Design and Construction
At the heart of the Rustler 36 is a solid hand-laid GRP hull and deck built to Lloyds Register specifications using Lloyds approved materials, with longitudinal stringers and transverse frames reinforcing the hull and a plywood-core, non-slip deck bonded to the hull on a flange and fastened with stainless steel bolts. The hull is also foam insulated, and the interior can be teak panelled — a finish that not only looks attractive but helps retain heat and improves soundproofing. Each boat was built to order and customized to the owner's preferences, so the marque is no mass-production line; skilled craftsmen executed high-quality joinery in teak throughout. Most examples are effectively custom-built to their owners' requirements, which means no two fit-outs are quite alike below the waterline-up standards.
Rig and Handling
The boat's Seldén masthead rig is rugged and conservatively proportioned, with straight spreaders and both forward and aft lowers, a keel-stepped anodized-aluminum mast carrying internal halyards, and stainless steel wire rigging terminated in swaged fittings. A fully-battened mainsail with lazyjacks is standard, and in-mast furling is an option; the cutter bowsprit supports a staysail and extends the foredeck. Writing in Boat Review, test sailors found her a delight to sail in all conditions except possibly in very light air, and her short waterline means she's no racer. Her rig is so well balanced that weather helm is a rarity, and into the wind and in steep seas she has the momentum to carry her forward while keeping her crew safe and dry in the cockpit. On passage she cruises at roughly 6 knots in winds from 10 to 28 knots, with a first reef usually required at around 20 knots apparent; close-hauled she still manages 3 to 4.5 knots in 20 knots of wind and average seas, and on a beam reach with her large genoa fully unfurled she'll tramp along comfortably at closer to 7.5 knots. Off the wind, her large wetted surface area from the long keel and ample bilge makes her slower than a more modern cruiser with a shallow bottom, deep fin and spade rudder.
Accommodations
Below, the Rustler 36 offers comfortable living for up to six, with a forward cabin V-berth, a saloon whose two settees convert to berths around a folding table, and an aft cabin with a double berth. The cozy saloon settees are 6ft 6in long and make ideal sea berths. The U-shaped galley has everything conveniently to hand, letting the cook reach counter, stove top, double sink and lockers while strapped in safely. A navigation station, head with marine toilet, sink and shower, and about 6 feet of headroom throughout complete the picture. Owner's versions with a larger aft cabin and charter versions with more berths were both available from new.
Cockpit and Deck Seakeeping
The cockpit provides a safe working environment, with a narrow well for bracing one's feet and angled, high coamings for comfort and safety; teak handholds ensure an easy descent belowdecks, and handrails run from cockpit to foredeck. A high bridgedeck protects the companionway from the risk of flooding, and the spacious cockpit itself can accommodate four comfortably with two large lockers and a sprayhood. Forward, a sturdy twin bow roller with sizeable cleats, an electric windlass feeding chain down a hawse pipe into a locker below, and a large anchor locker for a CQR, chain and windlass round out ground tackle.
Steering and Options
Tiller steering comes standard, though wheel steering is a popular option. The transom-hung deep rudder anchors a steering plan suited to the long-keel hull. The boat's not a mass-produced design, and the custom-build ethos extended to interior panelling and layout choices.
The Verdict
The Rustler 36 is a thoughtful, heavily built ocean cruiser that rewards the sailor who values seakeeping, custom craftsmanship and a balanced rig over raw speed. She is slow off the wind against modern fin-keelers and sluggish in the lightest air, but she carries momentum in steep seas, keeps her crew dry, and crosses oceans on her own terms.
Pros
- Solid Lloyds-spec hand-laid GRP hull with foam insulation and reinforced structure
- Well-balanced masthead rig with rare weather helm and easy reefing discipline
- Custom-built to owner spec with quality teak joinery and soundproofing panelling
- High bridgedeck and braced cockpit enhance flooding protection and crew safety
Cons
- Large wetted surface and long keel make her slower off the wind than modern cruisers
- Short waterline and conservative rig limit performance in very light air
- Not mass-produced, so spares and familiarization vary by individual fit-out
