Nicholson 36 Information, Review, Specs

During its production run through the 1960s, approximately 72 hulls were completed. The Nicholson 36 is often discussed alongside its smaller sibling, the Nicholson 32, which was launched around the same time. While the 32 became a legendary blue-water cruiser for the masses, the 36 was always the more refined, faster, and "yacht-like" sister, offering a more complex hull shape and superior upwind performance.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nicholson 36 is a quintessential "heavy displacement" cruiser, yet it maintains a surprising turn of speed due to its narrow, slippery hull and generous sail area. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of the spectrum, the boat is characterized by a "locked-in" feel when tracking. According to historical technical reviews from Yachting Monthly, the yacht excels in heavy weather, where its deep-V hull sections allow it to slice through chop rather than slamming into it.

The long keel and keel-hung rudder provide exceptional directional stability, making the Nicholson 36 a joy to handle on long offshore passages. However, like most long-keelers of this vintage, it can be a challenge to maneuver in tight marinas, particularly when backing under power, as the prop walk is pronounced and the rudder lacks the bite of modern spade designs. Under sail, the boat prefers to be sailed at a slight heel, where its waterline length increases, allowing it to punch through weather that would force lighter, modern yachts to head for port.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Stepping below deck on a Nicholson 36 reveals an era when yacht interiors were crafted by shipwrights rather than assembly-line workers. The layout is traditional, typically featuring a "U" or "L-shaped" galley to one side of the companionway and a proper forward-facing chart table to the other. The main saloon is dominated by rich teak or mahogany joinery, which provides a warmth and solidity rarely found in modern GRP boats.

The vessel’s narrow beam (roughly 9 feet 9 inches) means the interior feels cozy compared to modern 36-footers, which often carry their beam much further aft. The forward cabin usually contains a standard V-berth, while the heads are located between the saloon and the forepeak. Variations across the production run were minimal, though later hulls benefited from refinements in interior lighting and ventilation. Many owners have since updated these vessels with modern refrigeration and updated electrical systems, yet the core aesthetic remains that of a mid-century gentleman's racer.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nicholson 36 has maintained a quiet but steady presence in the annals of classic yachting literature. While it didn’t achieve the same level of "everyman" fame as the Nicholson 32—which was famously sailed around the world by various soloists—the 36 is frequently cited in Classic Boat Magazine as one of the finest examples of early GRP architecture. Its elegant lines and "Nicholson shear" (the specific curve of the deck line) are often used by maritime historians to illustrate the peak of British yacht design before the wide-beam revolution of the 1970s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nicholson 36 should approach the vessel with the understanding that these are now "legacy" yachts. While the hulls were built with a thickness of laminate that would be cost-prohibitive today, they are not immune to the passage of time.

• Osmosis: Early GRP builds often used orthophthalic resins that are susceptible to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural on a hull this thick, it is a common point of negotiation and maintenance.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The original stainless steel chainplates are often glassed into the hull or bolted through thick timber. These should be inspected for crevice corrosion, particularly where they pass through the deck.
• Deck Core: While the hulls are solid glass, the decks may utilize a core (often balsa or foam in later refits, or simply thick laminate in originals). Soft spots around stanchion bases or the mast step are common indicators of water ingress.
• Engine Replacement: Many Nicholson 36s were originally fitted with Watermota or Perkins engines. Buyers should prioritize boats that have been repowered with modern, more efficient diesel units like Beta or Yanmar.
• Toe Rails: The teak toe rails are a signature feature but are prone to leaking if the fastenings have perished over decades of thermal expansion.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by a dedicated community. The most prominent resource is the Nicholson Yacht Owners Association, which provides technical archives and a community for owners of all Nicholson models to share refit advice and historical data. While the company itself moved away from direct construction in 2005, the archival knowledge preserved by this association is invaluable for sourcing original design specifications or rigging plans.

The Verdict

The Nicholson 36 is a "sailor's sailboat"—a vessel designed for those who value the journey and the aesthetic of a classic yacht over maximum cabin volume or marina-dwelling convenience. It is a robust, seaworthy platform capable of crossing oceans, provided the owner is willing to maintain its aging systems.

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and heavy-weather performance.
• Timeless, elegant lines that attract attention in any harbor.
• "Overbuilt" hull construction offering immense structural integrity.
• High-quality traditional joinery that ages gracefully.

Cons:

• Limited interior volume and narrow beam by modern standards.
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the long keel and prop walk.
• High maintenance requirements associated with classic timber and aging GRP.
• Deep draft can limit access to some shallow coastal cruising grounds.