Centurion 36 Information, Review, Specs

The model was part of a prestigious lineage that included the larger Centurion 40 and 42, all sharing the same Dubois design language: a balanced hull, a relatively low-profile coachroof, and a powerful masthead rig. Unlike the mass-produced French yachts of the same era, the Centurion 36 was produced in limited numbers—approximately 160 units—ensuring a level of craftsmanship and exclusivity that remains a hallmark of the Wauquiez brand.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Centurion 36 is widely regarded as a "sailor's boat," characterized by its stiffness and ability to maintain high average speeds in a variety of conditions. With a Displacement/Length ratio that leans toward the moderate-heavy side and a generous ballast ratio (often exceeding 40% with its lead keel), the boat feels exceptionally secure in heavy air. According to historical technical reviews from the era, the Dubois-designed hull features a fine entry that slices through chop without the pounding associated with flatter-bottomed modern designs.

The boat’s tracking is aided by a deep, high-aspect spade rudder and a well-profiled fin keel, which provide a precise feel at the helm. While it lacks the ultimate downwind speed of modern wide-sterned racing yachts, the Centurion 36 excels on a beat, pointing high and maintaining momentum through tacks. The deck layout is optimized for short-handed sailing, with primary winches positioned within reach of the helm, reflecting the yard's focus on serious offshore cruising where a small crew must manage the vessel in all weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Wauquiez heritage, the interior of the Centurion 36 is a masterclass in traditional joinery, utilizing solid teak and high-quality veneers that are rarely seen in contemporary production boats. The layout is a classic two-cabin configuration: a forward V-berth and a surprisingly spacious aft cabin located to the port side, tucked under the cockpit. The L-shaped galley is positioned to starboard, featuring deep sinks and adequate refrigeration for extended voyaging.

One of the defining features of this model is the "Centurion finish," which includes rounded edges, robust handrails for safety at sea, and high-grade upholstery (often Alcantara in later models). Headroom is generous for a 36-foot boat, measuring approximately 6'2" in the main salon. While the Centurion 36 did not have the "Pilot Saloon" windows found on later Wauquiez models, its numerous opening ports and deck hatches provide sufficient ventilation. Sibling models, such as the Centurion 40, offered a three-cabin layout, but the 36 was intentionally kept to two cabins to maximize the size of the heads and the navigation station, which is a full-sized forward-facing desk capable of housing modern electronics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Centurion 36 should focus on a few specific areas identified by long-term owners and technical surveyors.

1. Teak Deck Integrity: Most Centurion 36s were delivered with hand-laid teak decks. These were screwed and glued into a balsa-cored fiberglass deck. After 30 years, the balsa core is susceptible to moisture ingress if the screw holes or caulking have failed. A professional moisture meter test is essential.
2. Grid-to-Hull Bonding: Wauquiez utilized a robust internal grid system to distribute rigging and keel loads. While generally overbuilt, any history of grounding can cause stress fractures or delamination where the grid meets the hull, particularly around the keel bolts.
3. Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder on the Centurion 36 is high-load. Owners have frequently noted that the original bearings can develop play over time, leading to a "knocking" feel at the helm that requires replacement with modern self-aligning bearings.
4. Engine Access: While the Volvo Penta or Yanmar engines typically found in these boats are reliable, access is primarily from the front (behind the companionway steps), with limited side access, which can make servicing the heat exchanger or exhaust elbow difficult.

Community & Resources

The Centurion 36 is supported by a dedicated international community. The "Wauquiez Owners Info" technical wiki and the "Wauquiez Forever" association are the primary repositories for technical manuals, original brochures, and maintenance advice. These organizations frequently organize rendezvous in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, where many of these boats are still actively cruised.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 36 is an exceptional choice for the cruising couple who prioritizes build quality and sailing performance over maximum interior volume. It is a "modern classic" that bridges the gap between the heavy-built boats of the 70s and the performance cruisers of today.

Pros:

• Superb Dubois-designed hull that excels in windward performance.
• Exceptional interior joinery and material quality that outclasses modern production boats.
• Overbuilt structural components and a lead keel provide peace of mind for offshore work.
• Balanced aesthetics that remain timeless.

Cons:

• Maintenance of aging teak decks can be prohibitively expensive.
• Cockpit space is tight compared to modern wide-beam cruisers.
• Limited engine access for major mechanical overhauls.