Beneteau 36 cc

[boatmike]

Have been looking at boats that could give a couple of old farts a few more years of sailing. Have come to the conclusion that I would not be happy with a little boat that makes sailing a little too "exciting" for SWMBO. We also like our comfort and centre cockpit boats with a nice big aft stateroom seem to offer this but I have been disappointed with many that have no headroom in the corridor and seem to jam the galley in that space requiring one to cook with knees bent..... Have seen a benny 36 of 1998 vintage (on paper so far only) It has a wing keel with shoal draught, a 40HP engine, in mast mainsail furling and looks to be in excellent condition. Never sailed on one and don't know much about them. Looks to have better headroom over the galley than most, so interested to know more. Looks to be a fairly easy boat to sail short handed so what does the forum think? Probably the wing keel wont go to windward as well as a deep keel but hey, its got an engine and the old adage "gentlemen never sail hard to windward" comes to mind. Would this make a comfortable go anywhere cruiser for us???

 

[Homer J]

I expect it would be fine if that’s what you’re after the regular version is everywhere as a charter boat. I’m not sure what your budget is like but the Southerly 105, 110 have a great rear cabin if you can find a decent one or if the budget is big enough a 32. These are great and most also have a self tacking jib as well as the ability to take the ground and be sailed / steered from inside if the old farts are too cold and wet.

 

[Pasarell]

I haven't sailed a 36 but know a couple of people who have them and think they're wonderful, including as a live aboard. I did sail on a 44CC quite a lot a few years ago and it was comfortable and sailed well. My own boat is a Moody 44 CC and I wouldn't change it.
Winged keel should be pretty good to windward but nowadays I subscribe to what you said about gentlemen and sailing to windward!

 

[shortjohnsilver]

It will be interesting to see what the forum think?
I have owned one of these for the last six years 2001c and I'm very pleased with her in regard to both her performance and general comfort below. I have found her to be a good strong boat, easy to sail short-handed, I have the in-mast furling version and with the acrylic screen version the protection to the cockpit and helm position is fantastic! We very rarely get wet even when beating hard to windward.
The wing keel is interesting in that as she starts to heel and pick up her skirts, you can almost feel the counter weight of the wing keel start to kick in and grip, keeping her down and level and sailing better.
I do think that some of the deck equipment could be needed up, such as a decent adjustable mainsheet traveller and additional winches. Having said this she is a simple boat to sail and you don't have to leave the cockpit, which was a prerequisite for my Mrs. Being at the lighter end of a medium weight boat, she picks up quickly in light winds and using the furling systems to the main and the large genoa early, we have remained comfortable in sevens and eights and found the boat reassuringly capable. Then there's the 40 HP Volvo Penta which provides the push when needed and has been a godsend when bashing into the weather head on.
Internally she is a well thought through boat, with stacks of storage and very well lit. She does have a pretty full coachroof equipped with loads of windows. Good handholds when she's rolling a bit and the Linea galley is excellent.
Sleeps four comfortably and as said the after cabin is very nice. Single heads arrangement which suits a couple well.
They're good boats and I'm happy with mine. I plan to take her around the UK and hold no concerns and I'm happy she can hold her own in most weathers. I'd be happy to take her down to the Med, but I probably would take her across the Atlantic. I know that these boats have been across though.
A well founded boat that ticks a lot of boxes. Not a racer a light to medium cruiser that's easy to sail singlehanded or short-handed. If I had the money I'd have a Halberg but I'm not and frankly, you get quite a lot of boat for a realistic price. Hope this helps.
Si

 

[jwilson]

We looked at one when buying in 2005, liked the interior (except garish striped upholstery) but personally we found the centre cockpit too high, didn't like the big step down to deck (similar to some Westerlys) and the cockpit height also made view past genoa awkward.

They are getting on a bit more now, so one of my current concerns would be interior joinery condition: these boats used stains over whatever wood the veneer and trim is to get the original very warm finish and I suspect it would be difficult to match later if you have to rub back and revarnish/lacquer.

 

[boatmike]

Thanks "shortjohnsilver" for that comprehensive reply. Seems I should take a very long serious look at this one then. Unfortunately off on holiday for 3 weeks now and can't see her before I go but if she is still there when I get back I will take a good look. Many thanks again. This forum is really great for sharing experiences and that was very useful.

 

[jac]

Had one for a few years and would share much of what shortjohn silver said.

Comfortable boats to live on, great for a couple with another couple as guests. Galley is huge with good stowage and food prep areas but hanging stowage in the aft cabin is a bit short given the amount of space in the cabin!

No real place to stow a dinghy other than in a bag lashed on the aft deck or davits and she is short on deck lockers so fenders will be dangling over the stern I expect, especially if you like lots or large fenders.

Off the wind she is pretty fast, broad and fairly flat hull sections but she is not a boat to beat to windward - wide sheeting angles and rollers and a shallow low aspect do not make her a windward machine!

Fully agree with the cockpit shelter point, rarely wore wet weather gear, only really for rain.

Under power she's fine. 40hp is plenty - possibly too much and engine may rarely be pushed to max revs with all that entails - check the exhaust elbow. With a 3 blade prop she is ok in astern but needs about 2/3 of a boat length to respond to her rudder and will prop walk quite a way round ( about 30 degrees ) but it's ok if you plan for it - once moving she's predictable

Two things to watch out for that are boat specific - the cleats are fixed with bolts that pass through a sleeve made of a dissimilar metal which will react when it gets wet and split the teak toe rail . Cost us about £300 per cleat to have fixed. ( hamble prices)


Secondly is that the lewmar ports of that age have a line of sealant about half way up across the frame. That will be breaking down now and letting water penetrate through the frame giving rise to potential water damage. The sealant is a simple job to fix but watch carefully around the portlights for damage.