The Rustler 36 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Rustler 36, a long-keeled masthead sloop, was designed by Holman & Pye and built in the UK by Rustler Yachts Ltd.

The Rustler 36 'Eschaton' at anchor off Jolly Harbour in Antigua, West Indies

This Rustler 36 does the Atlantic circuit (Europe - Caribbean - Europe) most years, and is sailed by a British singlehander.

Published Specification for the Rustler 36

Underwater Profile: Long keel, with transom-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (fiberglass)

Length Overall: 35'4" (10.8m)

Waterline Length: 26'11" (8.2m)

Beam: 11'0" (3.4m)

Draft: 5'6" (1.7m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 16,805lb (7,623kg)

Designer: Holman & Pye

Builder: Rustler Yachts (UK)

Year First Built: 1980

Number Built: 100

Published Design Ratios for the Rustler 36

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 11.4

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: 45.3

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

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 385

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

4. Comfort Ratio: 36.2

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

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Rustler 36

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 11.4 suggests that the Rustler 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 45.3 means that the Rustler 36 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 385, tells us the Rustler 36 is firmly in the ultra-heavy displacement category. Load her up as much as you like and her performance will be hardly affected. 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 36.2 suggests that crew comfort of a Rustler 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 Rustler 36 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.

Read this review of the Rustler 36 sailboat...