Practical Sailorvideo
Bayfield 36 – A Cheap Bluewater Sailboat
August 31, 2026 · 12 min · 18K views
What this video covers
The Bayfield 36 is a heavy-displacement, cutter-rigged cruiser produced from 1984 to 1988, known for its traditional clipper bow, bowsprit, and extensive teak joinery.0:10 Despite its name, the boat measures 41 feet 3 inches overall with a 30-foot 6-inch waterline, a 12-foot beam, and a 5-foot draft.1:27 It displaces 18,500 pounds, including 6,500 pounds of lead ballast encapsulated within a long, full keel.1:36 The rudder attaches directly to the keel’s trailing edge, protecting the propeller in an aperture.2:58 Construction features a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck.3:51 The interior layout includes two private cabins, a saloon, a galley, and a head with a small bathtub.7:23 Powered originally by a 44-horsepower Yanmar 4JHE diesel, the boat tracks well in heavy weather but requires planning for close-quarters maneuvering.10:02 Prospective buyers should prioritize inspecting the balsa-cored deck for moisture, the structural integrity of the bowsprit, chain plate attachments, and the condition of the engine and its cooling system.10:13
Boats in this video
More from Practical Sailor
From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.