Channel 36/E37 Information, Review, Specs

Boat drawing
Make
Model
Number Built
14
Production Year(s)
1989 - 2003

The RM Channel 36/E37 is a unique performance cruising sailboat, distinguished by its innovative construction and a design philosophy geared towards fast, comfortable passage-making. Built by the renowned RM Yachts of La Rochelle, France, between 1989 and 2003, this model stands out with its distinctive hull form and commitment to lightweight yet robust construction. With a length overall of just over 36 feet and a waterline length of nearly 31 feet, she was conceived to offer spirited sailing characteristics combined with the durability required for extensive cruising. Notably, the Channel 36/E37 was designed by the British maritime architect Julian Everitt, setting it apart from most RM Yachts which are typically designed by Marc Lombard.

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History and Design

The Channel 36/E37 entered production in 1989, with a total of 14 hulls built until the end of its run in 2003. Sailboat Data This period saw RM Yachts establish its reputation for championing an unconventional, yet highly effective, construction method: marine plywood and epoxy hulls combined with GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) decks. This choice of materials aimed to produce light-displacement vessels optimized for performance and comfortable passage-making, a core identity for RM Yachts from its inception. The plywood-epoxy construction offers excellent stiffness and insulation, contributes to a significant weight advantage, and notably eliminates the risk of osmosis or delamination often associated with traditional fiberglass hulls.

Julian Everitt, known for his yacht designs since 1966, conceived the Channel 36/E37 with a focus on its ability to travel and sail fast and far. 4, previous search 15 This aligns well with RM Yachts' ethos of building robust, capable cruising yachts, even if the designer for this specific model was external to their usual Marc Lombard collaboration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Channel 36/E37's specifications translate into a highly capable and spirited sailing experience. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.31 is quite high, suggesting excellent performance in lighter winds and a lively feel across the wind range. A Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.36 indicates a moderate degree of stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 176.34, the Channel 36/E37 falls into the lighter, more performance-oriented category for cruising yachts of her size.

She is equipped with a bulb keel and a spade rudder, a configuration typically associated with good hydrodynamic efficiency and responsive steering. While many RM yachts are known for their twin keels, the Channel 36/E37's single bulb keel offers a direct approach to performance. The design allows for sailing fast, even in heavy seas, and is noted for its maneuverability. previous search 2, previous search 15 Her calculated hull speed is 7.46 knots. Sailboat Data

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and amenities of the Channel 36/E37 is not widely detailed in public records, likely due to its limited production run of only 14 units. While the maximum headroom is not specified in the provided data, RM Yachts generally prides itself on clever ergonomics and comfortable interiors that often showcase the warmth of the wood from their plywood-epoxy construction. Typically, a vessel of this size would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment, often with quarter berths or an aft cabin. The emphasis in RM designs is usually on creating functional and inviting spaces suitable for extended cruising.

Measurements

Construction & Hull

Construction Material
Fiberglass (Solid)
Hull Type
Monohull Sailboat
Keel Type
Bulb
Rudder
1x Spade
Ballast
4239 lbs
Displacement
11720 lbs
Water Capacity
-
Fuel Capacity
-

Engine

Engine Make
Engine Model
Engine Type
Engine HP
Engine Count
1
Drive Type
Fuel Type
Hover over a measurement
IJPE FS LOALWL

Rig & Sails

Rig Type
Fractional Sloop
P (Main Luff)
50.2 ft
E (Main Foot)
17.88 ft
I (Foretriangle Height)
48.56 ft
J (Foretriangle Base)
12.47 ft
Forestay Length (est)
50.14 ft
Main Sail Area
448.79 sqft
Foretriangle Sail Area
302.77 sqft
Total Sail Area (Reported)
805 sqft
Total Sail Area (Calc)
751.56 sqft

Dimensions

LOA
36.09 ft
LWL
30.97 ft
Beam
13.78 ft
Draft
7.28 ft
Max Headroom
-
Air Draft
-

Calculations

Hull Speed
7.46 kn
Pounds per Inch Immersion
1