HUGHES 36

About the HUGHES 36

Built from tooling that Hughes Boatworks had purchased from Columbia Yachts. The hull design probably has it's origins with the COLUMBIA 34 MKII (1970). Also similar to the CORONADO 35. Sloop or Ketch.

The Hughes 36 is a William Tripp-designed coastal cruiser built by Hughes Boatworks Ltd. in Canada, with production records indicating a build year of 1971. As a single-year production model with an unknown total hull count, it represents a specific era of Canadian boatbuilding characterized by robust construction and traditional aesthetics.

Best for:

This vessel is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate displacement and comfort ratio make it ideal for relaxed cruising rather than aggressive offshore passage-making.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 13000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.72, the Hughes 36 exhibits strong stability characteristics suitable for protected coastal waters and short offshore passages. However, its single-year production and limited documented bluewater history suggest it is better classified as a coastal cruiser with moderate offshore capability rather than a dedicated bluewater passagemaker.

Comparables:

Comparable vessels include other William Tripp designs from the early 1970s, such as the Island Packet 36 or the Tartan 36, which share similar displacement and beam characteristics. These boats are comparable due to their shared emphasis on seaworthiness, interior volume, and moderate sail area-to-displacement ratios.