Sunbeam 36.1 Information, Review, Specs

The Sunbeam 36.1 entered production in 2012, continuing Sunbeam Yachts' tradition of building high-quality fiberglass vessels. The Schöchl family's deep roots in carpentry, established in 1838, transitioned into yacht construction, bringing a foundational commitment to craftsmanship that defines the brand. While Sunbeam Yachts maintains a significant partnership with J&J Design for many of its models, the 36.1 was specifically designed by naval architect Georg Nissen, who aimed to optimize the boat purely for cruising. Sunbeam's overarching design philosophy, however, emphasizes "highest functionality, timeless design, and comfortable sailing experience" within a well-conceived overall concept, a principle applied to the 36.1.

During its production, the Sunbeam 36.1 offered variations to cater to different owner preferences. Notably, it was available with two distinct interior design schemes: "Avant-garde," featuring a lighter finish, and "Elégance," which presented a more traditional mahogany interior. Furthermore, it provided flexibility with draft options, offering a shallow draft of 4.99 feet (1.52m) in addition to its deeper 6.36-foot keel, and could be equipped with either a furling or self-tacking jib. An upgraded version, the Sunbeam 36.2, was later introduced, sharing the same hull and rig as the 36.1, indicating a continuity in the successful underlying design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sunbeam 36.1 exhibits characteristics of a capable and enjoyable cruiser, designed for responsive handling and good performance across various conditions. With a reported sail area of 645 square feet and a displacement of 13,779 pounds, its calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.15 suggests good light-air performance, allowing it to move well even in lighter breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, at about 32.8% (4519 lbs ballast to 13779 lbs displacement), indicates reasonable stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up to a decent amount of wind.

The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio, approximately 206.44 based on its 31.0-foot waterline, positions the 36.1 as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser compared to heavier, more traditional designs. Sailing reviews often highlight its "fine bow, sheer and deep forefoot," which contribute to its ability to handle varied sea states effectively. The ergonomic layout of the deck and cockpit ensures the helmsman is in complete control, making the boat notably easy to handle and maneuver, a trait that enhances its appeal as a "sports cruiser" offering spirited performance. 2, 9, Builder Article

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sunbeam 36.1 is designed for comfort and practicality, making it suitable for longer cruising. With a generous maximum headroom of 6.4 feet, the cabin feels spacious and accommodating. The typical layout includes two cabins and provides six berths, offering ample sleeping arrangements for families or cruising couples.

Sunbeam offered two distinct interior finishes: the lighter "Avant-garde" and the more classic "Elégance" with traditional mahogany, allowing owners to customize the aesthetic to their preference. Regardless of the finish, the interior is well-regarded for its quality construction and exquisite finishes, characteristic of Sunbeam's meticulous attention to detail. Large windows and skylights are prominent features, ensuring the interior remains bright and well-ventilated, contributing to a comfortable living space on board. The design ensures that the interior volume is "more than enough for longer comfortable" voyages, providing practical storage solutions and a well-appointed living environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Sunbeam yachts, including the 36.1, consistently praise the brand for its commitment to quality, value for money, and excellent customer service. The "beautiful construction and exquisite interior finishes" are frequently highlighted, contributing to a high level of owner satisfaction. The 36.1 is often noted for being easy to handle, which is a significant advantage for couples or even single-handed sailors. While specific widespread issues are not commonly reported, the positive sentiment surrounding Sunbeam's build quality and post-sale support indicates a generally reliable and well-regarded ownership experience.