Design and Construction
The Oceanis 36 CC’s hull began as the First 36 performance cruiser, and that lineage shows in a narrow entry, a relatively straight-sided forebody, and a graceful transition to wide-bodied midsections. The 36.42-foot LOA sits on a 31.16-foot waterline with a 12.5-foot beam, and the keel is iron—a 5-foot-2-inch wing keel per Practical Sailor, or a 5-foot max draft from the recorded specifications. Hulls are hand-laid in a female mold using vinylester resin in the skin to combat osmosis and polyester resin through the rest of the structure, while the deck uses an end-grain balsa core. Armel Briand’s exterior styling is marked by a faceted transom, a subdued blister house line, and an elongated hull port. The ballast-to-displacement ratio is a modest 31 percent, with a displacement of about 13,300 pounds giving a displacement-length ratio near 197.
Rig and Handling
The rig is a standard, if slightly short, masthead configuration carrying a 258-square-foot mainsail and a genoa that makes up 60 percent of the overall sail area; a furling mainsail and genoa were standard. Sail-area-to-displacement sits at a reported 18.09, with Practical Sailor calling the earlier calculated 15.65 lackluster. Under sail she reaches and runs with good quickness and goes to weather better than most similar boats, yet 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, though specifications also list a 28-horsepower Volvo Penta MD2030 as the installed engine; sources differ on the as-delivered engine.
Accommodations
Practical Sailor found her accommodations exceptional, and for people under six feet the boat offers more living space than any comparable-size vessel the publication had seen—roomy, attractive, practical, and functional for cruising or living aboard. Headroom is limited to 6 feet 1 inch overall, with 6-foot 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, with the aft cabin configured as a master with settee, vanity mirror, and hanging locker. Forward to starboard is a generous head and shower, while the galley runs along the port side outboard of the passageway, affording six feet of counter and well designed for work at sea. The engine room beneath the companionway is much bigger than most, with superior access to filters, injectors, and oil fill.
Known Issues
The known construction facts—balsa-cored deck and vinylester-skinned hull against osmosis—are stated as built specification rather than reported trouble.
Refits and Ownership
The standard furling main and genoa, generous engine access, and large engine room make routine service straightforward. The 110-gallon water and 40-gallon fuel capacities support extended cruising, and the iron wing keel’s modest draft broadens shallow-water access. The slightly short rig and limited upwind ability are inherent; owners seeking more drive might look to recutting headsails rather than expecting a transformation.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 36 CC is a thoughtfully executed center-cockpit cruiser that trades outright upwind bite for volume, access, and a civilized deck profile. She suits a couple or two-cabin private cruising more than the racing line, and her accommodations remain a benchmark for the size.
Pros
- Exceptional accommodations for under-six-foot sailors, with wide berths and a true master aft cabin
- Large, accessible engine room with superior service access
- Hull derived from a performance cruiser, with quick reaching and running
- Balsa-cored deck and 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
