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Union 36
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Union Yacht Co. (Tiawan)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Union 36

Designed for serious bluewater cruising, the Union 36 is a capable and well-regarded offshore sailboat that has earned a loyal following among long-distance sailors. Built by Union Plastics in Taiwan during the 1970s and 1980s, this vessel was part of a broader wave of Taiwanese-built cruising boats that offered solid construction and practical layouts at accessible price points. The Union 36 carries a reputation for being a sturdy, no-nonsense cruiser suited to extended passages and life aboard. Its hull design prioritizes seakeeping ability and stability over outright speed, making it a trusted companion for sailors tackling open ocean passages rather than weekend racing. Below decks, the interior typically reflects the cruising-focused philosophy of its era, offering functional liveaboard accommodations with an emphasis on practicality. For prospective buyers, the Union 36 represents an affordable entry point into serious offshore cruising. As with most boats of this vintage, careful inspection of the hull, rigging, and systems is essential. Those willing to invest in updates will find a capable and seaworthy platform with genuine bluewater credentials.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.67 ft / 11.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.00 ft / 9.75 m
Beam 11.33 ft / 3.45 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 22,000.00 lb / 9,979 kg
Ballast 7,800.00 lb / 3,538 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG (solid laminate)
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Union Yacht Co. (TIAWAN)
First Built 1977
Last Built 1988
Number Built 160
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
 180
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
 35.45
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
 299.73
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. 7.77 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.08
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 786.00 ft² / 73.02 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Volvo
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 32
Fuel Capacity 65 gals / 246 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Find a Union 36 For Sale
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