S&S PJ-36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The PJ-36 is a quintessential example of the "S&S look" from the late CCA (Cruising Club of America) rule era. With a displacement of approximately 15,500 pounds and a high ballast ratio (nearly 50%), the boat is exceptionally stiff and capable of carrying sail well into a freshening breeze. Its underwater profile features a deep fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers significantly more directional stability and "tracking" than the spade rudders found on contemporary performance yachts.

According to technical archives from Sparkman & Stephens, the design was intended to provide a competitive edge in offshore racing while maintaining the "sea-kindliness" required for short-handed cruising. On the water, this translates to a boat that feels exceptionally balanced; once the sails are trimmed, the PJ-36 often requires minimal helm input, even when beating into a chop. However, due to its narrow 9.68-foot beam and heavy displacement, it does not plane and can feel sluggish in light airs compared to modern light-displacement cruisers. Its true strength lies in heavy weather, where it maintains momentum and provides a secure, predictable motion that minimizes crew fatigue.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the PJ-36 reflects the era’s focus on offshore utility rather than "condo-style" living. Because of the hull’s narrow beam and tapered ends, the internal volume is considerably less than a modern 36-foot yacht. The layout is traditional, featuring a V-berth forward, a compact head and hanging locker, and a main salon with settee berths. Most models include a pilot berth on the starboard side, which is highly regarded by ocean sailors as the most secure place to sleep while underway.

The joinery is where the Palmer Johnson influence is most visible. While the hulls were molded by Nautor, the interior finish often utilized high-grade Burmese teak and satin-varnished surfaces that exceeded standard production boat quality of the time. The galley is typically located aft, near the companionway for ventilation and proximity to the cockpit. The sibling model, the Nautor Swan 36, is identical in hull form, though American-distributed PJ-36s often featured specific hardware upgrades and US-sourced engines like the Westerbeke or Atomic 4. Later variations of this design DNA can be seen in the slightly larger PJ-37 (S&S Design #1974), which offered a more modern "IOR-influenced" hull shape.

Popular Mentions & Media

The PJ-36 holds a significant place in maritime history as the model that launched the Nautor Swan legacy. The very first hull of this design, Cascaruda, proved the viability of fiberglass for high-end, semi-custom yachts. While specific YouTube voyages for the PJ-36 are rare compared to modern brands, the model is a frequent subject of "classic plastic" retrospectives in publications such as Good Old Boat and Classic Boat, where it is cited as one of the most beautiful production fiberglass boats ever built.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a PJ-36 must account for the age of the fiberglass and the specific construction techniques of the 1960s.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the PJ-36 used a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the aluminum toe rails and stanchion bases is a common "gotcha" that can lead to delamination.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are under significant load due to the boat's high ballast ratio. Inspectors should look for signs of crevice corrosion where the plates pass through the deck.
• Hull Osmosis: While early Nautor-built hulls were heavily laid up, they are not immune to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test is essential during a survey.
• Original Plumbing and Wiring: Many PJ-36s still retain original copper plumbing or outdated electrical panels that do not meet modern ABYC standards and should be prioritized for replacement.
• Rudder Bushings: The skeg-hung rudder can develop "slop" or play in the bushings over decades of use, which can lead to vibration under power or reduced steering sensitivity.

Community & Resources

Owners of the PJ-36 are supported by the Sparkman & Stephens Association, an international organization dedicated to the preservation and history of S&S designs. This group provides a technical forum and archives of original blueprints and sail plans. Additionally, the Nautor Swan Owners Association recognizes the PJ-36 as part of its heritage, offering access to technical documentation regarding the hull and original factory specifications.

The Verdict

The Palmer Johnson 36 is a "sailor's sailboat," favoring aesthetic grace and offshore durability over interior volume and modern amenities. It remains an excellent choice for a couple or solo sailor looking for a classic yacht capable of serious coastal or blue-water passage-making.

Pros:

• Exquisite S&S lines and high-quality Palmer Johnson/Nautor finish.
• Exceptional heavy-weather performance and directional stability.
• Strong resale value among traditionalists and classic yacht enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Narrow interior feels cramped by modern standards.
• High maintenance requirements typical of a 50+ year-old vessel.
• Heavy displacement makes it less competitive in light-wind regions.