Rig Specifications

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Union 36 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

I: 47.70 ft / 14.54 m

J: 19.00 ft / 5.79 m

P: 40.60 ft / 12.37 m

E: 16.40 ft / 5.00 m

Design and Construction

The Union 36 has a classic, timeless design, with a full keel, moderate displacement, and a long waterline. It has a high ballast ratio, making it very stable and seaworthy. The boat has a spacious cockpit and a comfortable interior, with ample storage space and headroom. The Union 36 was designed by Robert Perry, a well-known naval architect who has designed many popular cruising sailboats. The Union 36 is a full keel sailboat, which makes it very stable in rough seas. The Union 36 was built using high-quality materials, such as hand-laid fiberglass, an encapsulated iron keel, and bronze fittings. The hull is made of solid fiberglass on the exterior, which is both durable and easy to maintain. The deck is also made of fiberglass, with a non-skid surface that provides good traction even in wet conditions. In terms of structure, the boat conforms to the standard design of boats constructed in Taiwan during that time period. The hull, weighing 22,000 pounds, is strongly built and to some is considered to be over-engineered. The boat’s construction is known for its sturdiness and durability, making it a popular choice for bluewater cruising.

Performance

The Union 36 is an excellent sailing boat, with a reputation for speed, stability, and handling. The boat has a moderate sail area, making it easy to handle, even in strong winds. The full keel provides excellent tracking and stability, making it ideal for long-distance cruising. The Union 36 can sail close to the wind, making it a good performer in light winds.

History

The Union 36 was designed by Robert Perry and first built in Taiwan in the 1970s. It was designed as a bluewater cruiser, capable of handling long voyages and adverse weather conditions. The Union 36 was built by several manufacturers over the years, including Union Yacht Company, Hans Christian Yachts, and Wellington Yachts. The design has remained largely unchanged over the years, attesting to its timeless appeal.

Sail Plan

The Union 36 has a cutter rig, which means it has two headsails and a mainsail. This sail plan is popular among cruising sailboats because it provides excellent versatility in different wind conditions.

Most Union 36 sailboats were originally equipped with self-tacking staysail booms, but some owners have chosen to remove them or replace them with roller-furling systems to free up deck space. To optimize performance in light winds, yacht designer Perry recommends sailing with a genoa and without the staysail.

Overview

The Union 36 is a timeless sailboat known for its sturdiness, versatility, and excellent performance. It is a popular choice for bluewater cruising and has a loyal following among sailing enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we have covered the history, design, construction, performance, and sail plan of the Union 36.