Andercraft 36 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Andercraft 36 begins in 1984, representing a pivotal moment for Westerly Marine Inc., a Santa Ana, California-based builder established in 1970. Westerly Marine distinguished itself by focusing on custom-built, high-performance vessels and pioneering the use of advanced composite materials like carbon fiber. Their ethos during this era was centered on creating lightweight, strong yachts with sleek lines and graceful performance under sail. It was within this environment that the Andercraft 36 project took shape. Naval architect Alan Andrews, known for his specialization in high-performance racing and cruising yachts, was the designer behind the Andercraft 36. Andrews' design philosophy consistently incorporates high-performance sailing characteristics with state-of-the-art engineering, aiming for speed and efficiency. While Westerly Marine completed the tooling for the Andercraft 36, only one boat was ultimately built, making it an exceptionally rare and individualized creation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed by Alan Andrews, the Andercraft 36 exhibits characteristics indicative of a performance-oriented cruiser. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.26, the vessel is well-powered, suggesting a lively performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. This ratio places it among boats that are expected to accelerate quickly and maintain speed efficiently. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 172.9 positions it in the lighter end of the displacement spectrum for its size. This indicates a design focused on minimizing wetted surface and maximizing speed through the water, aligning with Alan Andrews's reputation for creating fast, race-winning yachts. Qualitative assessments from similar designs suggest the Andercraft 36 offers a comfortable ride compared to many other sailboats, and its hull design provides a more spacious interior. While the exact ballast weight is not specified, preventing a precise calculation of its ballast-to-displacement ratio, the use of lead ballast material (as indicated in its specifications) is consistent with performance designs aiming for a low center of gravity and efficient stability.

Accommodations and Layout

Given that only a single Andercraft 36 was ever built, its accommodations and interior layout were highly customized to the original owner's specifications. Unlike mass-produced models with standard floor plans, this bespoke approach meant the interior could be tailored precisely to the needs and preferences of its commissionee. Generally, a 36-foot performance cruiser from the mid-1980s would typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a navigation station. A head compartment would also be standard. However, the specific arrangement, materials, and finish quality of the Andercraft 36 would have been a direct reflection of its custom build, likely emphasizing practical utility and high-quality craftsmanship consistent with Westerly Marine's reputation for advanced construction.