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Monterey Clipper
Designer: Ed Monk Sr.  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Monterey Clipper

Designed by renowned naval architect Ed Monk Sr. and first launched in 1975, this 36-foot masthead ketch represents classic American cruising yacht design from the mid-1970s. The fiberglass construction features traditional long keel configuration, providing excellent tracking and seaworthiness that made these boats popular among serious cruising sailors. With a displacement of 18,000 pounds and substantial beam of 10.33 feet, the Monterey Clipper offers impressive stability and interior volume for extended voyaging. The long keel design, while sacrificing some maneuverability in tight quarters, delivers exceptional directional stability and the ability to carry weather helm gracefully in challenging conditions. The 4.5-foot draft strikes a reasonable balance between performance and accessibility to shallow harbors. The masthead ketch rig configuration provides versatility for various wind conditions and sea states, with the mizzen sail offering excellent balance options for heavy weather sailing. Ed Monk Sr.'s reputation for creating seaworthy, well-proportioned vessels is evident in this design's generous proportions and traditional lines. This boat suits coastal cruising and offshore passages equally well, appealing to sailors who prioritize comfort, stability, and seaworthiness over pure speed. The substantial construction and proven design make it an attractive option for those seeking a capable cruising platform.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.17 ft / 11.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.33 ft / 6.50 m
Beam 10.33 ft / 3.15 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Ed Monk Sr.
First Built 1975
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Performance Ratios
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
828.04
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
48.12
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
1.58
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. 6.19 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. 787.30 pounds/inch
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