EO 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Julian Everitt’s design philosophy has long been centered on the concept of "low-drag" hull forms, and the EO 36 is a textbook example of this approach. The yacht features a moderate displacement-to-length ratio that allows it to carry its momentum through a chop, a characteristic often missing in lighter, modern production boats. According to technical insights from Julian Everitt Design, the EO range was developed to provide high initial stability and efficient windward performance without the drag penalties associated with excessive beam.

On the water, the EO 36 is known for its balanced helm and exceptional tracking. Because the rudder is a high-aspect spade design, the boat remains responsive even when well-heeled. The sail area-to-displacement ratio is generous, ensuring the boat does not "stick" in light winds, yet the hull’s refined entry allows it to slice through head seas rather than slamming. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff," a result of a well-engineered ballast ratio that allows for a full press of sail long after competitors have been forced to reef.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the EO 36 reflects the boutique nature of its builder, EO Marine. While larger manufacturers moved toward modular, liner-based interiors, the EO 36 utilized more traditional joinery, often finished in high-grade teak or mahogany veneers. The layout is optimized for life at sea, featuring a deep, secure U-shaped galley to port and a substantial, forward-facing navigation station to starboard—a feature highly prized by offshore navigators.

The standard configuration includes a comfortable V-berth forward and a large aft cabin that extends under the cockpit sole. The salon is characterized by its linear or U-shaped settees (depending on the specific hull number) and excellent handhold placement for moving about in a seaway. The EO 36 was part of a cohesive family of designs; its siblings include the smaller EO 32 and the larger EO 38. While the 32 is a more compact coastal cruiser and the 38 offers a more expansive tri-cabin layout, the EO 36 is widely considered the "sweet spot" of the range, offering the best balance of manageable handling for a couple and sufficient waterline length for serious passage-making.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an EO 36 should focus their inspections on several age-related and design-specific areas typical of high-performance yachts from the late 1980s:

• Rudder Post and Bearings: As a performance-oriented spade rudder, the assembly is subject to significant stress. Check for lateral play in the rudder post and inspect the internal structure for signs of "wicking" or moisture ingress around the tube.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many yachts of this period, the EO 36 utilizes a sandwich construction for the deck to save weight. Areas around high-load deck hardware (cleats, winches, and the mast step) should be tested with a moisture meter and a percussion hammer to identify delamination or core rot.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the boat’s performance pedigree, it is essential to inspect the keel bolts and the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-hull join. Julian Everitt designs are robust, but years of racing loads or a previous grounding can stress the floor timbers.
• Engine Access: The engine is typically located under the companionway. While standard maintenance points are accessible, major repairs can be tight due to the narrowness of the performance-oriented hull sections in the aft.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and historical context for this model is the designer himself. Julian Everitt Design maintains a digital archive of his past work, including the EO range, providing a valuable link for owners seeking original sail plans or displacement data. While there is no longer a dedicated formal class association, the "Everitt" name carries significant weight in UK sailing circles, and technical discussions are frequently found within broader UK-based yachting communities such as the PBO (Practical Boat Owner) reader forums.

The Verdict

The EO 36 is an "under-the-radar" gem for the experienced sailor who values performance and build quality over the cavernous (but often slower) interiors of modern mass-market cruisers. It remains a handsome, fast, and sea-kindly yacht that holds its value well among those who recognize the Everitt pedigree.

Pros

• Exceptional light-air performance and windward pointing ability.
• High-quality interior joinery compared to modern production standards.
• Balanced, responsive handling that rewards an active trimmer.

Cons

• Rare on the second-hand market, particularly outside of the UK.
• Cockpit and interior volume are tighter than modern "wide-beam" 36-footers.
• Older GRP hulls require diligent inspection for osmosis and deck core moisture.