PJ-36 (Maas) Information, Review, Specs

The PJ-36 (Maas) emerged in 1973, a period when Palmer Johnson, under the ownership of Pat Haggarty, was expanding its reach in the yachting world. While primarily known for its custom, high-performance aluminum yachts and meticulous finishing, Palmer Johnson also maintained a brokerage division that sold production fiberglass sailboats under its prestigious name. The PJ-36 (Maas) falls into this category, leveraging the builder's reputation for quality in a more accessible fiberglass platform, 3].

The design itself hails from the drawing board of Frans Maas, a celebrated Dutch designer, builder, and ocean racer known for his early adoption of fiberglass construction and for designing yachts that achieved significant racing success in the 1960s. The PJ-36 (Maas) is noted for its similarity to the Standfast 36, another Frans Maas design. This design ethos likely emphasized seaworthiness and a balanced sailing profile, catering to sailors seeking a reliable and comfortable vessel rather than an out-and-out racer.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The PJ-36 (Maas) exhibits characteristics of a sturdy, traditional cruiser, as indicated by its design ratios. With a displacement of 17,200 lbs on a 28-foot waterline, its Displacement to Length Ratio is approximately 349.7, signifying a heavier boat built for comfort and seaworthiness rather than light-air speed. This mass contributes to a stable motion, particularly in a seaway. The Ballast to Displacement Ratio stands at about 37.7% (6,500 lbs ballast in a 17,200 lbs displacement), suggesting moderate stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heeling.

While a precise reported sail area for the PJ-36 (Maas) is not consistently available, using the reported sail area of its close kin, the Standfast 36 (635 sq ft), yields a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 15.3. This relatively low ratio further reinforces its character as a conservative cruiser, suggesting that while capable, it may not be the most spirited performer in very light winds. The PJ-36 (Maas) boasts a theoretical hull speed of 7.09 knots, indicative of its potential for comfortable passage making. Reviews suggest that its comfort ratio is "just above average" and more comfortable than a significant percentage of similar sailboat designs, underscoring its cruising credentials.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed information regarding the interior layout, finish quality, and amenities of the Palmer Johnson PJ-36 (Maas) is limited in publicly available records. However, given Palmer Johnson's reputation for quality craftsmanship and luxurious finishes in its custom builds, it can be inferred that even their production fiberglass models would have adhered to a respectable standard of construction for their era. Boats from this period often featured traditional wood trim, robust joinery, and practical layouts designed for liveaboard comfort or extended cruising. Typical arrangements for a vessel of this size would include a forward V-berth, a head compartment, a main salon with settees and a table, and a galley, potentially with quarter berths aft. Without specific diagrams or reviews for this particular model, further detailed description of its interior features, materials, storage, or ventilation remains speculative.