Allied Princess 36 Mk II Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Princess 36 Mk II are defined by its significant displacement-to-length ratio and its conservative sail plan. With a displacement of approximately 14,400 pounds, the boat possesses considerable momentum, allowing it to power through chop where lighter vessels might lose speed. This mass, combined with a ballast of 5,600 pounds, provides a stiff, predictable motion in a seaway, a trait frequently praised by owners planning long-distance passages.

Most Princess 36 Mk II models were delivered with a ketch rig, which allows for a versatile "reefing by the numbers" approach. In heavy weather, sailors can drop the mainsail and continue comfortably under jib and mizzen, a configuration that keeps the center of effort low and the boat balanced. However, the trade-off for this stability is performance in light air; the Princess is not a "pointing" machine and can feel sluggish in winds under 10 knots. The cutaway full keel helps with tracking and provides a level of protection for the rudder and propeller, though it makes the vessel less nimble in tight marina quarters compared to modern fin-keel designs. Editorial insights from legacy reviews in publications like Good Old Boat emphasize that the Princess is a "destination boat"—one that may take longer to get there but ensures the crew arrives rested and dry.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Princess 36 Mk II was a primary selling point for the Allied Boat Company during the 1970s. By utilizing a wide 11-foot beam and relatively high topsides, Edmunds created a cabin that felt significantly larger than the 36-foot LOA suggested. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth with an insert, followed by a head to port and a hanging locker to starboard. The main salon features a U-shaped dinette to port that converts into a double berth, with a straight settee to starboard.

The Mk II specifically benefited from Allied’s reputation for high-quality joinery, using extensive amounts of teak and mahogany. The galley, located aft, is typically "U-shaped" for safety at sea, providing the cook with secure bracing points while underway. While the Princess 36 hull remained consistent, Allied offered sibling variants to cater to different markets. The most notable sibling is the Allied Mistress 39, which, while larger, shared the same design ethos of heavy-displacement cruising. Within the 36-foot production run, some hulls were finished as the Allied Princess 36 Cutter, though the ketch remained the dominant configuration. The Mk II's cockpit was specifically designed to be deep and well-protected, though some taller sailors find the footwell a bit narrow due to the placement of the mizzen mast.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Allied Princess 36 Mk II should approach the vessel with an understanding of its age and construction methods. While the hulls are famously thick, solid fiberglass, the following areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Coring: Like many boats of the 1970s, the Princess utilized balsa-cored decks. Over decades, water penetration around stanchion bases, chainplates, or the bow pulpit can lead to delamination and rot. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the deck is essential.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates on the Princess 36 are glassed into the hull-to-deck joint area or bolted through the hull. Owners have noted that leaking chainplates can lead to structural compromise if the surrounding bulkheads (which are structural) suffer from rot.
• Fuel Tank Material: Many original units were fitted with black iron or aluminum fuel tanks. Given the boat's age, these tanks often reach the end of their service life due to internal corrosion, and replacement can be a labor-intensive project depending on access.
• Mizzen Mast Compression: On ketch-rigged models, the mizzen mast steps on the cockpit sole or a reinforced bridge deck. Buyers should check for sagging or compression in the fiberglass structure beneath the mast step.
• Engine Serviceability: These boats were often equipped with Westerbeke or Perkins diesel engines. While reliable, parts for older models can be difficult to source. Inspect the engine beds and the accessibility of the packing gland, which can be tight on the Mk II.

Community & Resources

The Allied Princess 36 Mk II benefits from a dedicated community of enthusiasts who value the "overbuilt" nature of the brand. The Allied Boat Company Owners Association remains a primary source for technical drawings and historical data. While the company is no longer in business, technical wikis and owner groups often share specific modifications for the Edmunds-designed Princess, ranging from bowsprit additions to modernizing the electrical systems.

The Verdict

The Allied Princess 36 Mk II is a purpose-built offshore cruiser that sacrifices speed for safety, comfort, and longevity. It remains a top choice for budget-conscious sailors looking for a "tank" that can handle blue-water conditions.

Pros

• Bulletproof Construction: Heavy, solid fiberglass hull with high resin-to-glass ratios.
• Exceptional Stability: A high comfort ratio makes it an excellent platform for those prone to seasickness.
• Interior Volume: Ample storage and living space for a 36-foot boat, suitable for live-aboards.
• Safe Rigging: The ketch rig offers numerous sail combinations for varying weather conditions.

Cons

• Light Air Performance: Struggles to make headway in light winds without the engine.
• Close-Quarters Handling: The full keel and propeller walk can make backing into slips challenging.
• Maintenance Heritage: Age-related issues like deck saturation and plumbing updates are common on surviving hulls.