Garrett 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

In its primary iteration as a power-driven cruiser, the Garrett 36 is defined by a stable, semi-displacement hull form that favors sea-kindliness over outright velocity. Its handling characteristics are deeply influenced by Ben Garrett’s background in sailing vessel design, resulting in a hull that tracks with precision and exhibits a gentle motion in a chop. Unlike lighter, modern planing hulls that may skip across the surface, the Garrett 36 sits "in" the water, providing a sense of security during coastal passages.

While the specific Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratios are not applicable to the powerboat configuration, the hull's displacement-to-length ratio suggests a vessel designed for "trawler-speed" efficiency. Owners often report that the boat handles best at speeds between 8 and 12 knots, where the bow wave remains manageable and fuel economy is maximized. The vessel’s maneuverability in tight quarters is typical for a single-engine or twin-engine setup of its era, though the significant windage of the sedan cabin requires an attentive hand at the helm during crosswind docking maneuvers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Garrett 36 reflects the Florida "living-aboard" philosophy of the late 20th century, emphasizing ventilation, natural light, and social space. Most models feature a traditional sedan layout, where the salon and galley are located on the same level as the cockpit, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of warm hardwoods—primarily teak—was standard, providing a level of finish that Ben Garrett felt was often missing in the larger-scale production boats of the time.

A notable sibling to this model is the larger Garrett 40, which was produced both as a power cruiser and a sailing yacht. The Garrett 36 often mirrors the 40’s "owner-centric" layout, typically featuring a single large forward master stateroom and a convertible settee in the salon. This configuration makes it an ideal platform for a couple cruising the Great Loop or the Florida Keys. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, a design choice likely influenced by the desire to compete with the airy interiors of larger cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Garrett 36 should focus their inspections on the unique challenges of Florida-built vessels of this vintage. While the hulls are generally regarded as over-built in terms of fiberglass thickness, the secondary components require scrutiny.

1. Fuel Tank Integrity: Like many boats from the 1970s and 80s, Garrett Marine often utilized aluminum or black iron fuel tanks. Given the age of these vessels, internal corrosion—especially if the tanks have been exposed to salt water in the bilge—is a common failure point. Replacing these tanks often requires significant structural work or the removal of engines.
2. Deck Core Moisture: The decks are typically balsa-cored. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test around all deck hardware, stanchion bases, and the windlass. These are common sites for water intrusion, which can lead to localized delamination and soft spots.
3. Window Leaks: The large salon windows that provide the boat’s excellent visibility are prone to sealant failure. Chronic leaks can damage the interior teak joinery and, if left unchecked, can lead to structural rot in the cabin sides.
4. Running Gear & Rudder Post: On the semi-displacement models, the rudder port and packing glands should be inspected for signs of long-term weeping. Older Garrett models may still utilize original bronze hardware that requires a thorough assessment for electrolysis or "pinking."

Community & Resources

Because Garrett Marine Inc. was a relatively small operation that ceased production decades ago, there is no formal factory-backed association. However, owners of Ben Garrett’s various designs often congregate within broader communities of Florida-built classics. Technical discussions and historical documentation are occasionally found through the Irwin Yachts Peer Group, as many Garrett 36 owners find commonalities in the engineering and design choices shared with Ben Garrett's earlier work at Irwin.

The Verdict

The Garrett 36 is a stout, sensible cruiser for the mariner who values heritage and "bones" over modern gadgetry and flash. It represents a specific era of Florida boat building where individual designers still had a heavy hand in every hull that left the shop.

Pros

• Robust, heavy-duty fiberglass layup provides a secure feeling in heavy seas.
• Excellent interior volume and headroom for a 36-foot vessel.
• The sedan layout is ideally suited for coastal cruising and warm-weather climates.
• High value-to-cost ratio compared to more "famous" name-brand trawlers.

Cons

• Information and original technical manuals are extremely difficult to locate.
• Aging fuel tanks and deck cores may require significant capital investment.
• Limited speed potential compared to modern planing-hull cruisers.
• The defunct status of the builder means no OEM parts are available.