36 ft catamaran sailboat

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36 Sport Power Catamaran

The Aquila 36 Sport is a totally innovative approach to having fun on the water. An outboard propelled power catamaran that can day boat with a multitude of revelers and all their water-toys or provide complete privacy for two couples on an adventure to newfound destinations, all with a multitude of options that support everything from invigorating watersports to sportfishing.

Available with a sport windscreen, full windscreen to the hardtop or fully enclosed helm deck with air conditioning (cruiser package option), the Aquila 36 Sport can accommodate most conditions.

The controls are strategically positioned to give the operator complete command of the vessel and the Mercury Joystick Piloting option makes docking and close-in maneuvering intuitively simple. Easily operated and safely able to manage open seas, the Aquila 36 Sport is in a class of its own.

Read on for details on cruiser package option and the fishing/diving version.

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Aquila 36 Sport VIDEO – FEATURING Hydro Glide Foil System™

Want to see the Aquila 36 Sport  with Hydro Glide Foil System ™ in action? Check out the full performance evaluation and walkthrough by BoatTEST as they put this model and innovation to the test.

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Now Available as a Cruiser

Enjoy maximum comfort and control with the new cruiser package option. Featuring an aft 3-panel tempered glass sliding door which can be locked into place, the cruiser package option allows you the ability to close off the entire salon and galley for increased privacy, security, and relaxation. In addition to the improved climate control and aesthetics, the Aquila 36 Sport cruiser option offers accent wood in the salon, and Infinity carpet throughout the salon and galley. The already stellar Aquila 36 Sport now provides more luxury than ever before.

Fishing and Diving Version

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Reviewed: Aquila 36

• By Chris Caswell
• Updated: August 15, 2018

When MarineMax approached the Sino Eagle Group, a Chinese boatbuilder, to create the Aquila series of power cats, the yacht sales firm had two goals: The first was to flesh out its MarineMax Vacations bareboat charter fleet in the British Virgin Islands, and the second was to create yachts suitable for private ownership.

Those are, in several ways, seemingly contradictory needs. Charter yachts need to be bulletproof: easy to maintain, easy to repair, easy to use. Private yachts, on the other hand, must be whatever their owners want them to be, even if using them takes a little extra maintenance now and then.

To satisfy both types of boaters, the Aquila line was created, first with a 48-footer and then with a 44-footer. The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Up on the main deck, under the optional fiberglass hardtop, are a dinette, cooktop, fridge, sink and smokeless grill. Forward, the seating transforms from benches to sun pads, and the anchor gear is hidden under a hatch with a wired remote control.

Aft, the choices include settees across the transom or a fishing/diving option with a bait tank and tackle station. Twin boarding gates allow for docking, diving or tender access.

The Siblings

Power choices are twin 250, 300 or 350 hp Mercury Verados, with the 350s pushing the Aquila 36 to nearly 35 knots.

A solid dayboat for the family or for fishing, the Aquila 36 is equally adept at weekending with friends.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Catalina 36 MK II

This recent update of an extraordinarily popular 18-year-old design is a good all-around boat. owners’ main complaint is with interior woodwork..

Now the largest manufacturer of sailboats in the US, Catalina Yachts was formed in 1970, two years after founder Frank Butler was fired by the company to which he sold his first boatbuilding business.

Butler was the owner of a machine shop that provided parts for the aircraft industry when he began sailing at age 30. In 1961 he got the boatbuilding bug and formed Wesco Marine, soon changing the name to Coronado Yachts.

He successfully introduced the Coronado 25 in 1964, and sold the company to the Whitaker Corp. in 1968. A year later he was unemployed, and prohibited by a no-compete agreement from forming another company for two years.

With the expiration of the agreement in 1970 he established Catalina Yachts; introduced the Catalina 22, of which more than 15,500 have been sold; and began a steady ascent to the top of the industry.

The company’s 700 employees occupy more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space at two plants in California, and a third in Florida, purchased from Morgan Yachts. Butler still manages the daily affairs of the company, and continues to act as “warranty coordinator.” He is assisted by chief designer and engineer Gerry Douglas, and Sharon Day, director of marketing, both of whom are now co-owners.

Catalina’s model lines range from the 8-foot Sabot to a well-developed line of Catalina and Expedition daysailers to boats with cabins that run the gamut from the Capri 22 to the Catalina 470. The company also builds Nacra catamarans.

Design Like most of the company’s boats, the Catalina 36 was designed by the in-house design team under the direction of Douglas.

“The target market for the 36 is couples and families who primarily weekend and vacation cruise but may be planning some extended cruising,” said Douglas. “They want a boat that is comfortable, offers reasonable performance, and is stable and predicable to handle. The boat suits their budget, and they can add gear for bluewater cruising.”

Like most modern production boats, the 36MKII has a fairly flat sheer, low-profile cabin and short overhangs. Beam is carried well aft to accommodate the double berth in the aft cabin.

“The hull shape has remained the same, since a basic tenet was that the boat would sail in a one-design fleet,” Douglas said. As a consequence, changes to appendages have had little affect on the PHRF rating, which is 140-150, depending upon local fleet handicappers.

The standard fin keel is the same design as on hull #1, though two shoal draft keels have been offered. An optional Scheel keel, which enjoyed limited success, has been replaced by a shoal draft wing keel. On new boats the rudder has been reconfigured as a semi-elliptical blade.

Three different decks have been manufactured but, as Douglas said, “most of the changes are cosmetic or ergonomic and have gone unnoticed. Maybe a customer said that a radius needed to be softened or I noticed things on my boat that I wanted to change.”

The MKII was introduced in August 1994 with hull #1368. Hull #2038 was launched last March.

Construction Catalinas are assembled from three principal moldings—the hull, deck and an interior liner that incorporates the cabin sole and much of the “furniture.” Butler was an early (possibly the first in the US) proponent of this time-saving method.

The hand-laid hull is solid fiberglass. Vinylester resin is used on the outer plies, underneath the gelcoat, because it better resists osmotic blistering than polyester. The balance of the laminate consists of alternating layers of 7.5-ounce cloth, 24-ounce roving and 1.5-ounce chopped strand mat (CSM).

“There’s more knitted than woven roving in current models,” Douglas said, adding that this improves structural integrity.

Hull thickness is 1″ at the centerline and 5/8″ on bottom panels.

The liner is bonded to the hull at all intersections using X-mat tape. Bulkheads are bedded in 3M 5200 and bolted or screwed to the liner.

The hand-laid deck is cored with Baltec AL 600 end-grain balsa; decks on earlier versions were cored with plywood.

The hull/deck joint is an overlapping flange bonded with a fiberglass-reinforced polyester mix and secured with 1/4″ bolts on 6″ centers.

The loads from the lower shrouds are transferred to the hull via tie rods fastened to the chainplates on top and to reinforced areas of the hull at bottom. A common complaint among owners responding to a PS survey is that chainplates leak and require annual inspection or rebedding.

Deck hardware is fastened with machine screws to drilled and tapped aluminum plates bedded in the deck laminate. This method produces a secure fit and avoids dimples on the ceiling of the interior.

The keel is lead with 2% antimony and installed with type 316 stainless steel keel bolts. The fin weighs 6,042 pounds, the wing keel 6,670 pounds.

On Deck Because the 36MKII was designed for cruising by couples and families with children, the deck layout is organized for shorthanded sailing.

The anodized mast is manufactured by Catalina. A Schaeffer 2100 furler is standard. The solid vang and most deck hardware are made by Garhauer Marine. Lewmar winches and hatches are standard. These lower-priced products are fine for their intended use.

The wire upper shrouds and stays are 5/16″; lower shrouds are 1/4″. A split backstay is equipped with adjustable turnbuckles. We would consider adding a backstay adjuster, which would have eliminated headstay sag on our test boat.

Standard running rigging on the boat is Dacron, strong enough and suitable for most owners, but we would consider switching to low-stretch rope.

Primary winches are self-tailing, chromed-bronze Lewmar 48s; halyard winches are self-tailing Lewmar 30s. Both were large enough for the heavy loads we encountered during our test sail.

The tracks for jib and genoa cars are located inboard, near the cabin sides, and outboard on the toerail. During our test sail we found the inboard track to be at least 1′ too short for sailing hard on the breeze with a double reef in the main and shortened headsail.

Standing rigging is led out of the way to the base of the cabin trunk, easing maneuvering along the 17″-wide decks. Coupled with a 1-1/2″ high toerail, and a stainless steel handrail running the length of the cabintop, we always found a handhold. However, stanchions are only 24″ high, 5″ lower than we prefer on an oceangoing yacht. Similarly, the mast pulpit is only 25″ tall.

A taller rig designed to improve performance in light air adds 24″ to the 44′ 9″ standard spar height and $860 to the purchase price, including the cost of larger sails — a deal worth grabbing, we think.

The anchor locker houses two 35-pound anchors and rode, and is designed for installation of a saltwater washdown hose. A Maxwell windlass mounted in the anchor locker is optional.

Ten-inch mooring cleats are located at the bow and stern.

We found the 8′ 8″ cockpit comfortable under sail and at dockside. Seats are 17″ wide and have comfortable 13″ backrests. Though a 42″-diameter destroyer wheel eases steering in heavy winds and seas, it impedes movement forward to the jib sheet or mainsail controls when singlehanding.

When the combination of wind and heel resulted in cushions being tossed around the cockpit, we stowed them below, only to discover that wet, slick cockpit seats make tending sail controls difficult when heeled more than 10°. A better non-skid surface would be safer.

Light and ventilation belowdecks are provided by Lewmar hatches located on the bow, amidships, and over the galley and nav station. The large hatch that vents the aft stateroom is covered by a hinged cockpit seat.

One old 36 we inspected had windows screwed to the outside of the cabin side. We prefer the current method of bedding ports in the cabin sides. However, the windows overlap the fiberglass to which they are bonded by 1-1/2 inches, and few owners reported leaks on newer boats.

A storage area spans the stern and provides access to the steering gear. A propane locker is located in the stern and vented overboard. The port lazarette has adequate space for the storage of deck gear, dock lines and, if properly stowed, an inflatable dinghy.

Belowdecks The accommodation plan is nearly 20 years old and is essentially unchanged, except for “minor changes in storage areas, especially where batteries are located,” Douglas said.

The saloon measures 13′ 4″ long from the companionway to the forward stateroom, and maximum headroom is 6′ 5″. The combination of light- colored composite countertops and wood cabinetry, opening ports and hatches, and two portlights in the hull contribute to a sense of spaciousness.

The galley is located to port at the foot of the companionway, aft of a U-shaped dinette that seats four. (An L-shaped dinette with fold-down table also is available.) Forward to port is the head, which can be accessed from the saloon or the forward stateroom. The V-berth measures 90″ wide at the head and 84″ on centerline.

A second stateroom below the cockpit is accessed from a door in the port quarter. The nav station sits opposite the galley, aft of two heavily cushioned seats located to either side of a 25″ x 30″ game table that can double as a dining table or be converted to a 6′ 2″ long berth. Each chair has storage in its base.

“That table has been part of the design since hull #1, and was the first of its type in the industry,” said Douglas. “It’s still a good use of the space.”

One owner complained that the dining table mounting bracket is so far off the center of the table that a large person thrown onto the inboard edge could break the table. Another owner added a hinged second leg.

A common complaint among owners concerns interior woodwork. Said one owner, “The joinery is only average, but this isn’t a Hinckley; it’s a production boat.” Cabinet corners frequently do not fit squarely, and one owner reported having to plane drawers until they fit properly.

The galley is an L-shaped affair with a Seaward two-burner propane stove. The counter is 60″ long and 18″ wide when wooden panels are placed over the double sinks. A 22″ deep dry locker would benefit from the addition of a shelf and storage containers.

The 22″ x 26″ chart table is too small for full-sized NOAA charts but suitable for folded charts or chart kits.

The owner of our test boat echoed two common complaints about the heavily upholstered nav station chair, which is mounted on a swinging stainless steel bracket.

“The lock doesn’t always hold the chair securely under the table on a starboard tack,” he said, “and the chair blocks access to the aft stateroom and also intrudes into the passageway when occupied.”

“The nav station chair has been changed as a result of complaints about the stability of early models,” Douglas said. “Current boats have a bronze bearing on the seat swivel, and a stronger spring. And the backrest can be easily removed by those who are unhappy with the space it takes amidships.”

The nav station bulkhead is large enough for mounting a VHF radio, GPS, stereo and instruments. The switch panel is hinged; wires are easily accessible and color-coded.

Newer boats have a second electrical panel located at the nav station, equipped with a Perko master switch for the engine and DC power.

Headroom at the forward end of the aft stateroom is 5′ 10″, and elbow room is adequate. The stern bunk is a whopping 78″ wide and 80″ long. However, there’s minimal clearance betweenthe bunk cushions and the bottom of the cockpit—only 16”. A hanging locker is wide enough for four sets of clothes, and storage is in four tiny drawers.

The head is essentially unchanged from early models, other than the addition of a sump in the shower. It measures 50″ x 36″ and is furnished with a large cabinet and mirror. A shower seat is forward of the sink.

The diesel engine is accessed by removing the companionway steps and panels in the aft stateroom. Reaching the port side of the engine is a difficult chore. The fuel tank is under the aft berth. All of the tanks have inspection ports.

Performance We tested a three-year-old MKII with a tall rig on a blustery winter day on Puget Sound, and were impressed with its performance in winds of 15-30 knots.

The standard-issue sails showed signs of use, since this owner sails 60-70 days a year. The test boat was also loaded for cruising with two kayaks lashed atop the cabin, a towed dinghy, barbeque, propane tank, and outboard motor mounted on the stern rail.

In wind speeds of 16 knots true and a one-foot chop on the quarter, we sailed at 5.7 knots under full main alone. This was good speed, with a tacking angle of about 110°.

Then, sailing upwind with the full main and 135% genoa, boatspeed varied between 5.5 and 6 knots. When we reefed the main she flattened out to approximately 15° of heel, her best attitude, and speed increased to 6.2 knots. Our tacking angle with the genoa up was about 100° —not stellar, but not abnormal, either.

Next we tucked in a second reef in the main, shortened the jib to 105%, and with water coming over the bow we watched speed increase to 7.1 knots. At one point the speedo recorded 7.6 knots on the beat. She slowed to 6.2 knots when we pinched her closer to 40°. Footing off to a broad reach, our speed increased to 8-8.5 knots, a knot faster than theoretical hull speed.

With sails balanced, we also tested the Autohelm 4000 on a reach in 20-25 knots of wind and found that the boat tracks well.

The 36 MKII performs as well as owners say, but could be improved with better-cut standard sails and a backstay adjuster.

The standard engine is a four-cylinder Universal 35B diesel. Fuel consumption is estimated to be 0.8 gallons per hour at 2200 RPM. When we doused sails in 25-knot gusts the diesel easily held the boat into the wind. The boat responds quickly to the wheel under power, as we discovered while poking in and out of fingers docks in a marina.

Conclusions Based on input received from more than 60 Catalina 36 owners who responded to a PS survey circulated by Phil Herring at Catalinaowners.com, we consider them a savvy bunch who understand the strengths and shortcomings of their boats.

These owners consider their boats to be structurally sound, seaworthy, and “fast enough.” They don’t suffer from expectations of Hinckley quality. We note that three 36 owners have circumnavigated the world, without incident according to the company.

“They don’t mind not having that extra layer of varnish or wood plugs in holes,” as Douglas says, “and they like to tinker on their boats. I like to think that we’ve given them a stable platform on which they can safely sail.”

Our test boat gets more-than-average use by a family that includes three teenagers, and it still looks fit. The boat also suffers some of the shortcomings of joinery assembled in a large manufacturing facility.

An excellent 78-page owner’s manual includes schematics of all of the boat’s operating systems, locations of through-hulls, a complete parts list, even a section on cleaning stains on the upholstery. From an owner’s perspective, this makes working on the boat easier. From Catalina’s perspective, it reduces the number of telephone calls to the customer service department.

The warranty is five years on the structure, and five years for blisters with a depreciating schedule that reduces to 50% in the final year.

Considering the number of 36s built during its 18-year run, and the number of repeat customers among Catalina owners, we think buyers looking for a moderately priced production boat should definitely check out this retooled version.

Also With This Article Click here to view “Owner Comments.”

Contact- Catalina Yachts, 21200 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367; 818/884-7700; www.catalinayachts.com .

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10 Best Pocket Catamarans (Under 38 ft)

• Post author By Rick
• Post date September 11, 2020
• 3 Comments on 10 Best Pocket Catamarans (Under 38 ft)

Smaller cruising catamarans are an excellent entry level gateway into cruising catamarans and of late have become very popular. This is an effort to select some of the most well respected of these smaller catamarans. This was a difficult task, as many of these boats, designed and built some time ago, are still found in all the popular cruising grounds, and a list like this is subjective after all. All I can do is apologize in advance for leaving a boat off this list.

• Prout Snowgoose 37

The Snowgoose  (all iterations) was the first truly popular mass produced catamaran with more than 500 built. Known as safe, strong and capable of being sailed off shore, which some say is because of the position of their main mast, they make a perfect coastal cruiser or circumnavigator for an adventurous couple. This is a lot of boat for the money. These boats began their model run as a 35’ boat but as time went on Prout changed the mould by extending them to 37’. The Snowgoose can be found in every ocean on the planet.

The interior is simple and lightweight in order to maintain good sailing performance. A combination of classic woods and modern materials give the boat a spacious and open feeling that is hard to find on a boat this size.

Under sail, the Prout Snowgoose 37 is consistent, and it doesn’t need to be micromanaged, making it an ideal passagemaker. During passages,150 miles per day can be expected without pushing the boat. The Snowgoose 37, with its flexible cutter rig, balances easily and handles well under autopilot.

The Snowgoose is renowned for its rugged construction and sea kindliness as these boats were built to cross oceans, and not as additions to Caribbean charter fleets. Somewhere around 500 boats were built, and, although statements like this are impossible to confirm, its been said that nearly 100 have completed circumnavigations. True or not, Prouts have probably done more circumnavigations than any other catamaran of their era. The Prout designs have proven themselves time and again as tough, reliable cruisers and if a sailor wants a cat to sail around the world, there’s a good chance he’ll probably end up in a Snowgoose.

• Gemini 105M

The most popular American line of catamarans with over 1100 deliveries, this Gemini 105MC is one of the most affordable catamarans on the market. The Gemini’s performance is legendary yet they still manage to surprise unsuspecting newcomers.

These boats squeeze 3 cabins, a head and full Galley (in starboard hull) and a deck layout and rig which offers a stable, safe, and well-reasoned platform for whatever comes your way. And the ingenuity of lifting centerboards and kick-up rudders will have you sailing through less than 2′ of water, making this boat the ultimate Island hopper. All this and more at 33′ 6″ length and a 14′ beam that can dock in a standard slip or truck across the country.

The Gemini 105M has plenty of room, is an excellent value, with outstanding accommodations, and solid sailing performance.

• The Lagoon 37 TPI

The Lagoon 37 TPI catamaran was built by the famed boat yard Tillotson Pearson in Rhode Island. They were introduced in 1993 following the success of the Lagoon 42 in the US charter market and draws from a long lineage of great multihull designs and continues the collaboration of Jeanneau of France, and TPI (American). With the same designers and builders as the forerunner model and targeting the same market, these boats have achieved cult status among catamaran sailors. Their pointing ability, and comfort aboard are legendary.  These boats were designed with the much preferred straight propeller shafts instead of sail drives and were sold as 3 cabin 2 head laid out as an Owner’s Version.

A French design, built in the USA by TPI in Rhode Island, they have become a very sought-after catamaran. These boats are fast and comfortable both at sea and at anchor with ample storage room and comfortable accommodations.

The PDQ 36 was a Canadian built catamaran offered in two arrangements. The LRC (Long Range Cruiser) is a legend among cruising catamarans and included 2 Yanmar diesel engines coupled to straight shafts. The PDQ 36 Capella, was built with pods for two Yamaha extended shaft outboards.

These are solid boats with excellent construction as the expert use of materials and construction techniques results in a strong boat yet keeps the hull weight low. With twin inboard diesels, she’s designed for coastal cruising. They aren’t seen for sale very often.

These are well-built and well-regarded catamarans, designed with a gracious entertaining area, and two luxurious staterooms complete with queen-size beds. At 36′ the boat is the ideal size for single-handing, as the twin engines contribute to excellent maneuverability in tight spaces while the diesel engine version offering considerable charging capability.

Two equal staterooms with plenty of storage throughout the boat. The head and shower stall are one piece for easy cleaning. The galley is located in the port hull, has dual sinks, a Force 10 oven with two burner range and refrigerator for easy access. The salon seats six for dining.

The cockpit is spacious with pilot and co-pilot seats and an aft bench seat. The engines are either inboard diesels or in pods and retract out of the water for no drag when under sail. 

The Catalac 9M was a British built, 30 foot design, with a modest rig, high coach roof, large  cockpit and 5 berths in four sleeping areas which provided lots of sun bathing deck space, a shallow draft, and had reasonable performance. In a good blow (>20 knots of wind speed) 10 knots at 45 degress apparent can be expected from the Catalac 9M and in enough wind the boat will tack inside of 45 degrees. In strong quarterly winds speeds of 12-14 knots under sail has been documented with the outboard engine configuration in a lightly loaded boat. Remarkable performance from such a boxy design  given that it’s design priority was comfort rather than speed

The mast is cabin stepped in a tabernacle. These were designed be raised and lowered single handed. They were sold with a mainsail, working jib and a 170% Genoa. When the rig is set up correctly, they sail with a very balanced helm. Twin rudders contribute to their agility and later models (>1980) have matching skegs just forward of the rudders to increase windward ability. About 250 boats were built.

EndeavourCat 36 cruising catamaran is an American designed and buit boat by Endeavour Catamaran Corporation of Clearwater, FL. The EndeavourCat 36 draws less than 3 feet and can go most places that others can’t. These boats are very easily docked with twin diesel engines. They were built with three staterooms with queen-size beds. There are identical staterooms aft in each hull with a bedside table, hanging locker and drawers. Each stateroom has a ceiling light, reading lights, large hatches, opening ports. The bright, airy salon can comfortably seat 6-8.

The Galley is located in the port hull and is large enough for two people to prepare a gourmet meal side by side. Designed to be sailed single-handed without ever leaving the cockpit, all lines lead to the cockpit, two two-speed winches make easy work of sail handling. Both main and jib are completely self-tacking.

The Endeavour 30 was built by Endeavour Catamaran Corporation of Clearwater, FL and features spacious Salon, Massive Galley, Huge Head with separate two-person shower with a built-in seat. Twin Queen births with full hanging cedar lined closest and plentiful storage space.  The hull, deck, and structural bulkheads are manufactured of biaxial fiberglass with isophathalic vinylester resins and NidaCore (a polypropelene honeycomb) coring. Vacuum bagged construction was used to enhance stiffness, strength, and reduce weight. There is a full interior fiberglass grid used as the interior mold for strength and rigidity. The headliner is a full fiberglass molded piece. The hulls and decks are fastened both chemically and mechanically for strength. Twin fiberglass molded keels are foam filled and have integral sumps. The balanced rudders are constructed of high denisty foam/fiberglass.

These boats have a very unique layout merging the cabin with the cockpit with broad companionway doors. Tons of features packed into her 30 foot length. A lot of catamaran for the money.

• Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36

Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36 was based on an Olivier Flahault design and with a Joubert/Nivelt hull, The Mahe 36 is built for safe navigation with comfortable, bright living areas and a fully protected cockpit alongside the salon.

The Mahe 36 features an open-plan / sheltered cockpit and saloon and raised helm station.  Entering the main salon through the sliding cockpit door the well-appointed galley is to starboard and the Nav station and storage is to port. Down into the starboard hull is the master stateroom aft with a Queen berth with several opening ports, a hanging locker and shelf storage with vented doors.

Forward to starboard is the ample head with shower which is a single fiberglass unit very easy to keep clean. Down from the saloon to the port guest stateroom aft with a Queen berth with several opening ports , a hanging locker and shelf storage with vented doors. Forward to port is the ample head with shower which is a single fiberglass unit very easy to keep clean. The large windows forward, Port and Starboard in the saloon make for an airy, open feeling.

These boat offers great comfort both sailing and at anchor while at the same time offering excellent performance. The Mahé 36 allows you to move around freely onboard, enjoying comfort when navigating (at the helm, in the cockpit or down below) or while moored. Everything has been thought out so that you can move about on this 36 ft yacht without anything getting in the way.

The Catalac 8M is a pocket cruising catamaran which has a solid reputation for quality, strength and durability. Many of the boats found in North America today, were sailed there from Great Britain. The Catalac 8M, although classified as a pocket cruiser was designed with blue water sailing in mind. Offered in two versions, twin diesels or a single outboatd engine. The twin inboard diesel models can easily motor almost 1000 kilometers without refueling. The 70 amps of charging and 70 gallons of stock water tanks in the Catalac 8M and 9M make even these smaller boats terrific coastal cruisers. The Outboard versions sail a bit quicker as the engine can be raised during sailing, reducing drag. Constructed with solid fiberglass hulls, these are quality boats which were built like battleships. Chuck Kanter calls them one of the catamaran brands that live on through the decades.

The Catalac 8M is masthead rigged with a relatively short, but thick mast. As with all boats in the Catalac production lineup, this contributes to a stable boat with a low center of effort. No Catalac has ever been known to fly a hull under any circumstances.

The mast is cabin stepped in a tabernacle. These can be raised and lowered single handed. The standing rigging is over sized to withstand the extra loading experienced by catamarans. They were sold with a mainsail, working jib and a 170% Genoa. When the rig is set up correctly, they sail with a very balanced helm. Twin rudders contribute to their agility and later models (>1980) have matching skegs just forward of the rudders to improve windward ability. 

Designed with a single full size berth forward, a large 8 foot long galley in the starboard hull, a quarter berth, nav station and head in the Port hull, these small catamarans pack a lot of features in a small package. Their cockpits are as large as a 38 – 40 foot catamaran. Most of these boats are in Europe but a fail number were either imported or sailed to North America.

The Seawind 1000 is an Australian built 37′ catamaran. These Australian designed and built catamarans have won world wide acclaim and awards for their stability, spaciousness, luxury and performance.  The Seawind 1000’s blend of simplicity and sophistication is an example of what a modest cruising catamaran needs to serve the minimum needs of its crew, and what it should have to make sailors want to use and keep their beloved catamaran.

She has a well equipped galley with plenty of bench space and storage and the large open saloon. Featuring 2 cabins, 4 berths, large bathroom, and very nice galley. They feature a large double bed, additonal bunk and bathroom portside. On the starboard side, kitchen, additional bunk, desk and seperate cabin. The saloon features a large table that can convert to a huge daybed for lounging while under sail. Her large trampolines up front are perfect to laze around and for sun baking. The large open saloon with seating and table is fully open to the cockpit for plenty of space for the guests to move around.

The functional galley is loaded with fridge, a small oven and gas 2 burner stove top making meal preparation hassle free. She has a galley bench top w/ integral double sink and drain.

The Seawind 1000 is a solid, safe cruising catamaran that moves beautifully in the water and more than comfortable to live on.

• Tags Buying Advice

Owner of a Catalac 8M and Catamaransite webmaster.

3 replies on “10 Best Pocket Catamarans (Under 38 ft)”

Thank you, Rick. My wife and I are planning on cruising the Med in a few years and the boats profiled give a good starting point for the “perfect” boat. ?

Excellent work…

Gerry Gray hear from Pointe Claire Yacht club looking to buy a super clean pocket cat on the east coast or in the carribean or central america….under 100k cad please.

Cheers Gerry

Hi Gerry: Best thing to do is sign up for our mailing list to be first to hear of new catamarans.

https://www.catamaransite.com/contact-enroll/

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• Jet Boats – New
• Spill Response
• Munson Built

Invest in a shore thing

Regardless of the type of vessel you are looking for, having the capability and the confidence to access the beach directly is a huge advantage. Munson Boats are designed to be beached – over and over again. Rocky shorelines and concrete boat ramps are commonly used for landings (disclaimer – don’t hit the concrete any harder than necessary and use common sense). Munson Boats are well known for taking a beating that would destroy most boats. Over the years, many have survived hurricanes, tornados and floods that bust them loose, send them adrift and deposit them up on the rocks.

Like all Munson Boats, our 36’ landing craft features a welded aluminum hull made with no less than 1/4″ aluminum plate. We double that where the boat meets the beach to give you a full half-inch of metal. In the world of 36 foot boats, there is only one boat with all of the advantages of a Munson.

Our clients say it best…

“I think I can speak for the entire team in thanking you and your company for building such an incredible boat!”

Read Full Testimonial

Model: 36-16 Fire

Blaine, WA: BP Cherry Point is the largest refinery in the Pacific Northwest. The refinery is supplied mainly by tankers transporting North Slope crude oil from Alaska. This 36’ Munson is outfitted for both fire/rescue as well as oil spill response. A Hale 1500 GPM fire pump is plumbed to a rooftop monitor and bow monitor. A Northern Lights 12kW generator has a hydraulic PTO to run portable oil skimmers. The large heated cabin includes seating for 8 persons, head compartment, microwave and convertible settee for transporting insured patients. Twin Yamaha 425’s are installed with Yamaha’s Helmmaster EX joystick piloting system with dynamic positioning capability. A 12V bow thruster and Flir infrared camera complete the package.

Specifications

Model: 36-15 Water Taxi

Bellingham, WA: Island Opportunity Charters provides water taxi and freight services throughout the San Juan Islands.   Their 36’ Munson is USCG certified for 12 passengers plus 3500 lbs of freight on the front deck.   Outfitting includes a port & starboard side boarding doors, head compartment, Webatso cabin heater, Raymarine navigation electronics, stereo, washdown pump and trim tabs.   She is a beast in rough water providing comfort and safety to passengers and crew. Twin 300 HP outboards provide plenty of power for transporting heavy loads.

Model: 36-14 Patrol

Kingston, NY: The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office selected this 36’ Munson catamaran for law enforcement and dive/rescue operations. Outfitting includes 3 side dive doors, 3 dive ladders, tank rack for 10 dive bottles, lifting eyes, davit, tow post and engine guard. The cabin is outfitted with a Webasto forced air cabin heater, Dometic roof top air conditioner, pilot & co-pilot suspension seats and American Safe Room CBRNE positive pressure filtration system. Electronics include Raymarine Axiom radar/plotter/sounder with AIS, Garmin auto-pilot, Whelen siren and Flir M Series thermal imaging camera.

Model: 36-13 Military

Patrick Air Force Base, FL: The 308 th Rescue Squadron consists of Combat Rescue Officers and enlisted Pararescuemen, known as PJs.   They selected this 36’ Packcat to provide water rescue capabilities to recover downed aircrew as well as provide humanitarian and disaster relief activities.   Outfitting includes a 1000 lb. lifting davit, tow post, engine guard, dive bottle rack, dive ladder and anchor windlass.   Electronics include a Garmin 16” touchscreen with 18” radome, Flir M Series thermal imaging camera, and VHF with hailer horn. A 12V Warn winch was installed on the front of the console to assist in pulling objects on board via the bow door.

Model: 36-12 Expedition

Cordova, AK: This 36’ Munson Expedition Landing Craft was built to explore the remote areas of Prince William Sound for several weeks at a time. Outfitting includes two roof mounted Mokai jet powered kayaks, two 60 watt solar panels, a Maxilift crane with wireless remote and 12v crab pot puller, ATV tie down points in the main deck with vessel mounted rotopax fuel canisters. A full galley is built into the aft deck with an integrated dish drying rack, cutting boards, and commercial grade sink faucet, propane stove and grill. An insulated fish hold is built into the main deck for cold storage and two large under deck holds provide storage for dry goods. The cabin is equipped with a hydronic heater, integrated clothes drying rack, hammock attachment points and outfitted with a storage rack and traditional campaign furniture.

Model: 36-11 Sport

Stuart Island, BC: Fisherman’s Landing & Lodge lies between northern Vancouver Island and the British Columbia Coast and is only accessible by boat or float plane. Their 36’ Munson is set up for sportfishing charters with seating for 6 passengers, overnight accommodations for two, head compartment with hot water shower, galley with sink, stove and refer, aft control station, side boarding doors, davit with pot puller, 12V bow thruster and SeaStar Optimus 360 joystick control system.

Model: 36-10 Water Taxi

Vancouver, BC: Crosby Marine Film Services operates several Munson Boats used for a wide range of major film and television projects. Their 36’ Packcat is Transport Canada certified for 12 passengers and incorporates three control stations with Mercury joystick controls. The large heated cabin includes a head compartment, four-person settee with work table and folding passenger seating to make room for gear. The covered aft cockpit includes a rear helm station, side boarding door, Yeti cooler and seating for up to 6 passengers. The large bow deck includes seat/storage lockers, bow control station, side boarding door and hydraulic bow door. Mercury Skyhook digital anchoring provides station keeping for film work.

Model: 36-9 Dive

Kingston, NY: The NYSP Dive Team is the largest law enforcement public safety dive team in the United States. Their 36’ Munson includes a hydraulic bow door with two dive ladders, port & starboard side doors, tank rack for 14 dive bottles, lifting eyes, davit, tow post and engine guard. The cabin is outfitted with forced air heater, rooftop air conditioner, black out shades and folding radar arch. Electronics include Garmin radar/plotter/sounder, Flir thermal imaging camera, back up camera and Mercury joystick piloting system with Skyhook digital anchor.

Model: 36-8 Dive

Lanai, Hawaii: Lanai is world famous for its diving. Outfitting for the 36' Munson includes port and starboard dive doors, 8 dive bottle racks, port and starboard dive ladders, swim platform, Bauer Jr. ll electric air compressor, flip out dive ladder on the bow door, Onan 7.5kW generator, air conditioning, head, full width welded aluminum swim step with non-skid, walk-around cabin and bow anchor windlass.

Model: 36-7 Water Taxi

Islas Secas, Panama: Located 25 miles off the coast of Panama, Islas Secas is a chain of 16 jungle-clad volcanic islands. This 36’ Munson is used to transport tourists and facilitate diving operations in one of the most bio-diverse marine habitats in the world. Outfitting includes inside seating for 20 passengers, port & starboard dive doors, foredeck bench seating, dive bottle racks, two dive ladders, Garmin plotter/sounder, bow anchor windlass and 50 gal fresh water system.

Model: 36-6 Sport

Lake Baikal, Russia: Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest freshwater lake measuring over 5000 feet deep and stretching over 400 miles. This 36’ Munson sport boat is built to take advantage of the many unique recreational opportunities Lake Baikal offers. The large cabin is equipped with seating for 8 persons, galley with sink, stove, microwave and refrigerator, head compartment and opening skylight roof hatch. Additional outfitting includes seating for 8 in the aft cockpit, sun loungers in the bow deck and hydraulic bow door system.

Model: 36-5 OSR

Burnaby, BC: Western Canada Marine Spill Response Corporation is responsible for oil spill response in British Columbia and operates several Munson Boats. The 36’ Gil Sentinel is utilized in nearshore response operations for deployment of equipment and transport of solid and liquid waste. Outfitting includes a hydraulically operated bow door, tow post with tow line guide, davit with 12V windlass, 8 person canister life raft and Raymarine radar/plotter/sounder.

Model: 36-4 Research

New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University uses their 36’ Munson research boat as a mobile lab for the Department of Marine and Coastal Services at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This vessel was delivered with a US Coast Guard COI and is rated for 20 passengers and 2 crew members. Outfitting includes a Universal Sonar Mount (USM) for use with their Rio Grande Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, fore and aft davits, side boarding door, 5kw generator, and a Garmin 1040xs radar/plotter/sounder. The large cabin is equipped with A/C, forced air heat, a head compartment, and multiple work stations.

Model: 36-3 Expedition

Whittier, AK: This 36’ Munson is used to service a remote lodge located in Prince William Sound only accessible by boat. The cabin is outfitted with seating for 6 passengers, head, shower, galley, diesel heater, and queen mattress that deploys from the overhead. Additional outfitting includes bow & stern deck control stations, bow thruster, side boarding door, 12V fuel transfer pump, downrigger mounts, recessed fish holds, fish cleaning station, 8 person life raft, and hydraulic anchor winch. Electronics include Garmin 7610 plotter/sounder/radar with three 10” displays, Garmin auto pilot and Clarion stereo with 6 box speakers. A triple axle gooseneck trailer completes the package.

Model: 36-2 Fire

Boone County, KY: Boone County (KY) Civil Defense program, is a group of 49 dedicated volunteers who work more than 12,000 hours annually in water rescue activities. Triple ETEC's put up a top speed of 51mph ensuring quick response times. A roof mounted umbilical winch and towing davit assist crew members in performing bottom scans. A 500 gpm fire system and extensive EMT outfitting ensure that the team at Boone County Water Rescue is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Model: 36-1 Research

Ashland, OR: Sky Research (SKY) is leading the operational implementation of advanced marine technology for geophysical investigations related to remediation of munitions and explosives. The R/V SKY MRV was designed to locate and dispose of unexploded ammunitions using a variety of detection methods with the help of an A-Frame hoist and multi-beam side scan sonar. Interior features include a CPU rack, computer work stations and an enclosed head compartment.

“I think I can speak for the entire team in thanking you and your company for building such an incredible boat! I have been on many rescues and she has always accomplished the task put in front of her. During the winter we navigated 6-7 foot seas and ice floes. Our team has certainly benefited from the functionality and ease of use of this vessel.”

Matt Boone County Water Rescue

36-ft Catamaran

• Low season : $1550
• High season : $1700

We accept credit / debit card payments in dollars or Colombian pesos.

What's Included

• Pick up & Drop off
• Your own 36ft Catamaran for Cholon from 09.00-17.00
• Cooler filled with all the ice you will need
• Fuel & Taxes

What's not Included

How to book in 3 easy steps.

• Submit your booking form
• Receive an email to confirm the boat availability.
• Make a payment and confirm your reservation

Book the '36-ft Catamaran'

You make plans. we make memories.

Catamaran 36ft its a saling boat, we need a 3 hours to get to Cholon, Rosario Islands ..CANCELLATION POLICY Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 14 days before the experience starts. If the day of your charter there is bad weather, we can  reschedule for another day without any additional fee.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND All boats come with life jackets and emergency kits. 10% gratuity is optional. Wire transfer required for payments over USD 2,000. Payment methods: Debit or Credit Card, Wire, PayPal, Cash. If you have allergies or medical needs, please bring your medications in case of an emergency. You can bring your food and beverages. If you don’t want to think about it, we can provide our chef/catering and shopping service. All boats have sound systems. Children are welcome onboard and counted as passengers.

Things to keep in mind (FAQ)

We love animals and would feel terrible if they get seasick, so as a general rule no pets allowed. (some yachts are ok, please ask which ones)

All vessels come with life jackets, emergency and first aid kits.

You can bring your own alcohol and food without any problem.

All yachts include a sound system for your music

Children are allowed on board and are counted as a passenger

Payment is due 10 days before your charter date

For charters over $5k a wire transfer is required

High Season: 25 march to 16 april / 1 june to 31 july / 8 to 15 november / 15 december to 20 januar

19% tax will be automatically added to your total if you are a colombian resident.

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