Watkins 36 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Watkins 36 spanned a brief period from 1981 to 1983. Its creation marked a significant development for Watkins Yachts, which, around 1980, began to expand its offerings into larger yachts by acquiring tooling and molds from the defunct Columbia Yachts, including its sister brand, Coronado. The Watkins 36 was a prime example of this strategy, developed from the molds of the Portman 35 (originally the Coronado 35) but with substantial modifications. notes] This pragmatic approach allowed Watkins to roll out larger designs while adhering to their ethos of building sturdy, accessible, and comfortable fiberglass cruising yachts. The Watkins 36 became the flagship of the line, incorporating unique design features that were subsequently integrated into all future Watkins models. A center cockpit variant, the Watkins 36C, was also made available, offering an alternative deck layout. notes, 4]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Watkins 36 is characterized by its robust build and design geared towards comfortable cruising. With a displacement of 17,000 pounds and a length overall of 36 feet, she falls into the heavier category for her size, indicated by a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 301. This suggests a solid, traditional cruiser that prioritizes a stable motion in a seaway over light-air speed. Her ballast of 6,000 pounds provides a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 35.3%, which contributes to her moderate stiffness and ability to stand up to a breeze.

The sailboat's total calculated sail area of 528.5 square feet results in a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 12.7. This relatively lower ratio indicates that while she is capable of efficient passage making, the Watkins 36 is not designed as a high-performance boat for racing or exceptional light-wind acceleration. Instead, she is likely to be a forgiving vessel with a steady helm, well-suited for coastal and offshore cruising where stability and comfort are paramount. Her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder provide a good balance of directional stability and maneuverability for a boat of her type.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts can vary, a 36-foot cruising sailboat like the Watkins 36 typically offers a practical interior designed for extended living aboard. Given Watkins Yachts' focus on family cruising and comfort, the interior likely features a conventional arrangement, including a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Storage is usually a key consideration on cruising boats of this size, with lockers and compartments integrated throughout the cabin. Although specific headroom details are not provided, boats of this length from the era generally aim for comfortable standing room in the main living areas. The use of fiberglass for the hull and solid fiberglass for the deck would suggest a durable, relatively low-maintenance interior structure, likely complemented by wood trim to enhance the cruising aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Watkins Yachts cultivated a reputation for producing durable and accessible cruising boats, and this legacy extends to the Watkins 36. A vibrant community of Watkins boat owners persists today, with active online forums and dedicated websites serving as resources for current owners. Owners generally appreciate the robust construction of Watkins vessels, often describing them as solid and capable cruisers. While specific recurring issues for the Watkins 36 are not widely detailed in general owner discussions, the overall sentiment regarding the brand is one of practical and reliable boats that continue to provide comfortable sailing experiences decades after their construction.