PDQ 36

Description

The PDQ 36 is a popular lightweight cruising catamaran designed by Alan Slater (with some sources crediting Ted Clements in related contexts) and built by PDQ Yachts Inc. (Whitby, Ontario, Canada) from 1991 to 2003. It features vacuum-bagged fiberglass construction with Core-Cell foam core (plus triaxial cloth and carbon fiber reinforcements in key areas like the main beam for strength and reduced weight), twin mini-keels (no daggerboards for simplicity and low maintenance), a fractional sloop rig (masthead sloop in most examples), twin outboard engines (typically 2 × 9.9 hp, with some LRC variants using inboard diesels), sugar-scoop transoms (added in the 1991 hull extension from the earlier PDQ 34/36 prototype), and a bridgedeck layout with bright, open accommodations (two hull cabins, salon with good headroom up to ~6'11", galley, and protection in the cockpit). Evolved into variants like the Mark II Classic and Mark II LRC (Long Range Cruiser with increased tankage and inboards), it was designed as a performance-oriented yet family-friendly pocket cruiser—nimble, quick to accelerate, good upwind (tacking through <90° with proper setup), shorthanded-friendly, and capable for coastal/bluewater use with excellent value and build quality. Production totaled around 100 hulls (one of the most successful North American cruising catamarans of its era), now long out of production (PDQ sailboat division transitioned to Antares Yachts in 2003), but with a strong used-market presence, owner forums, and reputation for lively sailing, comfort, and reliability.