Design and Construction
The hull is solid fiberglass with a long keel whose iron ballast gives a 31 percent ballast ratio, categorizing the design among heavy cruisers by displacement-length measure. At a length-to-beam ratio of 3.60 the hull is slimmer than 79 percent of comparable sailboat designs, and the wetted surface runs about 344 square feet. The builder described faultless teak joinery throughout, from the louvered companionway doors to the hand-carved forward-cabin door, with a teak parquet sole underscoring the old-world aesthetic. The form reads from bow pulpit to a graceful wineglass stern, and the binnacle carries a solid teak rim around the stainless wheel.
Rig and Sail Plan
The Magellan 36 is built with a ketch rig and a revised sailplan over the original Angelman drawing, with stainless rigging and dependable quality winches specified by the builder. Sheet sizing from period estimates runs to a 42-foot jib and genoa sheet at 14 mm diameter, a 105-foot mainsheet, and a 92-foot spinnaker sheet of the same diameter. Under power the theoretical displacement hull speed is 7.1 knots, while the calculated maximum under engine is about 5.1 knots. The capsize screening value is 1.84 and the Motion Comfort Ratio of 29.5 places it more comfortable than 46 percent of similar designs, as assessed by yachtdatabase.com anchor.
Accommodations
Below, the layout favors enclosed warmth and stowage over open-plan modernity. The galley sits to port with a stainless three-burner and glass-door oven, dish racks, pot and pan stowage, spice cabinet, and a deep stainless sink served by both manual and pressure taps. To starboard a roomy locker and wide quarter berth anchor the aft end. The salon dinette wraps a teak table seating six in panelled teak with turned fiddles and lattice-door bins; the starboard bench adds seating and converts to a guest berth alongside the settee. A second hanging locker sits forward of the bench settee, with bin and long-drawer stowage under the settee. The forward cabin is the owner's hideaway with ample hanging locker, drawers, bins, extra-large V-berths merging into a double with a filler cushion, and reading lights with fiddle shelves per berth. The head carries a linen locker, medicine chest, large mirror, and a shower that delivers a hot shower in port. Fresh water capacity is 33 US gallons and fuel capacity is 33 US gallons per the manufacturer spec anchor. The draft is just about 4.99 to 5.29 feet dependent on the load anchor.
Engine and Systems
A 36 HP Volvo 17C diesel sits behind a galley-counter and forward panel that remove for complete access anchor, leaving the engine and shaft log fully exposed for service without contortion. Sound-absorbing insulation around the enclosure quiets operation, and a hand crank allows manual starting if batteries are depleted. Bronze seacocks are fitted on all thru-hulls, and bilge protection pairs a manual gusher pump with an automatic electric unit. A chart table stands at the navigation station.
The Verdict
The Chung Hwa 36 is a heavily built, narrow-beamed long-keel ketch whose traditional teak interior and practical engine access reward the cruiser who values stowage and self-sufficiency over pace. Its comfort and ballast figures place it mid-pack among similar cruisers rather than exceptional, but the execution of accommodation and the manual-start diesel are enduring strengths.
Pros
- Complete engine exposure and manual-start capability via hand crank
- Traditional teak joinery and dense stowage from forward cabin to salon
- Bronze seacocks on all thru-hulls with redundant bilge pumps
Cons
- Slimmer and less ballast-heavy than most peers by comparative ratios
- Motion Comfort Ratio beats only 46 percent of similar designs
