Built for the challenging conditions of North America's inland seas, this 36-foot sailboat represents a purpose-driven approach to yacht design. The Great Lakes 36 emerged from a sailing environment where sudden weather changes, steep seas, and variable conditions demand robust construction and reliable handling characteristics. With her substantial build quality and conservative design philosophy, this vessel appeals primarily to serious cruising sailors who prioritize seaworthiness over pure performance. The boat's reputation centers on her ability to handle heavy weather with confidence, making her particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and extended passages where comfort and safety take precedence. The design emphasizes practical sailing features that enhance crew confidence in challenging conditions. Her hull form and keel configuration provide stable, predictable handling characteristics that experienced sailors appreciate during long passages or when navigating the notoriously unpredictable weather patterns of the Great Lakes region. While not designed as a pure racing machine, the Great Lakes 36 offers respectable performance under sail while maintaining the structural integrity and accommodation space that weekend cruisers and liveaboards value. This balance makes her an attractive option for sailors seeking a capable, no-nonsense cruising platform.
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What is the Great Lakes 36's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Great Lakes 36 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.01. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Great Lakes 36's comfort ratio?
The Great Lakes 36 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 22.63. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Great Lakes 36 safe for offshore sailing?
The Great Lakes 36 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.08. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Great Lakes 36?
The theoretical hull speed of the Great Lakes 36 is 7.18 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Great Lakes 36 weigh?
The Great Lakes 36 has a displacement of 12,800.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.50 ft.
Who designed the Great Lakes 36?
The Great Lakes 36 was designed by Mark Ellis/Rob Maza, first built in 1986.