Conceived as a fast coastal cruiser and racer that could be trailered after some disassembly, the 36 emphasized performance over luxury. Its speed and simplicity remain prized by multihull enthusiasts, but with only about 20 to 30 boats produced, it’s rare today.
Design and Construction
Roger MacGregor’s design broke from the marque’s monohull roots. At 35 feet long with an 18-foot beam, the MacGregor 36 has a broad stance on the water but narrow individual hulls. It was built as an ultralight, high-performance catamaran rather than a comfort-oriented cruiser.
The design was intended from the outset as a coastal racer that could be dismantled for trailering—not as a bluewater liveaboard. Its narrow hulls help keep wetted surface in check, while the wide platform and light displacement support its focus on speed.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The MacGregor 36 carries a fractional sloop rig with a high sail area/displacement ratio. That combination allows its ultralight hulls to plane in moderate winds rather than merely heel and slog.
Period specifications list a mainsail of roughly 265 square feet, with a 37-foot luff, and a genoa of nearly 476 square feet on a 42-foot luff. This substantial foresail plan helps explain the boat’s reputation for strong upwind racing performance. The rig drives a light catamaran rather than carrying the weight of a substantial interior, and it can push the boat beyond displacement speed.
This makes the MacGregor 36 a specialist’s catamaran rather than a general-purpose cruiser. It was built for coastal racing, with speed and simplicity taking priority over creature comforts.
Accommodations
The MacGregor 36 offers minimal cruising accommodation. Although conceived as a fast, trailerable coastal cruiser as well as a racer, it doesn’t provide the amenities of a heavier cruising catamaran. Its appeal lies instead in the straightforward layout, light weight, and performance that multihull enthusiasts value.
The Verdict
The MacGregor 36 is a rare, purpose-built racing cruiser that captures Roger MacGregor’s early multihull ambitions in a trailerable, ultralight catamaran. Its strengths are outright speed, upwind ability, and simplicity—not accommodation or cruising equipment.
Pros
- Ultralight catamaran with narrow hulls designed for performance
- High sail area/displacement ratio allows planing in moderate winds
- Strong upwind racing capability
- Can be trailered after disassembly despite its 35-foot length
- Rare and prized by multihull enthusiasts
Cons
- Performance takes priority over luxury, with minimal cruising accommodation
- Only about 20 to 30 were built, so boats are difficult to find
