Avance 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Peter Norlin is most evident when the Avance 36 is under power of sail. Unlike many of its contemporaries that featured extreme IOR "tumblehome" hulls, the 36 maintains a more moderate and balanced profile. With a displacement of approximately 5,200 kg and a ballast of 2,300 kg, the boat boasts a ballast ratio of nearly 45%. This high percentage of weight in the lead keel makes the vessel exceptionally stiff and capable of carrying full sail well into the upper teens of knots.

The boat is typically rigged as a masthead sloop. Owners and technical reviewers often note that the boat "finds its groove" quickly when close-hauled, showing a remarkable ability to point high without sacrificing speed. According to the Avancenytt technical archives, the boat’s deep, skeg-hung rudder provides significant directional stability and a tactile feel at the helm, which is usually a large-diameter wheel that allows the helmsman to sit well outboard for better visibility. While its narrow beam (3.25m) makes it less spacious than modern designs, it contributes to a sea-kindly motion in a head sea, slicing through waves rather than slamming into them.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Avance 36 reflects the "Finnish Quality" hallmark of the Öja Båtar shipyard. The layout is traditional, featuring a high level of hand-fitted teak joinery that creates a warm, if somewhat dark, nautical atmosphere. The standard configuration includes a V-berth forward with a closing door for privacy, followed by a head and hanging locker. The saloon utilizes the vessel's full beam with two longitudinal settees; in some versions, the backrests can be raised to create additional pilot berths, a feature common in offshore designs of that period.

The galley is located to port of the companionway, generally featuring a two-burner stove, oven, and a deep icebox. To starboard, a proper forward-facing chart table serves as the ship's command center, followed by a generous quarter berth. Headroom is respectable for a boat of this vintage, reaching approximately 1.85m in the main saloon. While the Avance 36 was the primary hull in this size range, the builder also produced the Avance 33 and the Avance 40 DH (Deck House). Although these were distinct hulls rather than variants of the 36, they shared the same Norlin design DNA and interior aesthetic, often leading buyers to view the 36 as the "sweet spot" in the range—large enough for extended coastal cruising but manageable for short-handed sailing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Avance 36 should focus on several technical areas specific to its age and construction methods:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Many Avance 36s were delivered with screw-fastened teak decks. After four decades, the bedding compound often fails, leading to moisture ingress into the balsa or foam core. A thorough moisture meter test and an inspection of the headliner for water stains are essential.
• Original Engine Health: The boats were originally fitted with Volvo Penta MD11C or MD17 engines. While these are robust, parts are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Check for heavy smoking or "mayonnaise" in the oil, which could indicate a failing head gasket or cooling jacket issues.
• Rudder Bushings: The skeg-hung rudder design is reliable, but the bushings can wear over time, leading to "clunking" or play in the steering system. This is a common point of maintenance discussed in Finnish owner circles.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are anchored to the bulkheads. Over time, leaks at the deck level can cause rot in the wooden bulkheads, compromising the structural integrity of the rig tension.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner history is Avancenytt, the official association for Avance yacht owners. This organization maintains a registry of hulls and provides a platform for owners to share maintenance tips and design modifications. The association remains active in Finland and Sweden, reflecting the boat's enduring popularity in the Nordic sailing community.

The Verdict

The Avance 36 is a sophisticated, well-built cruiser that offers a level of sailing pleasure rarely found in modern, high-volume production boats. It is best suited for the sailor who values aesthetics, windward performance, and traditional craftsmanship over interior volume and "apartment-style" living.

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with high-end Finnish joinery.
• Stiff and sea-kindly performance due to a high ballast ratio.
• Timeless aesthetic design by Peter Norlin.
• Strong, skeg-hung rudder provides safety and stability.

Cons

• Narrow interior volume compared to modern 36-footers.
• Potential for high maintenance costs if the teak deck requires replacement.
• Aging original engines may necessitate a costly repower.