CATALINA 36
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 36.33 ft |
| LWL | 30.25 ft |
| Beam | 11.92 ft |
| Draft | 5.83 ft |
| Displacement | 13,500 lb |
| Ballast | 6,148.7 lb |
| Material | 36’ 4”11.07 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 46.75 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 573.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 320.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 545.1 sq ft |
| SA total | 601.46 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 1 |
| Water | 47.6 L |
| Fuel | 33 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
Engine
| Universal | M-2520 hpSee all 12 parts → |
| Universal | M-3535 hpSee all 11 parts → |
| Universal | M-25XP23 hpSee all 12 parts → |
| Universal | M-25XPB25 hpSee all 13 parts → |
About the CATALINA 36
Also available with a shallower draft wing keel and tall rig. Wing Keel draft: 4.43'/1.35m Disp.:14100 lbs./6387 kg Ballast: 6600 lbs./2990 kg Sail Area (100%): 601.46 ft2/55.88 m2 A MkII version was introduced in 1994 that features a larger cockpit, with modified deck and interior.
Designed by Frank Butler and built by Catalina Yachts (USA), the Catalina 36 is a robust cruising sloop with 1766 hulls built in 1982. It is widely recognized for its spacious interior and solid construction, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding the keel sump and deck core.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal and nearshore cruisers who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over high-performance racing. Its moderate displacement and beam make it a comfortable liveaboard for couples or small families seeking a stable, user-friendly vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 13500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.01, the boat is generally considered suitable for protected coastal passages and short offshore trips, though its fin keel and moderate ballast ratio suggest caution in extreme open-ocean conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the same era include the Cal 34 and O'Day 36, which share similar beam and interior volume characteristics. The Catalina 36 distinguishes itself with a more modern interior layout and a reputation for easier single-handed handling compared to these contemporaries.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 60° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| 75° | 4.0 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 90° | 3.9 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 110° | 3.9 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.8 |
| 120° | 3.8 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 9.1 |
| 135° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 9.1 |
| 150° | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 2.3 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.4 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.6 |
Liveaboard Score
How suitable the CATALINA 36is for living aboard full-time, by crew. “Not recommended” means the design is too cramped for that crew — not just short on length.
- ✓Roomy, comfortable interior
- ✓Long range — good water/fuel/power
- ✓Affordable to own & maintain
- —
Images
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
89 listings · boat years 1983–2005 · median $37,500
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 36.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
32 reported issues across 10 systems for the CATALINA 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 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 32 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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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 36
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