Hinterhoeller Nonsuch 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing experience of the Nonsuch 36 is defined by its unstayed carbon fiber or aluminum mast and its distinctive wishbone boom. This configuration eliminates the need for a forestay, backstay, or shrouds, allowing for a remarkably clean deck and a sail plan that can be controlled entirely from the cockpit. According to technical reviews from the International Nonsuch Association, the boat’s performance is counterintuitive to those used to sloops; it is exceptionally fast off the wind and surprisingly capable on a reach, though it lacks the extreme pointing ability of a modern fin-keel sloop.

With a Displacement-to-Length ratio of approximately 218 and a Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio in the mid-17s, the 36 is not a light-air drifter, but it carries its momentum well in a seaway. The boat’s "sea-kindliness" is a result of its significant 12-foot 7-inch beam and a hull shape that provides immense initial stability. Handling the 584-square-foot mainsail is facilitated by the wishbone boom, which acts as a permanent vang, maintaining sail shape across various points of sail. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well under autopilot, though the large spade rudder requires a firm hand when overpowered. A common performance note found in editorial reviews by Good Old Boat suggests that reefing early—typically around 15 to 18 knots of apparent wind—is essential to keep the boat upright and minimize weather helm.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Nonsuch 36 is where the "cat-boat" geometry provides the greatest dividends. Because the mast is stepped in the extreme bow, the entire length of the hull is available for living space. The "Classic" layout is famous for its open-concept feel, featuring a massive main saloon with two pull-out transitional berths and a large galley located aft. The head is notably spacious for a 36-footer, often including a separate stall shower—a rarity in this size class during the 1980s.

Hinterhoeller also produced a "Posterior" or "354/324" style evolution in later years across the range, though most 36s follow the traditional open plan that prioritizes airflow and social space. The joinery is typically teak, executed to a standard that rivals high-end semi-custom builders. The sibling models in the Nonsuch line—including the smaller 26 and 30, the later 33, and the flagship 40—all share this "big boat feel," but the 36 is often cited as the "sweet spot" in the range, offering true blue-water tankage and storage capacity without the docking complexities of the 40.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nonsuch 36 has earned a "cult classic" status within the North American cruising community. It is frequently featured in technical retrospectives by Practical Sailor as a premier choice for aging sailors or shorthanded couples who wish to continue cruising without the physical strain of grinding large primary winches or managing headsails. Its unique silhouette makes it one of the most recognizable hulls in any harbor, often serving as the primary example of "modern cat-boat" design in naval architecture textbooks.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Nonsuch 36 with a specific technical checklist, as the unstayed rig places unique stresses on the hull:

• Mast Step and Collar: The mast wedge system and the deck partner area should be inspected for stress cracks or signs of movement. On aluminum-masted models, check for galvanic corrosion where the mast meets the steel step.
• Wishbone Hangers: The hardware that attaches the wishbone boom to the mast is a high-load point. Inspect the "cradle" and the associated blocks for elongation or metal fatigue.
• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the deck is balsa-cored. Use a moisture meter around the stanchion bases and the large forward deck hatch, as leaks here can lead to localized delamination.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the high torque loads from the large sail plan, the spade rudder bearings can develop play over time.
• Sail Condition: Because the boat relies on a single sail, its condition is paramount. A "blown-out" sail will significantly increase weather helm and make the boat difficult to handle in a breeze.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for the model is the International Nonsuch Association (INA). This organization maintains an exhaustive technical library and a database of hull-specific modifications. They provide essential support for sourcing parts that are no longer in production, such as specific wishbone fittings or mast collars.

The Verdict

The Nonsuch 36 remains a premier choice for sailors who value interior volume and mechanical simplicity over traditional sloop aesthetics. It is a robust, Canadian-built cruiser that handles coastal and offshore conditions with poise, provided the skipper respects its unique sail-handling requirements.

Pros:

• Enormous interior volume equivalent to much larger yachts.
• Extreme simplicity of sail handling with no headsails to tack.
• High-quality Hinterhoeller construction and teak joinery.
• Exceptional stability and comfort in a seaway.

Cons:

• Does not point as high into the wind as a modern sloop.
• The large mainsail can be heavy to hoist without an electric winch.
• The unconventional look is polarizing to traditionalists.
• The unstayed mast requires specialized inspection and knowledge.