Design and Construction
The Mahe 36’s chassis is laminated by infusion, while the cabin roof is produced by injection. This combination still delivers good build quality, although Multihulls World noted that the boat contains numerous added modules and that some could have been assembled more carefully.
The windscreen and hull portholes cleverly reduce the perceived height of both the cabin roof and the freeboard. They give this compact catamaran a lower, more deliberate stance than its dimensions suggest.
At 36 feet, the Mahe 36 displaces roughly 11,000 pounds. It has a 19.4-foot beam and a 3.6-foot draft.
Rig and Handling
The Mahe 36 carries a fractional sloop rig on a 55-foot mast, with about 700 square feet of sail. Its Joubert-and-Nivelt underwater lines help it swallow up the miles at good speed. The boat is also comfortable both at sea and at anchor.
Deck and Accommodations
Real sugar scoops provide good access aboard, a genuine advantage on a catamaran only 36 feet long. The anchoring equipment is also easy to reach within this practical layout, supporting straightforward deck work from the scoops forward.
Inside, the Mahe 36 is simple and welcoming. It is better described as cosy, pleasant, and convivial than expansive or opulent.
Ownership Notes
The modular construction means owners should expect a structure made from many fitted components rather than a fully monocoque interior. Some joinery interfaces are worth examining carefully during a survey.
The infusion-built chassis and injected roof represented a modern production approach for the era, but the numerous added modules remain the defining feature of the boat’s construction.
The Verdict
The Mahe 36 is a successful small catamaran that combines a determined profile with genuine cruising comfort. Its infusion-built chassis and clever glazing keep the cabin from looking 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. Buyers should weigh that against the boat’s convivial interior, sea-kindly manner, and comfort at anchor.
Pros
- Infusion-built chassis with an injected cabin roof
- Sugar scoops provide excellent access on a 36-foot catamaran
- Clever windscreen and porthole design reduces the cabin’s perceived height
- Comfortable at sea and at anchor
- Cosy, pleasant, and convivial interior
Cons
- Numerous added modules, some of which could have been assembled more carefully
