Portman 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Portman 36 emerged during a period of transition and consolidation within the American sailboat industry. Its production years, 1979 to 1980, were brief, with only 19 hulls completed by Auroraglas. The existence of the Portman 36 is closely tied to the larger narrative of Watkins Yachts, which was known for acquiring and modifying existing boat designs. The builder's article highlights that around 1980, Auroraglas, already acquired by Watkins Yachts, became central to Watkins' production strategy, which included rolling out larger yachts based on tooling from the now-defunct Columbia Yachts and their sister brand, Coronado. The Portman 36 is a direct example of this strategy, derived from the molds of the Coronado 35 and Columbia 36. Later, after some modifications, the Portman 36 evolved into the Watkins 36, with design contributions from William H. Tripp Jr. and the Watkins brothers themselves. This approach allowed Watkins to offer well-established designs to a new market, reflecting a pragmatic manufacturing ethos that prioritized comfortable and affordable cruising yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 36 feet and a waterline length of 29.33 feet, the Portman 36 is designed as a steady cruising vessel rather than an out-and-out racer. The boat features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for offering a good balance between maneuverability and directional stability. The masthead sloop rig, common for cruising boats of its era, provides a straightforward and robust sail plan.

Analyzing its key performance ratios provides further insight into its handling characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.74, the Portman 36 suggests a boat that will perform well in moderate to heavier winds, offering a powerful ride. However, this lower ratio also indicates it may be less spirited in very light air. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.375 points to a moderate level of stiffness, meaning it should stand up to its canvas reasonably well without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion for its crew. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 285.6, places the Portman 36 firmly in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly vessel capable of carrying stores for extended voyages, providing a comfortable ride in various sea states, and offering good directional stability. Indeed, one review indicates the Portman 36 is noted for its comfort, exceeding 85% of similar sailboat designs in this regard.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Portman 36 are scarce due to its limited production, its heritage as a derivative of the Coronado 35 and Columbia 36 provides strong indicators of its likely accommodations. Both the Coronado 35 and Columbia 36 were known for offering practical and comfortable layouts typical of cruisers from that period.

A common interior arrangement found in its sister designs includes a V-berth forward, providing a private sleeping cabin. Aft of this, the main salon typically features a U-shaped dinette, serving as a central gathering and dining area. The galley is often arranged along a sideboard, offering essential cooking facilities. A navigation station and an enclosed head compartment are also standard features. Further aft, quarter berths could be found, providing additional sleeping capacity. While the exact maximum headroom for the Portman 36 is not specified, boats of this size and era generally aimed for comfortable standing room in the main salon. The design philosophy of Watkins Yachts, as detailed in the builder's profile, emphasized comfort and livability, often achieved through wide beams and practical use of space, suggesting the Portman 36 would have offered a functional and accommodating interior for coastal and perhaps even offshore cruising. The hull construction of solid fiberglass would have provided a robust platform for the interior fit-out.