Sailing Performance & Handling
The Robinhood 36 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes sea-kindliness and directional stability over raw speed or light-air agility. With a displacement of approximately 16,100 pounds and a full keel with a cutaway forefoot, the boat exhibits the classic "Alberg" motion—soft in a seaway and remarkably predictable. Its Moderate Displacement-to-Length ratio and a Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio of approximately 14.5 indicate a boat that requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive, but one that maintains its momentum through chop that would stop lighter performance cruisers.
Under sail, the Robinhood 36 is typically rigged as a cutter, providing a versatile sail plan for varying wind conditions. The ability to reef the main and switch to a staysail allows the boat to remain balanced and upright when the weather deteriorates. Owners often report that the boat "tracks like it is on rails," a direct result of the long keel. While its deep forefoot and full keel make it less responsive in tight marina maneuvers than modern fin-keel designs, its performance in open water is widely regarded as superior for shorthanded offshore passages.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Inside, the Robinhood 36 distinguishes itself from its Cape Dory predecessor through a significantly higher degree of customization and finish. While the standard layout follows the traditional offshore blueprint—a V-berth forward, a head with a shower, a main salon with settee berths, and a galley near the companionway—no two Robinhood 36s are exactly alike. Because they were built to order at Riggs Cove, many feature custom cabinetry in American cherry or teak and specialized storage solutions for long-term cruising.
The cabin offers approximately 6'4" of headroom, and the use of white overheads and bronze opening ports prevents the traditional wood-heavy interior from feeling dark. A notable variation in the Robinhood 36 lineage is the "International" version or the specific customizations for the 4-cabin 43.4 and 43.3 siblings; however, on the 36-foot hull, the primary differences are usually found in the galley configuration and the inclusion of a dedicated navigation station. The thermal and acoustic insulation in the Robinhood builds is often cited by the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association as being superior to the earlier production models, making the boat more comfortable in both tropical and cold-water climates.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
While built to an exceptionally high standard, the Robinhood 36 is subject to the aging processes of any traditional fiberglass yacht. Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the following areas:
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of its era, the Robinhood 36 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, or the windlass can lead to delamination if the sealant was not maintained.
- Chainplates: Though robustly mounted, the chainplates pass through the deck and are prone to slow leaks. Any signs of "bleeding" or rust streaks on the interior cabinetry behind the settees should be investigated.
- Rudder Hardware: The bronze heel casting that supports the rudder on the aft end of the keel should be inspected for corrosion or play. While Carl Alberg’s designs are famously sturdy, the hardware in this area is subjected to significant stress.
- Fuel Tank Material: Some earlier hulls may still carry original aluminum fuel tanks. Buyers should check for pitting or corrosion, particularly on the underside of the tank where moisture can become trapped.
Community & Resources
The Robinhood 36 benefits from one of the most active and technically proficient owner communities in the sailing world. The Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association provides an exhaustive archive of technical manuals, original brochures, and a forum where the specific nuances of the Robinhood-built variants are discussed. Additionally, Derecktor Robinhood remains an active yard in Maine, often serving as a point of contact for original construction details for owners undergoing major refits.
The Verdict
The Robinhood 36 is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who value traditional aesthetics and proven offshore reliability over modern interior volume and flat-water speed.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Higher level of fit and finish than most production boats of the same era.
- Sea-Kindliness: A heavy-displacement hull that handles heavy weather with grace and predictability.
- Timeless Aesthetics: The Carl Alberg lines and bronze-and-teak detailing ensure the boat remains a classic.
- Strong Resale Value: Their rarity and reputation for Maine craftsmanship keep demand high on the brokerage market.
Cons:
- Tight Quarters: Compared to modern 36-footers with wide beams, the interior can feel narrow.
- Slow in Light Air: The heavy displacement and high wetted surface area make for sluggish performance in winds under 8 knots.
- Handling in Reverse: The full keel makes backing into a slip a challenge for the uninitiated.
