Mariner 36 (Garden) Ketch Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Mariner 36 (Garden) Ketch commenced in 1972. The design is a testament to William Garden's enduring philosophy of creating seaworthy and comfortable cruising boats, often characterized by deeper drafts and wide beams. Garden was known for designing vessels that combined character with practicality, a lineage that included everything from fishing boats to a diverse range of yachts.

The builder, Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. Ltd., founded in 1973, immediately focused on crafting "blue water cruising yachts" using robust fiberglass construction techniques. Their commitment to building sturdy and reliable vessels for extended offshore passages perfectly aligned with Garden's design for the Mariner 36. While Ta Yang later became famous for its Tayana line, the Mariner 36 demonstrates the yard's early dedication to quality and seaworthiness. The model is sometimes referred to as the Tayana Mariner 36, reflecting this builder association. The vessel features a solid fiberglass hull, reflecting Ta Yang's commitment to durable construction for offshore sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mariner 36 (Garden) Ketch is characterized by its substantial build, designed for stability and comfort rather than high-performance racing. With a displacement of 21,000 pounds and a waterline length of 27.92 feet, its Displacement to Length ratio calculates to approximately 432, firmly placing it in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser. This significant displacement contributes to a comfortable motion, particularly in rougher conditions.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 35.7% (7,500 lbs of ballast in a 21,000 lb displacement). While slightly below the benchmark for exceptionally stiff vessels, the Mariner 36 is still widely regarded as stable and stiff, possessing excellent righting capability. Its long keel design further enhances directional stability, providing a solid and predictable helm, especially on long passages, though this can make it less agile in tight maneuvering compared to boats with fin keels.

The sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 12.73, indicates that the Mariner 36 (Garden) is somewhat underpowered for lighter air conditions. However, its ketch rig offers versatility, allowing for easier handling and improved comfort and stability, particularly when sailing downwind or on a broad reach. This rig configuration is often favored by short-handed cruisers for its manageable sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Mariner 36 (Garden) Ketch is designed with liveaboard comfort and extended cruising in mind. Although specific headroom data is not consistently available, William Garden's designs generally prioritize comfortable living spaces, and Ta Yang is known for yachts with "exceptional live-aboard capabilities". Owners can expect a traditional layout featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon typically comprising a settee and dining area, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment.

While detailed layouts vary between individual boats due to customization and owner modifications, the overall finish quality by Ta Yang is known for utilizing high-quality materials, including solid exotic woods for interiors, contributing to a warm and classic ambiance. Storage space is generally ample, a crucial feature for blue-water cruisers, and the design likely incorporates good ventilation for tropical climates, a common consideration for boats of this era and purpose. The vessel has a substantial freshwater capacity of 119 US gallons, underscoring its design for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mariner 36 (Garden) Ketch frequently praise its robust construction and the solid feel it provides in a seaway, reinforcing its reputation as a capable offshore vessel. The full-keel design is often highlighted for its directional stability and the sense of security it imparts, making it a popular choice for those undertaking long-distance cruising. The ketch rig is also appreciated for its ease of handling and flexibility in varying wind conditions, particularly for those sailing short-handed.

While specific recurring widespread design flaws are not commonly cited, typical maintenance considerations for boats of its age often include potential issues with older systems like plumbing, as evidenced by an owner seeking a solution for a blocked black water system vent. However, the overall sentiment among owners points to a durable and reliable boat that, with proper care, continues to serve as an excellent platform for blue-water adventures.