What center-cockpit boats do well, the Oceanis 36 CC does remarkably well. Practical Sailor also judged her a better sailboat than boats of her type have tended to be.
Design and Construction
The hull’s First 36 lineage shows in its narrow entry, relatively straight-sided forebody, and graceful transition to wide-bodied midsections. Armel Briand’s exterior styling adds a faceted transom, a subdued blister-house line, and an elongated hull port.
The Oceanis 36 CC measures 36.42 feet LOA, with a 31.16-foot waterline and a 12.5-foot beam. Displacement is about 13,300 pounds, giving a displacement-length ratio near 197. The ballast-to-displacement ratio is a modest 31 percent.
The keel is iron. Practical Sailor describes it as a 5-foot-2-inch wing keel, while the recorded specifications give a maximum draft of 5 feet.
The hulls were hand-laid in a female mold using vinylester resin in the skin to combat osmosis, with polyester resin used through the rest of the structure. The deck has an end-grain balsa core.
Rig, Sailing, and Power
The slightly short masthead rig carries a 258-square-foot mainsail. The genoa accounts for 60 percent of the total sail area, and both furling mainsail and genoa were standard.
The reported sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 18.09; Practical Sailor called the earlier calculated figure of 15.65 lackluster. Under sail, the Oceanis 36 CC reaches and runs with good quickness. She also goes to weather better than most similar boats, though she still falls short of being a good upwind performer.
Under power, a 27-horsepower Yanmar diesel pushed her easily to the 7.48-knot hull speed, with throttle in reserve. However, the specifications also list a 28-horsepower Volvo Penta MD2030 as the installed engine, so sources differ on the as-delivered engine.
Accommodations
Practical Sailor found the accommodations exceptional. For sailors under six feet tall, the Oceanis 36 CC offers more living space than any comparable-size vessel the publication had seen. The interior is roomy, attractive, practical, and functional for cruising or living aboard.
Overall headroom is limited to 6 feet 1 inch, with 6 feet of clearance in the head and galley passageway. Both platform double berths are wide but short: 6 feet 2 inches aft and a tapered 6 feet 4 inches forward.
The aft cabin serves as the master, with a settee, vanity mirror, and hanging locker. Forward, to starboard, is a generous head and shower. The galley runs along the port side, outboard of the passageway, and provides six feet of counter space. It’s also well designed for working at sea.
Beneath the companionway, the engine room is much larger than most and gives superior access to the filters, injectors, and oil fill.
Cruising and Ownership
The boat carries 110 gallons of water and 40 gallons of fuel, capacities that support extended cruising. The iron wing keel’s modest draft also broadens access to shallow water.
Routine service is straightforward thanks to the large engine room and generous engine access. The standard furling mainsail and genoa simplify sail handling.
The slightly short rig and limited upwind ability are inherent characteristics. Owners looking for more drive might consider recutting the headsails rather than expecting a transformation.
Known Construction Details
The balsa-cored deck and vinylester-skinned hull, intended to resist osmosis, are known as-built specifications rather than reported problems.
Verdict
The Oceanis 36 CC is a thoughtfully executed center-cockpit cruiser that trades outright upwind bite for interior volume, good access, and a civilized deck profile. She’s better suited to a cruising couple or private two-cabin use than to racing, and her accommodations remain a benchmark for the size.
Pros
- Exceptional accommodations for sailors under six feet, with wide berths and a true aft master cabin
- Large engine room with superior service access
- Hull derived from a performance cruiser, with quick reaching and running
- Balsa-cored deck and an osmosis-resistant vinylester hull skin as built
Cons
- Modest 31 percent ballast ratio and lackluster sail-area-to-displacement limit upwind performance
- Limited headroom for taller sailors
- Short rig reduces light-air drive
