Islander Freeport 36 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for an Islander Freeport 36 means chasing a Robert Perry cruiser that Islander Yachts built from 1976 to 1982, with only about 150 to 200 ever completed. The "Freeport 36" name is its own design and must not be confused with the unrelated Islander 36 or the later Freeport 38C that reused this hull under a new deck. A used example rewards a careful look at the deck-saloon layout and the few wear points the record shows.
Layouts on the Used Market
Most boats you meet will be the popular "plan B" arrangement: an aft owner's cabin to port with a double berth and drawers beneath, double cedar-lined hanging lockers to starboard, and a bureau between them. The forward end is given entirely to a head with a shower in the open space, while the saloon carries a fold-down dining table under a raised coach roof. The galley has a pull-out cutting board, a trash-bag slot by the sink, and dish stowage. A fold-down stern swim step that doubles as a helm seat is a notable exterior feature. Remember that the large salon port lights are fixed and will not open, shaping how the boat breathes in warm weather.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Boats on the market commonly carry radar, autopilot, a freezer, AIS, and a chartplotter as factory or dealer-fit navigation and cruising gear. Often-seen additions cluster around energy and sail handling: heating, solar panels, lithium batteries, a spinnaker, bimini, dodger, and a short-handed setup. For a buyer, the navigation cluster means the boat is likely ready for offshore passage work, while the energy and canvas upgrades reduce generator dependence and make cockpit life tolerable in sun and spray. A spinnaker and simplified rigging point to owners who sailed her actively rather than left her at the dock.
What to Inspect
The port lights in the deck saloon are fixed and do not open, so confirm during a viewing that the buyer accepts passive ventilation only in the main cabin anchor. The insulated hull and zippered headliner noted on a 1978 example should be checked where accessible: lift locker linings to see that insulation remains dry and odor-free, and test the headliner zips so deck-hardware access is not defeated by rotted tape. Engine access is through the salon sole, and the panels should lift cleanly to expose the Perkins diesel; if the sole is screwed or glassed shut, access has been compromised. Look over the four lazarettes, especially the propane locker, for water staining that would signal deck penetration.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats turn up in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Before committing, walk through this short list:
- Verify the raised-coachroof port lights are fixed and plan ventilation accordingly.
- Lift salon sole panels to confirm clean Perkins access.
- Check zippered headliner and insulated lockers for damp or smell.
- Inspect lazarettes and propane locker for deck leaks.
- Confirm plan B aft cabin and forward head layout matches your needs.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Islander Freeport 36. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 7 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25 | 1 | $25,999 | — |
| Jul 25 | 1 | $49,900 | +91.9% |
| Sep 25 | 1 | $45,000 | -9.8% |
| Jan 26 | 2 | $41,500 | -7.8% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $29,000 | -30.1% |
| Apr 26 | 1 | $41,500 | +43.1% |
| Jun 26 | 4 | $69,500 | +67.5% |
Where they're listed
Islander Freeport 36 listings appear across 3 countries. United States has the most listings with 6 (75.0%), followed by Canada and Mexico.
Country view
8 listings · 3 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $55,500 | 6 | 3 | 75.0% |
| Canada | $45,000 | 1 | 0 | 12.5% |
| Mexico | $29,000 | 1 | 0 | 12.5% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
5 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina Yachts 36 | 36.33' | $ 35,700 | 182 | 34 |
| Bavaria Yachts 36 | 37.89' | $ 69,513 | 119 | 27 |
| Moody 36-1 | 36' | $ 47,586 | 14 | 3 |
| Islander Yachts Freeport 36You are here | — | $ 41,500 | 9 | 4 |
| Westerly Corsair 36 | 35.66' | $ 84,409 | 4 | 3 |