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Rustler 36
Designer: Holman & Pye  ·  Builder: Orion Marine/ Rustler Yachts (Uk)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Rustler 36

Designed by the renowned British firm Holman & Pye and built by Rustler Yachts in the UK, this classic cruising sailboat represents traditional British yacht design at its finest. With production running from 1980 and 100 hulls completed, the Rustler 36 has earned a reputation as a serious offshore cruiser built to handle challenging conditions. The boat's long keel configuration with transom-hung rudder provides exceptional tracking and seaworthiness, making it ideally suited for extended offshore passages and coastal cruising. The substantial displacement of 16,805 pounds and generous ballast of 7,619 pounds create a stiff, stable platform that inspires confidence in heavy weather. This traditional hull design prioritizes safety and comfort over speed, reflected in the conservative comfort ratio of 36.18. The masthead sloop rig with 693 square feet of sail area provides adequate power while remaining manageable for a small crew. Construction is solid fiberglass, built to withstand the rigors of blue water sailing. With a capsize screening formula of 1.72, the design falls well within accepted parameters for offshore work. The 29-horsepower auxiliary engine provides reliable backup power for maneuvering in tight quarters or motoring through calms.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.33 ft / 10.77 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.92 ft / 8.21 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 16,805.00 lb / 7,623 kg
Ballast 7,619.00 lb / 3,456 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 693.00 ft² / 64.38 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pye
Builder Orion Marine/ Rustler Yachts (UK)
First Built 1980
Number Built 100
Associations Rustler Owners Association
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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
16.96
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
45.34
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
384.56
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
36.18
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
1.72
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. 6.95 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. 1,058.07 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Nanni
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 29
Fuel Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
Water Capacity 55 gals / 208 L
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