Bluewater Yachts Article

The Gozzard 36, designed by H. Ted Gozzard, was built by the Gozzard family boatbuilding company, North Castle Marine Limited of Ontario, Canada, from 1984 through 1998. This is a very traditionally styled cutter with a clipper bow. The length on deck is 36' 9", however, the additional bowsprit extends the overall length to 42 feet. Beam is 12 feet, draft is specified at 4' 9" and displacement is approximately 18,000 lbs.

Canadian boatbuilders such as Hinterhoeller, C & C and Reliance Sailing pioneered composite hull construction utilizing balsa wood core between fiberglass laminates, and Gozzard has followed in this tradition with cored construction of hulls and decks. Construction throughout reflects first-rate craftsmanship and excellent attention to detail. The core material is eliminated in the hull wherever there is a through hull fitting in order to prevent any possibility of water penetrating the core at fittings.

The arrangement of the deck is well planned and has no obstructions on which to stub your toes. There are substantial bulwarks around the side and forward decks for secure footing, and a large foredeck locker, with the anchors stowed on the bowsprit.

The cockpit of the Gozzard 36 is one of the largest you will find on any boat this size. There is a large center steering console and newer models feature a fold down table that comfortably seats four for dining alfresco. Models built after 1993 feature a fixed dodger/windshield forward of the companionway. The transom has a fold-down stern gate that doubles as a swim platform/swim ladder.

Gozzard's advertising slogan is "yachts for two--to go anywhere" and the interior arrangement seems clearly laid out for a cruising couple with an occasional guest. And, although this is a very traditional boat in outward appearance, the interior looks nothing like your father's cruiser. In their sales literature, Gozzard points to their philosophy of "two-for-one function" and it's evident throughout the interior.

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Rather than a traditional V-berth forward, there is an athwartship hanging locker followed by opposing settees angled slightly inboard toward the bow. The settees can be swung together on centerline to become a double berth. The bulkhead aft of the starboard settee is hinged so that it opens allowing full view of the forward cabin or closes to from a large forward stateroom. A portside locker door is also double hinged so that it conceals a storage locker or becomes an entrance to the forward stateroom.

Further aft is a galley with stove, ice-box and deep sink to port, and a dual function dinette/navigation station to starboard. To the starboard side of the companionway, there is a large 80" by 80" quarter berth with a head and shower to port. The quarter berth also utilizes a folding bulkhead and double-hinged door so that it can be closed off to become a quarter cabin.

Auxiliary power is provided by a 63-hp Westerbeke diesel engine. This is nearly twice the power usually found on boats this size and provides lots of power for punching through chop and motoring against foul winds and currents. The engine is low in the bilge yet there is excellent access for routine maintenance.

Under sail there are few surprises with the Gozzard 36. She is cutter rigged with a large foretriangle to allow plenty of room for both headsails. The sail area/displacement ratio calculated with 100% of the foretriangle area, is . This suggests she'll be a bit sluggish in light wind. The shroud base is very wide, restricts sheeting angles and will contribute to reduced performance to windward. The bilges are firm and ballast is low which makes for a stiff boat that stands up well to a blow.

There were around 100 Gozzard 36s built through 1998. Used models are in high demand which keeps supply low and prices high. Used models typically sell in the range of $135,000 to $200,000 depending on year and condition.

It's not possible, at any price, to build the perfect boat and the Gozzard 36 is not perfect. For example this is a boat marked "for liveaboard, bluewater cruising" yet, quite frankly, there isn't a good sea berth on board and storage is somewhat limited. But, this is nitpicking. The Gozzard 36 is a stylish, solidly constructed boat that is very well suited for a cruising couple and, in today's market of comparable new boats costing well over $300,000, used Gozzard 36s offer excellent value.

Jack Homor, . is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co.

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