Details
1985 Catalina 36 Tall Rig – Wave Walker
The 1985 Catalina 36 Tall Rig is one of the most successful production cruising sailboats ever built. Designed by Frank Butler and introduced by Catalina Yachts in 1982, the Catalina 36 quickly became a benchmark for affordable, comfortable coastal cruising.
The Tall Rig version offers increased sail area and improved light-air performance, a highly desirable configuration for Chesapeake Bay sailing.
Wave Walker is powered by a Yanmar 3JH3E diesel engine and represents an exceptional opportunity to own a proven cruiser at an attractive price point.
Condition: We would recommend varnish or teak oil on exterior teak to make this boat shine.
Bluewater Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Veteran Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Vessel Information
Vessel Overview
- 1985 Catalina 36 TR (Tall Rig)
- Well-maintained and well-equipped for coastal cruising
- Tall rig for improved light-air sailing performance
Engine & Mechanical
- 2002 Yanmar diesel engine
- 40 HP
- Racor fuel filter
- Cruising speed: ~5.5 knots at 2500 RPM
- Top speed: ~7.5 knots at 3800 RPM
- Electric bilge pump
- Manual bilge pump
- Washdown pump
Navigation & Electronics
- Depth sounder
- Knot meter (speed)
- Wind speed and direction indicator
- Compass
- Garmin 4212 chart plotter
- Garmin HD radar
- Radar overlay capability on chart plotter
- Raymarine ACU-100 autopilot
Sails & Rigging
- Tall Rig Masthead Sloop configuration
- Aluminum spar
- Deck-stepped mast
- Stainless standing rigging
- Fully battened mainsail
- New furling genoa
- Older spare genoa
- Spinnaker pole
- Spinnaker rigging and control winches
- Four self-tailing winches
- Two genoa winches
- Two cabin-top winches
- Additional winch at the gooseneck
Accommodations & Interior
- Over 6 feet of cabin headroom
- Two private cabins
- Three double berths
- One single berth
- Enclosed marine head with:
- Standing headroom
- Shower
- Spacious galley
- U-shaped settee with drop-down table (port side)
- Navigation station (starboard side)
- Additional seating with second drop-down table (starboard side)
- Abundant storage throughout, from aft cabin to V-berth
Tankage
- Fresh water: 75 gallons
- Fuel: 32 gallons
- Holding tank: 19 gallons
Ground Tackle
- 35-lb plow anchor
- 10-lb Fortress anchor
- Two 150-foot anchor rodes
- 20 feet of chain
Sailing Performance & Polars
Tall Rig advantage:
- Improved light-air performance
- Better Chesapeake Bay summer sailing
- Competitive PHRF rating typically around 144–150 (region dependent)
Polar Overview (approximate):
- 6 knots true wind: 4.2–4.5 knots boat speed
- 10 knots: 5.5–6.0 knots
- 15 knots: 6.2–6.8 knots
The Tall Rig version is noticeably livelier in sub-10 knot conditions.
Known Factory Options (1985)
- Tall Rig configuration
- Shoal draft keel
- Deep fin keel
- Wheel or tiller steering
- Wing keel (later years)
- Air conditioning
- Pressure hot water
- Microwave
- Dodger and bimini packages
- Various sail upgrades
Manufacturer Summary & Loyal Following
- Catalina Yachts built over 2,300 Catalina 36s, making it one of the most successful 36-foot sailboats ever produced. Owners value:
- Strong resale value
- Simple systems
- Excellent sailing characteristics
- Active owner association support
- Wide parts availability
- The Catalina 36 National Sailing Association remains highly active, contributing to the model’s enduring popularity.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com