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 IndiesThis 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

read more about these all-revealing numbers...


Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Rustler 36

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...



Other sailboats in the Rustler range include:

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