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Cascade 36
Designer: Robert Smith  ·  Builder: Yacht Constructors Inc./Cascade Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1967
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About the Cascade 36

Designed by Robert Smith and built by Yacht Constructors Inc. and later Cascade Yachts, this classic fin-keeled cruiser represents solid 1960s yacht design philosophy with 156 hulls launched between 1967 and the end of production. The cutter rig configuration provides versatile sail handling options, particularly valuable for cruising sailors who appreciate the ability to balance sail area across multiple headsails in varying conditions. With a displacement of 12,500 pounds and moderate proportions, this fiberglass cruiser strikes a practical balance between performance and comfort. The fin keel with spade rudder arrangement delivers respectable sailing characteristics while maintaining the seaworthiness expected of boats from this era. Her beam of 10 feet provides adequate interior volume without compromising her sailing ability. The comfort ratio of 29.13 places her in the moderate range, suggesting she's well-suited for coastal cruising and short offshore passages rather than extended bluewater voyaging. Her capsize screening value of 1.73 indicates reasonable stability characteristics for her intended use. The 590 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for most conditions, while the hull's waterline length generates a theoretical hull speed of 7.20 knots. This Cascade represents the practical cruising boat philosophy of her generation, offering reliability and traditional sailing qualities.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$18,000 – $18,000
typical asking price
Median $18,000  ·  1 listing used
All listings
$18,000 – $18,000 1
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.56 ft / 10.84 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.87 ft / 8.80 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 5.60 ft / 1.71 m
Displacement 12,500.00 lb / 5,670 kg
Ballast 4,433.00 lb / 2,011 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 590.00 ft² / 54.81 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert Smith
Builder Yacht Constructors Inc./Cascade Yachts (USA)
First Built 1967
Number Built 156
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 150
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 17.59
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 35.46
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 231.91
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 29.13
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.73
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.20 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.41
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,031.56 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17.57
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.00 ft / 13.11 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 37.58 ft / 11.45 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.50 ft / 5.03 m
SA Fore 279.50 ft² / 25.97 m²
SA Main 310.04 ft² / 28.80 m²
SA Total (100%) 589.54 ft² / 54.77 m²
Est. Forestay Length 44.92 ft / 13.69 m
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