Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Metalmast 36 exhibits the characteristics of a classic performance monohull, defined by a high-aspect-ratio rig that takes full advantage of the builder’s technical background. Since Metalmast Marine specialized in aluminum extrusions, the 36 was often equipped with a tapered, keel-stepped mast that provided superior stiffness and weight savings aloft compared to standard production rigs of the 1970s. This results in a boat that is notably "stiff" in a breeze, standing up well to its canvas and maintaining a high degree of pointing ability.
Handling is characterized by a responsive helm, thanks to a deep fin keel and a high-aspect spade rudder. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well for a design of its vintage, avoiding the "squirrelly" downwind behavior sometimes associated with more extreme IOR shapes. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is lively in light air but truly finds its stride in 12–18 knots of breeze. Because these boats were often campaigned in club racing circuits, many have been updated with modern sail controls, allowing for precise flattening of the mainsail through the robust backstay adjusters and internal halyard systems that were a signature of Metalmast’s hardware.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Metalmast 36 reflects the functional, "wood-forward" aesthetic of late 1970s New England boatbuilding. The layout typically follows a traditional offshore arrangement designed to be usable at sea. It features a dedicated V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon is usually configured with two longitudinal settees and a central drop-leaf table, with the galley positioned aft near the companionway for optimal ventilation.
A notable variation in the 36 is the treatment of the aft section. While its smaller sibling, the Metalmast 30, focused on a more compact "quarter-berth" arrangement, the 36-foot hull allowed Peter Canning to incorporate a more generous navigation station and a deeper aft berth. The joinery is predominantly teak, and because the company was not a high-volume assembly-line builder, the fit and finish often feel more substantial than mass-market competitors. The headroom is generous for a performance-oriented hull, typically clearing 6’2” in the main salon, which makes the boat a viable coastal cruiser for families.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Metalmast 36 with an eye toward the specific structural areas common to high-performance fiberglass boats of its age.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats from the Connecticut boatbuilding corridor of that era, the Metalmast 36 utilized a balsa-cored deck. While strong, any poorly bedded hardware (stanchions, tracks, or cleats) can lead to moisture intrusion and delamination. A professional moisture meter survey of the foredeck and around the mast partners is essential.
- Mast Step and Partners: Given that the mast is a centerpiece of this model, the keel-stepped mast base should be inspected for corrosion or "mushrooming." The mast partners—the area where the mast passes through the deck—should be checked for signs of stress cracking in the fiberglass.
- Rudder Post and Bearing: The spade rudder is a high-performance feature but places significant stress on the rudder post and bearings. Buyers should check for excessive "play" or movement in the helm while the boat is hauled out, as replacing these bearings can be a specialized task.
- Chainplate Anchors: Because of the rig’s power, the chainplates and their attachment points to the bulkheads should be inspected for any signs of movement, water staining, or structural fatigue.
Community & Resources
The primary resource for Metalmast owners today is Rig-Rite of Rhode Island. When Metalmast Marine ceased boat production and shifted focus, Rig-Rite eventually acquired the original dies, molds, and technical drawings for the spars. This provides a unique advantage for owners of the Metalmast 36; unlike many defunct brands where parts are impossible to find, the original specifications for the 36’s mast, boom, and specialized rigging components are still maintained and can be manufactured to original standards.
The Verdict
The Metalmast 36 is an "engineer’s sailboat," offering a level of rig sophistication and hull stiffness rarely found in 1970s-era production boats. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes performance and technical pedigree over modern interior volume.
Pros:
- Superior Rigging: Equipped with professional-grade spars from a world-class manufacturer.
- Performance-Oriented: A Peter Canning design that balances speed with predictable offshore handling.
- Rarity: A unique vessel that stands out in a sea of mass-produced fiberglass boats.
- Legacy Support: Technical spar parts are still available through Rig-Rite.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensity: Older fiberglass hulls require diligent checking of balsa cores and chainplates.
- Limited Availability: Very few were built, making them difficult to find on the used market.
- Racer/Cruiser Compromise: The cockpit is optimized for sail handling rather than "docktail" entertaining.
