Seafarer 36 C Sloop Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Seafarer 36 C Sloop first entered production in 1968. Her design, specifically Rhodes Design #702, reflects the vision of Philip Rhodes to create a dedicated cruiser. Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts, a company that transitioned from importing to manufacturing in 1965, was known for collaborating with elite naval architects, ensuring a pedigree of sound design in their fleet. During this era, Seafarer's manufacturing ethos focused on robust fiberglass construction, and they notably offered many of their models, including the 36 C, in kit form, allowing owners to participate in the completion of their yachts. The 36 C Sloop was also available in a ketch rig, offering a different sail plan while retaining the same foundational hull. Production of Seafarer yachts continued until the company ceased operations in the mid-1980s.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seafarer 36 C Sloop is characterized by its long keel, a hallmark of traditional cruising designs. With a displacement of 16,350 pounds and a waterline length of 26.25 feet, her displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 404 indicates she is a heavy, full-bodied cruiser, well-suited for comfortable passage-making rather than light-air racing. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 13.05 suggests that while she is capable under sail, she prioritizes stability and a steady motion over outright speed, particularly in lighter wind conditions.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 33.6% contributes to her stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze, though perhaps not with the extreme stiffness of a dedicated racing yacht. Owners describe the Seafarer 36 C as a robust and well-behaved vessel in various sea states, affirming her suitability as a bluewater cruising boat. Her long keel provides excellent directional stability, making her track well on a course, though it may result in a wider turning radius compared to fin-keel designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for every Seafarer 36 C Sloop can vary, particularly given the option for owners to complete kit versions, the vessel was designed with comfortable cruising in mind. Typical layouts for yachts of this size and era generally include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley, and an enclosed head. The Seafarer 36 C was designed to offer practical living spaces for extended periods aboard. The joinery and finish quality, consistent with Seafarer's reputation, typically featured durable materials and solid construction, reflecting the practical and enduring nature of the boat's design. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented across all models, the overall design prioritizes interior volume and livability for a vessel of its length.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often praise the Seafarer 36 C Sloop for its solid, robust construction, a testament to Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts' building practices. Many consider it a capable and reliable vessel for extended cruising, appreciating its seaworthy nature and the sense of security it provides in adverse conditions. The long keel design, while impacting maneuverability in tight quarters, is frequently cited as a strength for its directional stability offshore. While precise common maintenance issues are not widely consolidated, like many vintage fiberglass yachts, potential owners should consider inspecting for age-related wear on original systems such as plumbing, electrical, and deck hardware, as re-bedding or upgrading these components is common over time. Overall, the Seafarer 36 C maintains a positive reputation among its owners as a dependable and comfortable cruising platform.