Design and Construction
Dehler built the 36 SQ as a rugged monocoque structure: the hull and deck are crafted from a balsa-core sandwich, and the hull/deck joint is secured with FRP laminate while both parts remain in the mold, a method that yields a continuous fiberglass bond rather than a bolted seam. Hand-layup techniques were used throughout, and stainless-steel hardware is fastened to aluminum flat stock bonded inside the deck, with thread sealant applied to tame corrosion between dissimilar metals and seawater. The result is a structure rated for offshore category A service, with effective nonskid on the well-designed main deck underfoot.
Rig and Performance
The boat carries a powerful 9/10ths fractional rig with a 737-square-foot working sail plan, including a 414-square-foot mainsail, and a sail area-to-displacement ratio just over 21 that explains her lively pace. In 8 to 10 knots of true wind, test sailors found her close-reaching at 6 to 7 knots, and writing in Yachting Monthly, reviewers noted she is very responsive on the helm and rewards attention to sail trim, with the ability to power to windward that appeals to performance-minded owners. That same responsiveness means some people may find her a bit of a handful in a blow, and she has a tendency to slam in steep, short seas. The big main reefs efficiently, and a company representative stated that with a furling mainsail or all-lines-aft running rigging a crewmember did not need to climb on the coachroof while under way. Under auxiliary power, a 27-horsepower Volvo sail-drive tucked beneath the companionway steps delivered 6.4 knots at a fuel-saving 2,200 rpm.
Accommodations
Below, the Dehler 36 trades volume for speed: she offers smaller accommodation than a typical high-volume cruiser, with tight stowage and a small chart table, yet the saloon looks spacious, bright and attractive with a dinette that seats five. A double vee-berth sits in the forepeak and a double cabin aft of the companionway, while beneath the cockpit there is space for a double berth placed alongside a utility area, or in an alternative layout, a pair of aft double berths. The galley is a good size and practical at sea, and opening ports are a plus at anchor, though the boat is not optimized for warm-weather ventilation when under way. Storage space is more in keeping with short-term cruises than a liveaboard lifestyle, and modest tankage reinforces that short-range character.
Known Issues
Two detail points deserve a buyer's attention. The sail-drive installation carries the inherent potential for corrosion among dissimilar metals, a known trait of the configuration. On deck, much of the coachroof surface was slick gelcoat rather than the nonskid used on the main deck, so footing there is less secure than on the working surfaces.
The Verdict
The Dehler 36 SQ is a thoughtfully engineered cruiser-racer: a light-displacement Judel/Vrolijk hull with a monocoque balsa-core structure and a powerful fractional rig that sails quickly and steers responsively, yet she asks for sail-trim discipline and gives up belowdecks volume and tankage to do it. She suits a two-up crew or short-term cruiser more than a liveaboard, and the slick coachroof and sail-drive corrosion potential are the watch items.
Pros
- Rugged monocoque hull/deck structure with balsa-core sandwich and Category A offshore rating
- Powerful 9/10ths rig with efficient reefing and strong windward performance
- Responsive helm that rewards trim; easily sailed two-up
- Well-designed main deck with effective nonskid and rugged lifeline stanchions
Cons
- Slick gelcoat coachroof surface instead of nonskid
- Sail-drive corrosion potential among dissimilar metals
- Tight stowage, modest tankage, and limited liveaboard suitability
- Can be a handful in heavy air and tends to slam in steep, short seas
