From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Contents 1 General Information 2 Engine types 3 Layout 3.1 Foredeck 3.2 Cockpit 3.3 Cabin 3.4 Mid-deck 4 Sailing Tendencies 5 Modern organizations 6 Outside Links 7 References

The Islander 36 yacht is a fiberglass sailing yacht of 36 feet in length. It follows the general layout for most single-mast sailing yachts, having a mainsail and a foresail. The yacht is best suited for short trips, with its usefulness as a cruising yacht varying depending on its engine. Approximately 720 boats of this type were built, all between 1971 and 1986.^[1]

The Islander 36 was produced over an extended period, and had different engines installed at different times of production. The first engines were gas engines, but later on both diesel and gasoline was used. In the design’s first year, the yachts had Atomic 4 gasoline engines. The next year, the smaller Palmer P-80 gas engine was used, considered by some to be underpowered for a yacht of this size. In the mid-1970’s, the Perkins 4-108 diesel engine was put into the boat, providing more power than the gasoline engines, but weighing about twice as much and filling the engine compartment. Later on in the 1970’s the Westerbek L-25 four-cylinder diesel was an option alongside the original Atomic 4 gasoline engine. The Westerbek L-25 is no longer produced. The end of 1980 changed the Islander 36’ default engine to diesel with the Pathfinder 42 hp diesel engine. The 30 hp Yanmar diesel engine was used in the 36’s last two years of production. ^[2]

The foredeck is typical, containing an anchor locker and the forestay. The front hatch is on an elevated section containing the cabin. There is a clear space between the anchor locker and the cabin, allowing for maneuverability on deck.^[2]

The cockpit is deep, with small drains, making the yacht more suitable for calmer winds than high waves. Most yachts have a wheel and a tiller attachment should a tiller be needed. A sail locker is in the starboard bench, and two lazarettes on the aft bench, with the tiller attachment placed between the two. The companionway is placed just above the bottom of the cockpit, and can be sealed with boards. Some Islander 36s have dodgers of varying types, some being interchangeable.^[2]

Entering through the companionway the galley is immediately to one’s right, while a chart table is to the left. Aft of the chart table is a quarter berth. The galley is separated on the forward side form the rest of the cabin by a low wall and a pillar. Forward of the chart table and of the galley are berths, the port berth able to unfold into a doublewide berth.^[2]

Progressing forward, the cabin continues on the starboard side, with the head on the port side. The mast passes through the cabin at the aft-most point of the head. The second-most forward section is the forepeak, outfitted to be a berth, with the anchor locker connecting to the cabin at the peak of the forepeak. The head has a door, sink, shower, and toilet. The galley has a sink, refrigerator or icebox, and a combined stove-oven. A wall separates the galley from the sail locker.^[2]

The mast rises from the deck 14.5 feet aft of the bow. Three stanchions are on each side of the mast, rising to the spreaders. There are two pairs of spreaders, each relatively inboard. The mast is 45 feet tall.^[2]

As Islander 36s are no longer in production, most have been customized to suit the desires of former users. Cruising Islanders are more likely to have the winches for halyards and other lines mounted on the mast itself, while racing boats are more likely to use winches on the deck, and more of them. Sail size, weight, and style are also variable on yachts of this age, although the original total sail area was 578 sq. feet. ^[2]

Islander 36s are best for day sailing and cruising. Islander 36s have a small mainsail compared to other yachts of their size, with an ungainly, large genoa (sail) to increase sail area enough to compete. Islander 36s are well suited for day sailing, especially in light wind, due to their lightweight materials and wide beam. The boom is relatively high from the bottom of the cockpit, and the end is more forward, making it harder to hit with one’s head. ^[2]

In ocean voyages, however, the yacht becomes less desirable, as the cockpit can hold a large amount of water due to its depth, while have small drains for the task of emptying the water. The companionway is set close to the bottom of the cockpit, so most of the boards would be needed if a storm came up. The yacht is well suited for day sailing because of its aptitude in light winds. ^[2]

Several organizations and associations are directly or indirectly related to the Islander 36. The Islander 36 association has information on races for these and other yachts, as well as tips for maintenance and other useful information.

The Latitude 38 magazine, although not directly related, has information about the San Francisco Bay, where many Islander 36s are used.

Many marinas or yacht club have information about more general yachting, as well as a place to keep the yacht in the water.

• Islander 36 Association
• Islander Sailboats
• Latitude 38 Magazine

1. ^ Yachts.com
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} Islander Sail Boats