Cnso Shogun Information, Review, Specs

The boat features a fiberglass hull with a structural inner liner, a design choice by CNSO that provided a clean interior finish while adding rigidity. While CNSO is no longer in operation, the Shogun remains a fixture in the Mediterranean and European brokerage markets, often sought out by sailors looking for a "go-anywhere" platform that can be acquired for a relatively modest initial investment compared to its contemporaries from Jeanneau or Beneteau.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Shogun is characterized by a "semi-long" keel and a rudder mounted on a robust skeg, a configuration that prioritizes directional stability and protects the steering gear from submerged debris. With a displacement of approximately 6,600 kg (14,550 lbs) and a ballast of 2,500 kg, the boat has a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 38%, which translates to a stiff, predictable motion in a seaway. According to technical specifications from Boatsector, the masthead sloop rig carries 58.99 m² (635 sq ft) of sail, resulting in a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 16.7. This identifies the Shogun as a moderate-displacement cruiser; it is not a light-air specialist, but it carries enough canvas to maintain momentum in moderate breezes.

In heavy weather, the Shogun is noted for its "sea-kindliness," a term often used by owners to describe its ability to shoulder through waves without the jarring motion typical of flatter-bottomed modern designs. The deep, compact cockpit is designed for offshore security, though it can feel cramped for a large crew during social day sails. Most controls are led back to the cockpit, a modern touch for the early 80s that facilitates short-handed sailing.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Shogun was remarkably spacious for its time, utilizing its nearly 12-foot beam to create an open, airy living space. The layout typically consists of a traditional forward V-berth and a surprisingly large aft cabin, which was a luxury in 35-foot boats of this era. The main saloon features opposing settees with a central drop-leaf table, capable of converting into two additional sea berths.

Technical drawings show an L-shaped galley to port, equipped with a two-burner stove and oven, while a dedicated navigation station sits to starboard. The use of a full interior liner means that the "nooks and crannies" often found in 1970s boats are replaced by smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, though this can sometimes make access to the bare hull for inspections more difficult. The Shogun "Export" variant occasionally appears in regional markets, sometimes featuring upgraded joinery or different tankage capacities for long-range cruising, though the core hull and rig remain identical across the production run.

Sibling Models

The Shogun belongs to a family of CNSO yachts that defined French production boatbuilding in the 1970s and 80s. Its most direct relative is the Karate (9.95m), which shared the Bigouin/Duvergie design DNA but offered less interior volume. On the larger end of the spectrum, the CNSO Mikado 56 served as the flagship of the yard, embodying the same philosophy of heavy-duty construction on a much grander scale. Other siblings built on the same principles include the Daimio and the Super Daimio, which catered to the entry-level coastal cruising market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many French hulls of the late 70s and early 80s, CNSO boats are known to be susceptible to osmosis. A professional survey should include a moisture meter check of the hull, especially near the waterline.
• Deck-to-Hull Joinery: The Shogun features a wide coaming and wide side decks. Buyers should inspect the stanchion bases and the hull-deck joint for leaks, which can lead to moisture in the balsa core of the deck or damage to the interior wood.
• Engine Maintenance: Many original models were fitted with the Perkins 4-108 diesel engine. While these are considered "bulletproof," at 40+ years old, they often suffer from oil leaks and cooling system scale buildup.
• Rudder Skeg Integrity: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety feature, but the bushings and the attachment points of the skeg to the hull should be checked for "play" or structural stress cracks.

The Verdict

The CNSO Shogun is a quintessential "old-school" cruiser that offers a level of structural confidence often missing in modern, lightweight designs. It is an ideal choice for a couple or small family intending to undertake extended coastal or blue-water passages.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and seaworthiness in heavy weather.
• Generous interior volume with a genuine two-cabin layout.
• Skeg-protected rudder for offshore peace of mind.
• Strong value-to-size ratio on the used market.

Cons

• Heavy displacement makes it sluggish in light winds (under 10 knots).
• High potential for osmosis in older, untreated hulls.
• Limited manufacturer support due to the builder being defunct.