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Lapworth 36 L 36
Designer: C. William Lapworth  ·  Builder: C&J Boatshop (Usa)/Taylor Boatworks  ·  First built: 1953
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About the Lapworth 36 L 36

Designed by naval architect Bill Lapworth, this 36-foot sailboat represents the craftsmanship and sailing philosophy that made Lapworth a respected name in yacht design during the mid-20th century. Known for creating boats that balanced performance with practicality, Lapworth's designs typically featured clean lines and thoughtful proportions that appealed to serious sailors. While detailed specifications remain elusive, the L 36 likely embodies the designer's characteristic approach to creating versatile sailing vessels suitable for both coastal cruising and club racing. Lapworth's boats generally exhibited good windward performance and seaworthy handling characteristics, making them popular among sailors who valued reliability over flashy innovation. The boat's 36-foot length suggests adequate interior space for extended cruising while maintaining manageable size for a small crew. Given Lapworth's reputation for designing boats with balanced helm and predictable sailing characteristics, the L 36 would appeal to sailors seeking a traditional sailing experience without sacrificing modern performance expectations. For potential buyers researching this model, the Lapworth name carries weight in sailing circles, though finding detailed documentation may require connecting with owners' groups or vintage sailing communities where knowledge of these designs is preserved.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.00 ft / 10.97 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.33 ft / 8.63 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 584.00 ft² / 54.26 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Wood (strip planked)
Designer C. William Lapworth
Builder C&J Boatshop (USA)/Taylor Boatworks
First Built 1953
Owner Reviews

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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
156
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
17.89
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
30.18
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
1.66
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. 7.13
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
2.4
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. 961.65
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 40.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 35.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.5
SA Fore 273.38
SA Main 310.63
How It Compares

vs. Creekmore 36, Evergreen Rhodes, Winslow 36

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
36.0 ft
Creekmore 36
36.0 ft
Evergreen Rhodes
36.0 ft
Winslow 36
36.0 ft
LWL
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
28.3 ft
Creekmore 36
30.0 ft
Evergreen Rhodes
24.0 ft
Winslow 36
25.0 ft
Beam
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
9.5 ft
Creekmore 36
9.7 ft
Evergreen Rhodes
7.3 ft
Winslow 36
9.5 ft
Displacement
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
12 lbs
Creekmore 36
14 lbs
Evergreen Rhodes
7 lbs
Winslow 36
15 lbs
Ballast
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
Creekmore 36
5 lbs
Evergreen Rhodes
Winslow 36
6 lbs
Sail Area
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
584 sq ft
Creekmore 36
Evergreen Rhodes
472 sq ft
Winslow 36
584 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
156 s/nm
Creekmore 36
183 s/nm
Evergreen Rhodes
Winslow 36
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
17.9
Creekmore 36
Evergreen Rhodes
19.6
Winslow 36
15.2
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
30.2
Creekmore 36
33.1
Evergreen Rhodes
30.0
Winslow 36
41.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
1.66
Creekmore 36
1.61
Evergreen Rhodes
1.49
Winslow 36
1.53
Hull Speed
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
7.1 kts
Creekmore 36
7.3 kts
Evergreen Rhodes
6.6 kts
Winslow 36
6.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Lapworth 36 L 36 ★
2.4
Creekmore 36
Evergreen Rhodes
Winslow 36
0.9
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