Cross 36 Trimaran

Description

The Cross 36 (most commonly the Norman Cross 36 or Norman Cross 36R) is a classic plywood/epoxy cruising/racing trimaran designed by Canadian multihull pioneer Norman Cross (c. 1915–1990). Cross was a design engineer (with Ford background) who became a key figure in early multihull development, producing a series of hard-chine trimarans known for simplicity, affordability, and good performance. The 36 ft models (including the 36R racing-oriented variant) were popular for owner-builders in the 1970s–1980s, emphasizing offshore capability, speed, and stability with narrow hulls and a low center of gravity. The design often features hard-chine plywood construction (easier for amateurs), a central main hull (vaka) with folding or fixed amas (outriggers), and options for keels, daggerboards, or centerboards in the amas/hull for better upwind performance and shallow draft. Many were custom-built or semi-custom, leading to variations (e.g., cutter rig in some like "Longbow," standard sloop in others). It's praised for offshore passages (some circumnavigated or Pacific-crossed), reasonable comfort for 2–4 people, and fast sailing (10–15+ knots in good conditions, with bursts higher). Limited production — primarily plans-based (from Cross Multihulls or similar sources). A few dozen completed worldwide (estimates 20–50+ across variants), mostly owner-built in the 1970s–1990s. No mass production; surviving examples are rare and often cherished (few for sale).