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40data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HIGH TENSION 36 buyer’s report
HIGH TENSION 36

HIGH TENSION 36

Southern Ocean Shipyard🇬🇧· Design: J. de Ridder
from 1974
$2.2K – $5.9K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin
One Ton Class

Specifications

Hull

LOA35.75 ft
LWL31.5 ft
Beam11.5 ft
Draft6.75 ft
Displacement19,450 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.5 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height48.24 ft
Jforetriangle base15.3 ft
Pmainsail luff42.25 ft
Emainsail foot11 ft
FLforestay15.3 ft
Mainsail620 sq ft
Jib (100%)369 sq ft
Spinnaker627.4 sq ft

About the HIGH TENSION 36

Based on a prototype 'High Tension' that finished second at the 1974 One-Ton Cup. The HUISMAN 37, built of aluminum, was based on this same design.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The High Tension 36 is a robust offshore cruiser designed by J. de Ridder and built by Southern Ocean Shipyard (UK) in 1974. With a displacement of 19450.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 35.46, this vessel is engineered for heavy-weather stability and long-range cruising comfort.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for experienced bluewater cruisers and offshore racers who prioritize seakeeping and structural integrity over high-speed planing. Its heavy displacement and fin keel make it ideal for those seeking a safe, stable platform for extended coastal and ocean passages.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.71 and a D/L ratio of 277.8, the High Tension 36 demonstrates excellent offshore stability and resistance to capsizing, making it highly capable for bluewater cruising.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 36 and the Oyster 36, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and offshore-oriented designs from the mid-1970s. These boats are comparable due to their shared emphasis on safety, robust construction, and suitability for serious offshore passagemaking.

Performance

Comfort35.5
Capsize1.71
SA/Disp13.3
Disp/Len278

ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)

Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.

Polar Diagram

24680°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20knbeat VMGrun VMG

Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC

Racing Ratings

GPH665.4 s/miOSN646.9

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.90021.15651.2838Inshore0.70240.94381.0812

ORC Measured

Displacement6898 kg (15209 lb)Wetted surface27.1 m² (292 ft²)

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main29.9 m² (322 ft²)Genoa43.1 m² (464 ft²)Spinnaker107.0 m² (1152 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS681012141620
52°5.05.86.56.86.96.97.0
60°5.26.16.76.97.07.17.2
75°5.46.36.87.07.27.47.5
90°5.46.36.87.17.37.57.9
110°5.46.57.07.37.67.88.1
120°5.26.47.07.37.78.08.4
135°4.85.96.77.17.57.88.5
150°4.15.16.06.77.17.48.1
Beat VMG3.33.94.44.74.84.94.9
Run VMG3.54.45.25.96.57.07.6

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the HIGH TENSION 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 35.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.2K – $5.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

7 reported issues across 5 systems for the HIGH TENSION 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

3 critical1 major3 minor
Deck2Structural2Rudder1Engine1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HIGH TENSION 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 7 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

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your HIGH TENSION 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.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the HIGH TENSION 36

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