Design and Construction
The Mahe 36’s chassis is built using lamination by infusion, while the cabin roof is produced by injection anchor. This separated construction still yields good build quality, though Multihulls World observed that the boat is made up of numerous added modules and that the assembly of certain of them could be more careful. The clever design of the windscreen and hull portholes reduces the perceived height of both the cabin roof and the freeboard, giving the compact catamaran a lower, more deliberate stance than its dimensions suggest.
Rig and Handling
At 36 feet and roughly 11,000 pounds displacement with a 19.4-foot beam and 3.6-foot draft, the Mahe 36 carries a fractional sloop rig on a 55-foot mast with about 700 square feet of sail. The underwater lines shaped by Joubert and Nivelt give it the ability to swallow up the miles at good speed, and the boat is comfortable both at sea and at anchor.
Accommodations
Real sugar scoops provide good accessibility aboard, a genuine advantage on a catamaran only 36 feet long anchor. The interior is simple and welcoming, described as cosy, pleasant and convivial rather than expansive or opulent. The easily accessible anchoring equipment sits within that practical layout, supporting straightforward deck work from the scoops forward.
Ownership Notes
The build’s modular assembly means an owner should expect a structure of many fitted components rather than a fully monocoque interior, with some joinery interfaces worth a careful look during survey. The infusion-built chassis and injected roof represent a modern production approach for the era, but the numerous added modules remain the defining character of the construction.
The Verdict
The Mahe 36 is a successful small catamaran that pairs a determined profile with real cruising comfort. Its infusion-built chassis and clever glazing keep the cabin from feeling tall or boxy, while the sugar scoops make boarding and anchoring genuinely easy on a 36-footer. The modular build is good but not seamless, and a buyer should weigh that against the boat’s otherwise convivial interior and sea-kindly manner.
Pros
- Infusion-built chassis with injected cabin roof
- Sugar scoops give excellent accessibility on a 36-foot catamaran
- Clever windscreen and porthole design lowers perceived cabin height
- Comfortable at sea and at anchor
- Cosy, pleasant and convivial interior
Cons
- Build made of numerous added modules with some less careful assembly
