The Luders 36 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Luders 36, an ultra-heavy displacement long-keeler, was designed by Alfred Luders and built in Hong Kong by Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.

A Luders 36 ketch at anchor in Tyrell Bay, Carriacou in the CaribbeanA ketch version of the Luders 36

Published Specification for the Luders 36

Underwater Profile: Long Keel

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 35'6" (10.8m)

Waterline Length: 25'0" (7.6m)

Beam: 10'3" (3.1m)

Draft: 5'3" (1.6m)

Rig Type: Ketch*

Displacement: 15,000lb (6,804kg)

Designer: Alfred Luders

Builder: Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd

Year First Built: 1966

Year Last Built: 1978

Number Built: 65

* The Luders 36 was also produced as a sloop and a yawl.


Published Design Ratios for the Luders 36

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 15.8

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 35.0

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 429

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 37.1

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.7

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...


Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Luders 36

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 15.8 suggests that the Luders 36 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 35.0 means that a sailboat like the Luders 36 (which doesn't have its ballast concentrated in a bulb at the foot of a deep keel), is likely to benefit from being reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 429, tells us the Luders 36 is firmly in the ultra-heavy displacement category. Load her up as much as you like and her performance will be hardly affected, not that it was ever startling. Few if any sailboats are built to this displacement category these days - but they remain popular with some long-distance sailors.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 37.1 suggests that crew comfort of a Luders 36 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 tells us that a Luders 36 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 


Recent Articles

  1. Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

    Jun 07, 23 01:51 AM

    Looking for used sailboats for sale that are capable of crossing an ocean? These cruising yachts are already in the Caribbean, but what are the risks and benefits of buying out there?

    Read More

  2. 'Shindig', a 40ft Bluewater Cruising Yacht for Sale

    Jun 04, 23 08:32 AM

    If you're looking for a unique Bluewater Cruising Yacht for sale in the Caribbean, then 'Shindig' is certainly worth a look...

    Read More

  3. Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

    Jun 04, 23 06:26 AM

    Here's where people with sailing equipment for sale advertise their stuff entirely free of charge. If you're looking for used sailing gear or other used boating accessories, here's where to find it!

    Read More