Catalina 36 mkII

The original Catalina 36 was one of the most successful and highly produced 36 foot yachts of all time. Catalina took onboard the feedback from thousands of happy owners and designed the 36mkII. The mkII is the collaborative evolution of that successful design, with a multitude of new design features and refinements.

When you take a look at 36mkII it’s easy to see why the design was so successful for Catalina. Simply put, it is a very comfortable, practical and liveable design that can easily be handled by a couple. And with a seakindly moderate displacement hull, the 36mkII tracks surely, performs well in a variety of conditions, and has a very nice motion while underway.

The cockpit is huge for a yacht of this size. The bench seats are long enough to stretch out and lie down comfortably and the pushpit seats provide a fantastic vantage point while underway or at anchor. The large double leaf cockpit table will easily accommodate half a dozen sailors and also provides good bracing while underway. Naturally all lines run aft to the cockpit making sailing a breeze. And with in-mast furling and a furling headsail, it really doesn’t get any easier. The walkthrough transom has an extra wide and deep fold down ladder, so climbing aboard after a swim couldn’t be easier.

‘Texas’ (yes this yacht came from Texas) has the highly desirable shoal draft. And at only 1.3m it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. She is perfect for shallow locations like Parker Point, the canals at Mandurah or simple anchoring in close to shore. Texas is a 35th Anniversary Edition of the 36mkII and features a number of special additions to the standard model.

Step down the companionway and this is where the 36mkII really shines. The U-shaped galley is huge and very well designed. The twin stainless sinks have been positioned near centreline for proper drainage while underway. The top loading fridge is very large and features extra thick insulation to ensure energy efficient running. Storage is excellent with numerous cabinets, draws and a very large top loading pantry under the bench. There is a gimballed two burner stove with oven and a gas detector to ensure safe operation. The Corian style composite benchtops are durable and add a touch of class.

The saloon has a number of very clever design features. The layout can be mixed and matched to suit your desired use. On the starboard side is a small table with a seat forward and aft. The table can be lowered, and an infill cushion converts it into a long settee. On the port side is the main dinning table surrounded by a spacious L-shaped settee. The dining table can be stowed on the bulkhead to open up the saloon, providing additional space to move around. It can also be lowered, and another infill cushion converts it to a day bed or double birth for additional guests. This is very practical design by Catalina and one of the reasons this design is so practical and liveable. Moving forward on the starboard side there is a very handy tallboy with a built in TV cabinet and a good size set of draws. The nav table features a swing out seat and all of the circuit breakers are well laid out and in easy reach.

Accommodation is well catered for with two private cabins. The owners cabin features a plush inner sprung mattress and at the widest point is the equivalent width of a king size bed. There are plenty of storage options with a hanging robe, cabinet with mirrors, and draws at the foot of the bed. The large overhead hatch provides plenty of natural light and excellent ventilation. The guest cabin aft features a massive inner sprung mattress. For ventilation there is a large hatch that opens into the cockpit and a port hole provides extra light and ocean glimpses. A hanging robe and set of draws offer good storage options.

The bathroom is also very spacious for a yacht of this size. There are shower curtains to keep the head dry and a seat for when things are a little rocky. Hot water is both engine driven or on shore power. And with a multitude of cabinets, there is more storage that you will know what to do with.

Engine access is another strong feature of this design. With the companionway stairs and front engine cover removed, you gain easy access to the entire front end of the engine. And the aft cabin has removable panels that provide clear access to the back end, gearbox and diesel filters.

For a production boat, the build quality of Catalina’s is very good. The hulls are rugged hand-laminated solid fibreglass, and the keels are antimonious lead with integrally cast stainless steel bolts. With stainless steel handrails and the absence of exterior timber, maintenance has been kept to minimum.

Good quality modern productions yachts like this have become extremely hard to find in the current market and she will not last long. So don’t delay, pick up the phone and book an inspection now, before someone else sails her off into the sunset.