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Cavalier 36
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Cavalier Yachts Ltd  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Cavalier 36

Built during the 1970s, this mid-sized cruiser represents a classic example of that era's emphasis on comfortable coastal sailing and weekending adventures. The Cavalier 36 emerged from a period when builders focused on creating affordable, practical sailboats that could handle both day sailing and extended cruising without the complexity of modern racing-oriented designs. With her traditional lines and moderate proportions, this boat appeals to sailors seeking a straightforward cruising experience along protected waters and coastal regions. The design prioritizes interior volume and ease of handling over ultimate performance, making her well-suited for couples or small families exploring harbors, bays, and nearshore waters. The Cavalier 36's reputation centers on her user-friendly nature and solid construction typical of 1970s fiberglass boats. While not designed for offshore passages or competitive racing, she offers the kind of reliable, uncomplicated sailing that builds confidence in developing sailors. Her spacious cockpit and practical deck layout reflect the designer's understanding of what recreational sailors actually need during weekend getaways and coastal explorations. Today, these boats attract buyers looking for affordable entry into mid-sized cruising, particularly those who appreciate vintage sailing's simpler approach to boat systems and layouts.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.09 ft / 11.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.86 ft / 9.10 m
Beam 11.81 ft / 3.60 m
Max Draft 6.23 ft / 1.90 m
Displacement 14,513.00 lb / 6,583 kg
Ballast 7,507.00 lb / 3,405 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 858.00 ft² / 79.71 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Cavalier Yachts Ltd
First Built 1976
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Performance Ratios
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
23.16
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
26.38
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
1.94
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. 7.32
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. 1.0
How It Compares

vs. Islander 36, Lancer 36, Sweden Yachts 36

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Cavalier 36 ★
36.1 ft
Islander 36
36.1 ft
Lancer 36
36.2 ft
Sweden Yachts 36
36.1 ft
LWL
Cavalier 36 ★
29.9 ft
Islander 36
28.3 ft
Lancer 36
29.0 ft
Sweden Yachts 36
29.5 ft
Beam
Cavalier 36 ★
11.8 ft
Islander 36
11.2 ft
Lancer 36
11.8 ft
Sweden Yachts 36
12.0 ft
Displacement
Cavalier 36 ★
14 lbs
Islander 36
13 lbs
Lancer 36
10 lbs
Sweden Yachts 36
14 lbs
Ballast
Cavalier 36 ★
7 lbs
Islander 36
5 lbs
Lancer 36
4 lbs
Sweden Yachts 36
5 lbs
Sail Area
Cavalier 36 ★
858 sq ft
Islander 36
576 sq ft
Lancer 36
558 sq ft
Sweden Yachts 36
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Cavalier 36 ★
Islander 36
144 s/nm
Lancer 36
131 s/nm
Sweden Yachts 36
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Cavalier 36 ★
23.2
Islander 36
16.4
Lancer 36
18.7
Sweden Yachts 36
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Cavalier 36 ★
Islander 36
Lancer 36
38.1 %
Sweden Yachts 36
41.6 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Cavalier 36 ★
26.4
Islander 36
27.3
Lancer 36
19.6
Sweden Yachts 36
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Cavalier 36 ★
1.94
Islander 36
1.88
Lancer 36
2.15
Sweden Yachts 36
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Cavalier 36 ★
Islander 36
Lancer 36
192
Sweden Yachts 36
248
Hull Speed
Cavalier 36 ★
7.3 kts
Islander 36
7.1 kts
Lancer 36
7.2 kts
Sweden Yachts 36
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Cavalier 36 ★
Islander 36
2.0
Lancer 36
3.0
Sweden Yachts 36
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