Islander 36? | TheaterFire

I own one, sail every weekend. Singlehanded it several times, but it is not the boat to learn to sail on. Join a club and/or find a trainer/training program to learn on sailing dinghys. Starting small will give you an intuitive connection to sailing. Make sure you both learn at the same time, or one of you will do all the sailing and the other will be a captive audience. Going out on dinghys to learn to sail is also a great way to get someone hooked on it, btw...

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anteup@reddit

Popped out from behind an island into 40 kts? Bay Area sailor spotted ;)

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Head_Breadfruit4039@reddit

Islander 36 in my experience is the best sailboat to learn on and a great live aboard start! Would recommend!

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TangoLimaGolf@reddit

I owned an Islander 28 and it was built like a brick shithouse. Very stiff in a blow and could take more than I was comfortable with sailing on Lake Erie.

All that being said the cockpit was tiny and the Hurth transmission was kind of a pain when docking as it has separate levers for forward/reverse and throttle.

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sailingfirst@reddit

Live Your Dream - East Coast Sailing School & Services

Tell Cliff I sent you. I believe he has an Islander and loves it and can tell you everything you would want to know about this boat.

Tell him Capt. David from MD told you about him

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ralphkensington@reddit

Had one for about 12 years. Lived aboard for 8, did local beercans, singlehanded all over the place… absolutely love that boat. Would definitely still have it if I hadn’t move from the SF Bay Area to the UK.

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Westar-35@reddit

I think I know that boat, what's her name?

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ralphkensington@reddit

She was called Zorza, though the paint of the name had worn off quite badly before we sold her in 2020 or so. We raced fairly regularly in the Richmond YC Wednesday evening beer cans. Not sure what the new owner did with her.

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ralphkensington@reddit

She was called Zorza, though the paint of the name had worn off quite badly before we sold her in 2020 or so. We raced fairly regularly in the Richmond YC Wednesday evening beer cans. Not sure what the new owner did with her.

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furiousfotographie@reddit

Haven't been on this specific boat but they're fairly well regarded online, whatever that's worth. It's an older design, so it'll be a lot smaller inside than a more modern boat.

That said, it's in a class of boats that'll do fine for learning, living, and cruising around on. If your moneys tight, you think about not getting a survey - if you don't have a fix it background and mentality, that could set you up for a lot of problems.

These boats are old and even if I'm good shape are likely gonna need a lot of work, all the time.

I dunno the exact boat you're looking at (and they vary wildly in condition and fit out) but I would broaden my search. I suspect you can get more boat for a similar cost and probably a bit more modern design as well.

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captaincheem@reddit (OP)

I consider myself rather handy with experience in some composite work and wood work, and have lots of mechanical experience. I like to believe I could figure out most issues we have but that could just be my ego talking. The particular one I'm looking at is 40k but looks immaculate inside and out. When I find a boat I will get a survey done before I make the purchase official so I know 100% what im getting myself into but I need to know if the boat is worth getting a survey done in the first place.

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Westar-35@reddit

There are no 100%'s in sailing. A surveyor will definitely not find everything wrong with the boat, still get it surveyed, but also expect something annoyingly expensive to sneak up on you when you least need it to happen.

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overthehillhat@reddit

I-36 in perfect Bristol condition might be 40K

or ::

if not - - Still a well bred horse

Do you 'Know a Guy" who can survey?

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captaincheem@reddit (OP)

I don't really have any connections i just figured i would find a locally reputable one in the area when I think i find one I like

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furiousfotographie@reddit

Did a quick look around on yachtworld and in the same price range you can find Catalina, Oday, and Hunter 34s.

Of those, the Catalina would be the better choice, but if you find a good example of these, i think you'd end up a bit happier. Roomier, 10+yrs newer, sail well, and probably have better support - certainly the Catalina.

The Catalina 34 is a pretty great boat for what it is and the others are pretty decent, and certainly capable starter platforms.

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fluoruranus@reddit

Love the Catalina 34, 42 would be a more comfortable live aboard, but note that Catalina is now out of business, and not sure what's going on with Catalina Direct.

Islander 36 can be a solid boat. Sails well. Certain years of Hunters are problematic.

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furiousfotographie@reddit

I think finding a 42 for $25k would be either the deal of the century or a giant red flag.

Might score an older 36, tho...

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fluoruranus@reddit

Agreed

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captaincheem@reddit (OP)

I will look into these thank you.

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get_MEAN_yall@reddit

For two people living on it full time that boat will be quite cramped. The build quality is regarded as pretty good though. Low freeboard so in a seaway the cockpit may be quite wet.

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buttrumpus@reddit

Wife and I cruised on one for a little over a year. Never felt cramped. If anything, it was the perfect size for two people.

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get_MEAN_yall@reddit

If people ask for advice about being a full time liveaboard without much prior experience I do typically post under the assumption they won't be willing to sell all their stuff. People have different levels of material needs so while it may not be cramped for you, I do still think it would be for OP.

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buttrumpus@reddit

Sure, but if OP's looking at an Islander 36, they should already expect concessions compared to a modern marina queen's layout. And idk if you've ever been on an i36, but for the era the interior was considered groundbreaking. We constantly host parties on our boat and at raft-ups it's the hang out spot because it is pretty dang spacious and the companionway is very inviting.

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get_MEAN_yall@reddit

Ive been on board the i40 but not the 36

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Someoneinnowherenow@reddit

6 of us sailed around the world in a 33' boat. Had a very small aft cabin which made it work. That was a long time ago when there weren't so many rich folks

Everyone wants big but sails get bigger, dock and haul outs cost more and they draw more water. 36 is fine for 2 and the occasional visiting couple

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Extreme_Map9543@reddit

It’s cramped if you just live aboard at a marina. If you’re cruising 36 is more than enough for 2 people.

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Accomplished_Age_699@reddit

Great boats, but never buy an old boat with a gasoline inboard. Find one with a diesel.

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buttrumpus@reddit

I’ve owned a really great example of one for about eight years, lived on it while cruising for one of those. Certain years had iron keels, which should be avoided. Look for one that’s been repowered if possible. Might need to sister in keel bolts if they’re shot. Some had an optional third water tank, which doubles the capacity. They’re old boats but built really well, and very easy to work on, imo.
Great size for single handing or for a couple to handle in rough conditions. Worst I ever saw was sustained 35-40 knots and 12 foot seas, but it handled it easily. The design is great in a seaway, tbh. I know they aren’t expensive and it isn’t a marquee brand, but if well maintained you could take one far.

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Shhheeeesshh@reddit

The one in puerto Vallarta you are talking about is currently under contract. Snooze you lose unfortunately. The one in Alabama or Mississippi or what ever is not a good deal.

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captaincheem@reddit (OP)

Im not looking at any of those

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Lord-of_the-files@reddit

I've owned boats from 27ft up to 47ft. You can get by on a smaller boat, but it's a definite compromise. I find it's much easier to be self sufficient and to live off grid on a larger boat. You have bigger tanks, more storage, more space for solar. You can carry a bigger dinghy so you have a better range from anchorage to shore.

All of that comes at a cost- everything costs much more as the boat gets bigger.

36ft is probably realistic for long term comfort, but it's definitely at the smaller end. If you want to stay aboard for more than just a couple of weeks at a time then you need to be honest about what standard of living you're willing to put up with.

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Black_magic_money@reddit

Lived on one the past two years. It’s like being in a log cabin on the water super cozy. Sails super well very stable and loves a good headsail so be sure to either have a good furling genoa or a jib as well to really get everything moving.

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BluidyBastid@reddit

Have to keep an eye on the quirks, like all boats. The one that I sailed on, the guy had to keep a close eye on the keelbolts. There was always a little keel movement in heavy seaways and he never had a dry bilge. But it was a fantastic sailing boat – well balanced, responsive and reasonably fast.

They don't sell quickly, and for much less than a comparable boat. We've had a couple in our area in good condition linger for months, for whatever reason. But if you want to use it for a while, there's probably some good value there.

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Extreme_Map9543@reddit

Yes you’ll be able to sail yourself with a little bit of training and a bunch of independent studying. It’s a fine boat. How far are you trying to go with it? Look at Pearson 35s and tartan 34s as well if you’re budget is low and you need a capable boat of that size.

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captaincheem@reddit (OP)

I tell myself i would like to be able to go far with it but realistically it will start just doing trips down the east coast and into the Caribbean.

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Extreme_Map9543@reddit

Down the east coast and into the Caribbean is pretty far. You can do it. You’ve got plenty of budget. I got a boat for $3k and was able to get it on the water for $5k more. It’s not ready for big time cruising yet. But it’ll be there. Things are cheaper than people think if you outfit your boat simply, and do 100% of everything DIY. Get a copy of Don Casey’s “this old boat”. I honestly wouldn’t even worry much about a professional survey. When you’re in the outfitting stage there’s always people at the ship yard willing to help figure stuff out. Just do the due diligence to not buy a total lemon. But more of that is in knowing the specific boat you’re getting and knowing it’s known problems. Theres always a cheaper way to do things than people say.

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RandVanRed@reddit

I've owned mine for three years and mostly used it for solo coastal cruising. It's perfect for one, and not bad for two. I've done a10 day cruise with 3 other adults and a dog and it's... cozy, but doable. Easy to sail, loves a good strong wind.

I never got any formal training, I just upsized when I felt comfortable doing so (14', 20', 30', 36'). If you've never sailed before, definitely get lessons though. I find it's big enough to feel pretty stable, but still small enough to manage by myself. The genoa in wind without a furler can get tricky - always swap your sail way before you need to.

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dawa43@reddit

I have an 83 islander 40. Amazing boat. Love it.