Roberts 36 Sloop/Cutter

Description

The Bruce Roberts 36, designed in the 1970s by Australian naval architect Bruce Roberts for owner-builders pursuing affordable bluewater cruising, is a versatile multi-chine sailboat with over 300 examples constructed worldwide in steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, celebrated for its seaworthy hull and customizable layouts ideal for couples or small families on global passages. Measuring 36 feet 9 inches LOD with a 28-foot-9-inch LWL, 11-foot beam, draft of 4 feet (lead ballast) or 4 feet 9 inches (scrap steel), and displacements ranging from 14,750 pounds in fiberglass/wood to 18,000 pounds in steel including 6,275 pounds of ballast, this cutter- or ketch-rigged vessel (with junk rig options) features an approximate sail area of 650-700 square feet across mainsail, genoa, and staysail for balanced performance in 15-30 knot winds, attaining 7-8.5 knot hull speeds with a comfy, predictable helm and minimal weather helm when using the staysail. Powered by a 20- to 33-horsepower diesel auxiliary for 6-knot motoring, its robust construction includes full headroom throughout a spacious interior accommodating 7-9 berths in configurations like twin forepeak, saloon double/single/pilot berths, and aft cabin, with an L-galley, enclosed head (often athwartships near the engine), and ample storage for extended autonomy. Proven in triple circumnavigations and heavy-weather recoveries—including a rollover and dismasting survived on jury rig—the Roberts 36 blends timeless lines with practical durability, remaining a favorite for intrepid sailors valuing self-reliance and comfort on oceans from the Pacific to the Atlantic.