Sailing Performance & Handling
The Beason 36 is widely regarded by owners for its impressive upwind capabilities and exceptional tracking. Utilizing a 7/8 fractional rig and a keel-stepped mast, the boat offers a more tunable and responsive sail plan than many of its masthead-rigged contemporaries. Its displacement of approximately 5,000 to 5,500 kg, paired with a significant lead keel of roughly 2,200 kg, results in a high ballast ratio that lends the vessel a stiff, powerful feel in a breeze.
Under sail, the boat is known to be well-balanced and "course stable," a trait often attributed to the hull's fine entry and Andersson’s focus on underwater foils. While many cruiser-racers of this period suffered from excessive weather helm when pressed, the Beason 36 remains manageable, though it rewards active trimming. The fractional rig allows for easier headsail handling, as the genua is generally smaller than those found on older masthead sloops, making the boat a viable candidate for short-handed coastal cruising or club racing.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Beason 36 reflects the high standard of Swedish joinery typical of the early 1980s. The layout is traditional yet functional, designed to accommodate a crew of six during a race or a family for extended cruising. Upon entering the companionway, the galley is typically located to the side, featuring an L-shaped configuration that provides security for the cook while underway. Opposite the galley, a dedicated navigation station serves as the hub for ship electronics.
The salon is dominated by a large L-shaped settee and a central table, often finished in rich teak or mahogany. A key feature of the 36-foot hull is the inclusion of an aft cabin, which provides a level of privacy not found in the smaller Beason 31. The forward section of the boat contains a V-berth and a head compartment located between the salon and the forepeak. Because the boat was later rebranded as the Compis 36 and Mamba 36, buyers may encounter slight variations in cabinetry and upholstery materials, but the fundamental spatial ergonomics remain consistent across all three iterations.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
When inspecting a Beason 36, particular attention should be paid to the structural components and age-related wear common to Swedish builds of this vintage.
- Sandwich Core Deck: The deck and hull are constructed using a sandwich method, often with a balsa or foam core. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step to check for delamination or water ingress, which can compromise the deck's rigidity.
- Mast Step and Compression: Because the mast is keel-stepped, the mast foot and the structural members it sits upon should be inspected for signs of corrosion or compression. Any sagging in the deck or difficulty opening the head door can be an indicator of mast-related structural movement.
- Engine Maintenance: Many original units were equipped with Yanmar or Volvo Penta engines from the early 80s. Prospective owners should check the service history of the saildrive diaphragm (if equipped) and look for signs of "exhaust elbow" corrosion, which is a common failure point on these older marine diesels.
- Keel Bolts: Given the boat’s age and performance pedigree, the lead keel's attachment points should be inspected for "smile" cracks at the hull-keel joint, which may indicate a history of groundings or the need for re-torquing the keel bolts.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for information on this model is the Swedish sailing community, where the boat is most prevalent. Technical data and historical context are frequently archived by the Swedish Sailguide community and various owner groups dedicated to Bernt Andersson designs. While there is no longer an active manufacturer website, the legacy of the design continues through the Compis and Mamba associations, which share technical cross-compatibility for spare parts and rigging specifications.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Strong upwind performance and excellent stability in heavy weather.
- High-quality Scandinavian craftsmanship with a classic aesthetic.
- Spacious interior for its class, featuring a functional aft cabin.
- Fractional rig provides modern handling characteristics and easier sail management.
Cons:
- Potential for core saturation in decks if hardware was not properly bedded.
- Original engines and plumbing systems likely require modernization.
- Relatively narrow beam compared to modern high-volume cruisers.
