Cartwright 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cartwright 36 is an ultra-heavy displacement monohull, characterized by its full keel and traditional cutter rig. With a displacement of approximately 17,150 pounds and a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio exceeding 360, it sits deep in the water and possesses significant momentum. This mass, combined with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 44%, results in a exceptionally stiff and stable platform that resists "pounding" in a seaway. Owners and technical researchers frequently describe its motion as "sea-kindly," meaning it moves with a predictable, slow cadence that minimizes crew fatigue during long passages.

Under sail, the boat’s performance reflects its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 15.1, which indicates it is technically underpowered for light-wind coastal cruising. However, in the 15-to-25 knot range where offshore cruisers typically live, the cutter rig allows for easy balancing of the sail plan. It is a legendary "tracker," holding its course with minimal helm input, which makes it an ideal candidate for windvane self-steering. The trade-off for this stability is a lack of agility; the long keel makes for a wide turning radius, and maneuvering in tight marina slips can be challenging, particularly in reverse.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cartwright 36 is designed for life at sea rather than as a "dock queen." The layout is traditional, often featuring a dedicated V-berth forward, a central salon with pull-out sea berths, and a U-shaped galley positioned near the companionway for stability while cooking underway. Because many of these boats were finished by their original owners or small custom yards, interior woodwork ranges from basic functional teak to high-grade cabinetry.

A defining characteristic of the Cartwright 36 is its flush-deck or low-profile "bubble house" design, which provides a clean, unobstructed foredeck for sail handling and ground tackle work. This architectural choice limits the amount of large side-viewing windows but increases the structural strength of the cabin top. Sibling models built on the same design philosophy include the Cartwright 40 and the larger Cartwright 44—the latter of which was produced more consistently in Whitby, Ontario, and often featured a slightly more refined finish and greater tankage for extended voyaging.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Buyers of a pre-owned Cartwright 36 should focus their inspections on the era-specific challenges of 1970s and 80s fiberglass construction:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this vintage, the Cartwright 36 utilizes a cored deck. High-signal reports from owner forums suggest that moisture intrusion around stanchions, chainplates, and the mast step can lead to core rot. A thorough "percussion test" with a phenolic hammer is essential to identify delamination.
• Encapsulated Ballast: The lead ballast is encapsulated within the keel. Inspectors should look for "keel smiles" (stress cracks) or evidence of grounding that could have breached the fiberglass skin, potentially allowing water to reach the internal structure.
• Chainplate Corrosion: Because the chainplates are often glassed-in or hidden behind interior cabinetry, they are susceptible to crevice corrosion if deck seals have failed.
• Aged Systems: Many original hulls were equipped with early-generation diesel engines (like the Perkins 4-108). While reliable, these units may require overhaul or repowering. Additionally, verify the age of the standing rigging, as many units have not been updated since their initial offshore voyages.

Community & Resources

While there is no large-scale commercial builder currently supporting the model, the Cartwright community remains active through small, dedicated cohorts in the Pacific Northwest and the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), where the model is frequently cited in equipment surveys for its overbuilt nature and suitability for remote exploration.

The Verdict

The Cartwright 36 is a "sailor’s sailboat"—a vessel designed for those who measure a boat's value by its ability to heave-to in a gale rather than its performance in a light-air regatta.

Pros:

• Extreme structural durability and "overbuilt" scantlings.
• Excellent heavy-weather motion and tracking ability.
• Efficient cutter rig for single-handed management.
• Traditional aesthetics that appeal to blue-water purists.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (below 10 knots).
• Difficult to maneuver in tight quarters due to the full keel.
• Limited natural light in the cabin compared to modern designs.
• High maintenance requirements associated with older systems and hardware.