CS 36 Merlin vs Portman 36
How do the CS 36 Merlin and Portman 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
CS 36 Merlin | CS 36 Merlin | Portman 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.0 ft10.97 m | 36.0 ft10.97 m |
| Waterline length | 29.2 ft8.89 m | 29.3 ft8.94 m |
| Beam | 11.5 ft3.51 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 6.3 ft1.91 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 13,000 lb5,897 kg | 16,000 lb7,257 kg |
| Ballast | 5,590 lb2,536 kg | 6,000 lb2,722 kg |
| Sail area | 608 ft²56.5 m² | 545 ft²50.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.60 | 13.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 283 |
| Comfort ratio | 24.9 | 34.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.96 | 1.67 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 7.3 |
CS 36 Merlin vs Portman 36: the short version
- The CS 36 Merlin and Portman 36 are close in length (36.0 ft10.97 m vs 36.0 ft10.97 m ).
- The Portman 36 is heavier, displacing about 23% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the CS 36 Merlin carries the more powerful rig (17.6 vs 13.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Portman 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Portman 36 rates better for offshore work (1.67 vs 1.96).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.