PDQ 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The PDQ 36 is frequently described as a "lively" performer, a reputation supported by its technical ratios. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 88.27 for the "Classic" version, it sits in the sweet spot between ultralight racing cats and heavy offshore cruisers. According to a technical review in Sailing Magazine, the boat maintains a beam-to-length ratio of 0.5, which provides a stable platform that resists the "hobby-horsing" common in narrower multihulls. Under sail, the PDQ 36 typically cruises at 7 to 8 knots, though owners frequently report reaching double-digit speeds in stiff breezes.

Handling is characterized by "flat sailing," where the boat rarely heels more than 5 degrees, and its low-aspect-ratio keels allow for a remarkably shallow draft of just 2 feet, 10 inches. This makes it an ideal vessel for the Bahamas or the Intercoastal Waterway. While many catamarans struggle to point into the wind, Canadian Boating notes that the PDQ 36 can stay close-hauled at an apparent wind angle of 35 to 40 degrees, largely due to its symmetrical hull design and efficient foil-shaped rudders.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The PDQ 36 is widely regarded as an "owner’s boat" rather than a charter vessel, featuring a layout designed for a couple with occasional guests rather than maximum occupancy. The bridgedeck houses a large U-shaped dinette with nearly 360-degree visibility through wrap-around windows. Unlike many catamarans of this size, the two primary sleeping cabins are located side-by-side forward on the bridgedeck rather than tucked deep into the hulls. This configuration allows for queen-sized berths with excellent ventilation and a "house-like" feeling of space.

The boat was produced in several distinct iterations:

• Capella Classic: The standard model, featuring twin 9.9-hp Yamaha four-stroke outboards mounted in wells. These engines retract under sail to reduce drag, though they provide less "bite" in heavy head-seas compared to diesels.
• LRC (Long Range Cruiser): This version replaced the outboards with twin 18-hp Yanmar diesel saildrives. The LRC is heavier (displacing roughly 10,000 lbs) but offers greater fuel capacity and the security of skeg-protected rudders.
• Mark III: Introduced in 1998, this version often included the popular hard-top bimini, which allowed the mainsheet traveler to be moved off the cockpit floor and onto the roof, greatly improving cockpit safety and ergonomics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the evolution of the steering and power systems, as early models differ significantly from later builds:

• Steering Systems: Pre-1994 models often utilized a "push-pull" cable steering system prone to stiffness and wear. Later models transitioned to a "pull-pull" system, which offers better feedback. Inspectors should check the rudder stocks (316 stainless steel) for any vertical slop or binding.
• Outboard Well Seals: In the "Classic" models, the outboards are housed in wells that must be properly sealed to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the cockpit or hulls. The tackle arrangement used to retract the engines should also be inspected for fraying.
• Window and Door Seals: The bi-fold acrylic companionway door and the large bridgedeck windows are known "wet spots." Aging seals can lead to leaks that damage the interior joinery, which is predominantly cherry or teak-faced plywood.
• Core Integrity: PDQ used Klegecell foam coring above the waterline and in the decks. While generally robust, a "tap test" or moisture meter check is essential around high-load areas like the stanchions and the mast step.

Community & Resources

The PDQ 36 enjoys a dedicated following, supported largely by the PDQ Owners Forum and the Antares Yachts community. Because the Antares 44 grew directly from the PDQ 42 (the 36's larger sister), technical knowledge often overlaps between the brands. The PDQ University section on some owner-run technical wikis provides deep-dive documentation on systems like the specialized Yamaha outboard wells.

The Verdict

The PDQ 36 is a premier choice for cruisers who value build quality and sailing performance over the massive interior volume of modern production cats. It remains one of the few catamarans in its size range capable of legitimate offshore passage-making while maintaining the ability to gunkhole in two feet of water.

Pros:

• Exceptional Draft: Under 3 feet of draft allows access to anchorages closed to most monohulls.
• Owner-Centric Layout: Queen berths on the bridgedeck are a luxury rarely seen in 36-footers.
• Build Quality: High-grade Canadian construction with foam coring and vinylester resins.

Cons:

• Bridge Deck Headroom: Standing room is excellent in the hulls (~6'5") but restricted in the saloon for very tall sailors.
• Engine Maneuverability: On outboard models, the lack of prop wash over the rudders makes low-speed maneuvering in high winds a learned skill.