Designed by E. Farnham Butler and first launched in 1960, this classic wooden yawl represents traditional American yacht design at its finest. Built by Mount Desert Yacht Yard in Maine, the Controversy 36 combines elegant lines with practical sailing characteristics that have made her a respected choice among discerning sailors for over six decades.
With her moderate displacement of 11,500 pounds and fin keel configuration, she strikes an appealing balance between performance and comfort. The masthead yawl rig provides versatile sail handling options, particularly valuable for shorthanded sailing or when conditions turn challenging. Her comfort ratio of 25.45 indicates a relatively stiff, seaworthy hull that should handle coastal and offshore passages with confidence, while the capsize screening formula of 1.79 suggests good stability characteristics for extended cruising.
The wooden construction reflects the craftsmanship traditions of her Maine birthplace, requiring dedicated maintenance but rewarding owners with classic beauty and character that fiberglass cannot match. Her sail area to displacement ratio of 16.39 suggests moderate performance potential without sacrificing the predictable handling characteristics that make her suitable for both coastal exploration and longer passages. This is a yacht for sailors who appreciate traditional design values and aren't afraid of the commitment that wooden boat ownership demands.
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
16.39
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
190.15
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
25.45
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
1.79
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.
7.34 kn
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.
1,080.51 pounds/inch
How It Compares
vs. Alberg 37, Black Watch 37, Grampian Classic 37, Prior 37, Tartan 37