sailing experience. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.51, she suggests good performance in lighter winds, indicating an ability to move well even when conditions are not robust. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 33.9%, points to a respectable level of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze. Furthermore, her displacement to length ratio of approximately 180.3 classifies her as a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for her size, rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel. The boat benefits from a performance-oriented semi-elliptical NACA section keel and a deep spade rudder, contributing to her handling characteristics and responsiveness. Owners have generally described the Sun Dance 36 as an elegant and high-performance sailboat, capable of being sailed effectively even with a smaller crew.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its approximately 36-foot length overall, the Jeanneau Sun Dance 36 is particularly praised by owners for the "huge amount of space down below." The interior, designed by Olivier Lafourcade, typically features a bright and airy feel, often accented by ash wood veneer. Common layouts for the Sun Dance 36 include multiple cabin configurations, with a notable three-cabin version being available. While specific details of the interior vary by individual vessel and any modifications made over time, reviews and owner feedback indicate a well-thought-out arrangement that maximizes liveability. This typically includes a functional galley, a comfortable salon for dining and relaxation, a dedicated head compartment, and private sleeping accommodations such as a V-berth forward and one or more aft cabins. Storage is generally ample, catering to the needs of cruisers, and ventilation is considered adequate for comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Dance 36 consistently highlight the impressive amount of space found below decks as a major strength. Many appreciate the boat's solid and "no-nonsense Jeanneau construction," which contributes to its reputation for durability. The Sun Dance 36's appeal as both a private yacht and a reliable choice for charter fleets further underscores its general robustness and user-friendly design. While individual boats, especially those of this vintage, may require maintenance and attention due to their age, no widespread critical design flaws or common problems are extensively reported by the owner community, beyond general wear and tear typical for a vessel of its production era. Some owners have noted instances of bottom stringer repairs, possibly related to grounding.