BOWMAN 36
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 36 ft |
| LWL | 26.67 ft |
| Beam | 11.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.67 ft |
| Displacement | 19,500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 42 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 35.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 572.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 300.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 510.5 sq ft |
About the BOWMAN 36
A keel/centerboard version was available as well a number of different interior configurations.
The Bowman 36 is a heavy-displacement, full-keel ketch designed by Holman & Pye and built by Seaglass/Bowman Yachts in the UK, with production records indicating a single build year of 1970. With a displacement of 19500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 40.33, this vessel represents a classic, seakindly cruising platform from the early 1970s British yacht-building tradition.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater voyagers who prioritize stability, comfort, and traditional handling over high-speed performance. Its heavy displacement and full keel make it ideal for owners seeking a stable, low-maintenance platform for extended offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.69 and a D/L ratio of 458.9, the Bowman 36 exhibits strong inherent stability and resistance to capsizing, making it well-suited for offshore cruising despite its age.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 36 and the Hallberg-Rassy 38, as they share similar heavy-displacement, full-keel characteristics and ketch or yawl configurations from the same era. The Bristol 36 is also a relevant comparison for its robust construction and cruising-oriented design philosophy.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1971–1975 · median $29,950
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 36ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 8 systems for the BOWMAN 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BOWMAN 36? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 13 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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