CONTROVERSY 36
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.25 ft |
| LWL | 30 ft |
| Beam | 10.08 ft |
| Draft | 5.33 ft |
| Displacement | 11,500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
About the CONTROVERSY 36
The Controversy 36 is a rare, single-year production vessel designed by E. Farnham Butler and built by Mount Desert Yacht Yard (USA) in 1960. With an unknown total build count, this 37.25 ft LOA masthead yawl represents a unique snapshot of early 1960s American yacht design.
- Best for:
- This boat suits collectors and traditionalists seeking a classic, heavy-displacement cruising yacht with a comfortable motion, as indicated by its 25.45 comfort ratio.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 11500.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.79, the Controversy 36 exhibits strong offshore stability and seakeeping characteristics suitable for bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other early 1960s American fin-keel yawls such as the Pearson 36 or early O'Day models, sharing similar displacement and era-specific construction methods.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTROVERSY 36 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the CONTROVERSY 36yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a CONTROVERSY 36? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CONTROVERSY 36?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CONTROVERSY 36
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…