Standfast 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Standfast 36 emerged from the vision of Frans Maas, who established Standfast Yachts in 1970 to meticulously bring his designs to life. Maas's design philosophy, deeply ingrained in the Standfast brand, emphasized elegant aesthetics, robust construction, and excellent sailing performance, aiming to blend comfort and safety with speed. The Standfast 36, with production starting in 1973, embodies this ethos. Built with solid fiberglass hulls, Standfast yachts from this era were known for their meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. The Standfast 36, an early IOR One Tonner, features a flush deck, indicative of its performance-oriented design, characteristic of the era's racing trends. While the exact end year of its production run is not specified, it was a significant model during Standfast's active years, which concluded in 2008.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 36 feet, a waterline length of 29 feet, and a beam of 12.33 feet, the Standfast 36 presents a substantial presence on the water. Its displacement of 17,200 lbs and a ballast of 7,000 lbs result in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 40.7%. This high ratio contributes significantly to the boat's stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up well to strong winds and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at around 314.8, classifies the Standfast 36 as a heavier, more traditional cruiser/racer rather than a light-displacement speed machine. This robust build contributes to its reputation as a safe vessel.

The sail area to displacement ratio of roughly 15.2 indicates that while capable, the Standfast 36 is not overly powered and may require more breeze to truly come alive in lighter conditions. However, its overall design, including a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, suggests good directional stability and a balanced helm. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Standfast 36 as having sporty sailing characteristics, making it suitable for both competitive racing and enjoyable cruising. It is particularly praised for its stability, stiffness, and good righting capability, especially performing well in heavier air.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Standfast 36 is typically characterized by a well-finished, often "woody" aesthetic, which some might find to be on the darker side. As a cruiser of its era, a standard layout would generally include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and possibly quarter berths aft. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, vessels of this size from the 1970s often offered comfortable standing room in the main salon. The use of traditional materials and thoughtful joinery would have been consistent with Standfast's reputation for high-quality construction. Some Standfast 36 interiors have been refitted over the years, allowing for modernization while preserving the boat's inherent quality.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Standfast 36 consistently praise its exceptional build quality, often noting the solid, inches-thick fiberglass hull construction as a major strength. Many consider it to be an incredibly safe boat, offering a sense of security even in challenging conditions. The enduring quality of Standfast yachts means these vessels maintain their value in the used market and continue to be sought after.

However, due to its design as an early IOR One Tonner from the 1970s, some owners acknowledge that the Standfast 36 may not be competitive under modern PHRF rating systems. The "too much IOR" design can sometimes lead to less optimal performance in certain conditions compared to more contemporary designs. The interior, while well-finished, is often described as "very woody" and "quite dark" by some, which is a common characteristic of yachts from that period. Despite these minor points, the Standfast 36 generally garners enthusiastic reviews for its robust nature, comfortable motion, and timeless design.