Allied Princess 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Princess 36 are defined by its significant displacement—approximately 14,400 pounds—and its traditional full keel with a cutaway forefoot. This design choice results in a high Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio, typically hovering around 340, which translates to a boat that is "sea-kindly." It does not bounce over waves; rather, it punches through them, maintaining momentum in heavy chop where lighter modern hulls might stall.

Under sail, the Princess 36 is most frequently encountered in its ketch configuration. This split rig allows for a multitude of sail combinations, such as the "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen) setup, which is ideal for maintaining balance and control in building winds without the immediate need for reefing the mainsail. While the Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio is relatively modest at roughly 15.2, indicating it is not a light-air flyer, the boat excels once the breeze exceeds 12 knots. Owners often report that the Princess tracks exceptionally well, a byproduct of its long keel, making it a favorite for those using windvane self-steering. However, like most full-keeled vessels of this era, backing the Princess 36 in a marina can be a challenge, as the rudder lacks the bite of a modern spade design until significant sternway is achieved.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Princess 36 reflects the Allied Boat Company’s transition toward more luxurious, live-aboard accommodations. The boat features a generous 11-foot beam, which was considered quite wide for a 36-footer in the early 1970s. This width allows for a spacious main saloon that typically includes a U-shaped dinette to port and a straight settee to starboard.

The craftsmanship is representative of Allied’s high standards, featuring extensive use of teak joinery and a solid fiberglass hull-to-deck joint. The layout was offered in several variations, most notably regarding the navigation station and galley placement. Some versions featured a dedicated "walk-through" or "walk-over" to an aft cabin area, though most Princess 36s utilize a more traditional layout with a large V-berth forward and a quarter berth or aft galley. The cabin provides roughly 6'4" of headroom, making it a viable option for taller sailors. Ventilation is a hallmark of the design, with multiple opening ports and hatches—a necessity for the tropical cruising many of these boats were destined for.

While the Princess 36 is the primary 36-foot hull, it shares significant DNA with its "big sister," the Mistress 39. Some design elements from the Princess were later refined for the Seawind II, though the Princess remains distinct for its larger interior volume and Edmunds-designed hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Allied Princess 36 should focus on the specific aging characteristics of 1970s fiberglass construction. While the hulls are famously thick and largely immune to the structural "oil-canning" seen in lighter boats, they are not without maintenance requirements.

1. Chainplate Anchors: On many Allied models, the chainplates are robust but the access to the bolts can be difficult. Inspect for signs of "bleeding" or rust streaks on the bulkheads, which indicate water intrusion that can rot the wooden cores of the bulkheads.
2. Deck Core: Allied used balsa-cored decks. Over 50 years, hardware bedding can fail. Use a plastic hammer to sound the deck for dull thuds, particularly around the mast step and the teak handrails, which are common leak points.
3. Rudder Hardware: The heavy rudder is supported by a bronze shoe at the base of the keel. It is essential to check for play in the rudder bushings and ensure the bronze shoe is not severely pitted or loose, as this is a critical structural component for offshore safety.
4. Fuel Tankage: The original aluminum or iron fuel tanks are often nearing the end of their lifespan. Because Allied built the interior around the tanks, replacing them can be a labor-intensive project requiring the removal of cabinetry or the cockpit sole.
5. Mast Step: Check the base of the mast (especially if deck-stepped) for compression. If the support post or the beam under the deck has weakened due to moisture, it can lead to rig tension issues.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Princess 36 is preserved by a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts. The Allied Boat Owners Group serves as the primary technical exchange for these vessels, offering a repository of shared knowledge regarding refits, original blueprints, and engine repowering advice. Because Allied went through several ownership changes (from the original founders to Wright Yacht Co.), these owner-maintained archives are often the only source for technical specifications and original wiring diagrams.

The Verdict

The Allied Princess 36 is a "tank" of the sailing world—a slow, steady, and immensely safe platform for those who value durability over regatta trophies. It is a boat that rewards the patient sailor with a sense of security that few modern production boats can match in a gale.

Pros:

• Extremely robust solid fiberglass hull construction.
• The ketch rig offers exceptional versatility for heavy-weather sailing.
• Spacious, classic interior with high-quality teak finishing and excellent headroom.
• Superior tracking and motion at sea compared to modern fin-keel designs.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 8-10 knots).
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the full-keel configuration.
• Aging systems (tanks, wiring, and deck cores) typically require significant refit investment.
• Heavy displacement makes it more expensive to haul and maintain than lighter 36-footers.