About This Vessel
This 1996 Catalina 36, measures 36 ft, and is located in New Bern, North Carolina, powered by Universal MB35 30.00HP.
This 1996 Catalina 36 MkII has been exceptionally well cared for, and the cleanliness is immediately apparent—from the interior joinery and upholstery to the machinery, systems and deck equipment. She presents as a boat that has been maintained consistently rather than hurriedly prepared for sale.DRAGONFLY combines the attributes that helped make the Catalina 36 one of America’s most successful cruising sailboats: an easily handled sailplan, comfortable two-cabin interior, generous storage, large cockpit, walk-through transom and excellent cruising accommodations. Her shoal-draft wing keel draws approximately 4'5", making her particularly well suited to the Chesapeake, Pamlico Sound, ICW, Bahamas and other shallow-water cruising grounds.This is also the desirable Tall Rig version, providing additional sail area for improved light-air performance.The Catalina 36 MkII was introduced in 1994 as an evolution of the very successful Catalina 36, incorporating a larger cockpit, walk-through transom and revised interior and deck arrangement. The design earned Cruising World’s 1995 Boat of the Year award for Best Value – Midsize Cruiser, recognition that helps explain why the model remains so popular on the brokerage market three decades later.For someone looking for a clean, proven, comfortable cruising sailboat without taking on a major restoration project, DRAGONFLY deserves serious consideration.HIGHLIGHTSExceptional overall cleanliness and condition1996 Catalina 36 MkII Tall RigShoal-draft wing keel — approximately 4'5" draftSeptember 2025 bottom paintHull cleaned and waxedUniversal M35 diesel — approximately 2,000 hoursPYI Max-Prop 3-blade auto-feathering propeller16,000 BTU Dometic reverse-cycle air conditioning / heatMajestic UFO X Omnidirectional TV antenna with preamp / ROKU flatscreen TV2015 full-batten mainsailSchaefer 2000 roller-furling genoaGarmin echoMAP CHIRP 74-series chartplotterAIS/GPS-equipped Standard Horizon VHFAutopilotRaymarine depth instrumentationElectric anchor windlassFour new 6V Duracell house batteries — 2026High-output Balmar alternatorHeart Freedom inverter/chargerAdler Barbour refrigerationLarge two-cabin interiorWalk-through transom and swim platformWell-maintained Persian Green canvas packageCurrent owner since approximately 2012No reported collision, fire, flooding or lightning-strike historyLocated in New Bern, NCWHY THE CATALINA 36 MkII?The Catalina 36 became one of the company’s defining models because it occupies a particularly useful middle ground: large enough for genuine extended cruising, yet manageable enough for a couple to sail without a large crew.Catalina introduced the MkII in 1994, retaining the proven concept while revising the deck, cockpit, transom and accommodations. Catalina records show that the MkII received a Cruising World Boat of the Year award in March 1995, while Cruising World lists it specifically as the 1995 Best Value Midsize Cruiser.The MkII's larger cockpit, walk-through transom and improved aft accommodations made an already successful design even more cruising friendly. Catalina's own specifications list the wing-keel model at approximately 14,100 lb displacement, 6,600 lb ballast and only 4'5" draft.That combination remains especially attractive for East Coast sailors. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is
Equipment and Upgrades
RECENT UPGRADES & MAINTENANCEDRAGONFLY's maintenance history is one of her strongest selling points.2026Four Duracell 6V house batteries installedEngine raw-water pump impeller replaced2025Bottom painted September 2025Hull cleaned and waxedNew LP BottleMaintenance notes indicate additional paint work in late 20252024Fuel tank cleaned and rebuilt as requiredInspection/access plates added to fuel tankDodger clear-vinyl windows replaced2021Dedicated starting battery installedFire extinguishers updated2020Electric bilge pump replaced2018Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 74-series chartplotterStandard Horizon Matrix AIS/GPS GX2200-series VHFRAM remote-station microphoneRaymarine i50 depth instrument2015Full-batten mainsail replacedForward V-berth mattress replaced with memory-foam-topped mattressCaptain's cockpit cushion replacedEarlier documented maintenanceFuel pump replaced — 2011Lifelines replaced — 2009Major canvas package replaced — 2009The cumulative picture is more important than any individual upgrade: this boat has received steady care across mechanical, electrical, sail, canvas and cosmetic systems.DESIGN & SPECIFICATIONSBuilder: Catalina YachtsModel: Catalina 36 MkIIYear: 1996Hull: FiberglassRig: Tall Rig masthead sloopKeel: Shoal-draft wing keelLOA: 36'4"Approx. overall length: 37'9"LWL: 30'3"Beam: 11'11"Draft: approximately 4'5"Displacement: approximately 14,100 lbBallast: approximately 6,600 lbBridge Clearance: approximately 53'Fuel: approximately 25 gallonsFresh Water: approximately 83 gallons per owner informationHolding: approximately 17 gallonsCatalina's original MkII documentation lists the wing-keel version at 14,100 lb displacement, 6,600 lb ballast and 4'5" draft.ENGINE & PROPULSIONDRAGONFLY is powered by the proven Universal M35 four-cylinder freshwater-cooled diesel, a very common and well-supported installation in Catalina cruising boats of this era.Universal M35 dieselApproximately 30 hpApproximately 2,000 engine hoursFreshwater cooling with heat exchangerDirect-drive transmissionPYI Max-Prop auto-feathering 3-blade propellerBalmar high-output alternator and regulatorDripless stuffing boxCockpit engine controlsEngine/electric hot-water heatingSpare original alternatorManual and electric bilge pumpsBilge exhaust blowerThe Max-Prop is a meaningful cruising upgrade, reducing drag under sail while retaining excellent maneuvering characteristics under power.SAILS & RIGGINGDRAGONFLY is equipped with the desirable Tall Rig, offering more sail area than the standard rig and particularly useful performance in the lighter-air conditions frequently encountered on the Chesapeake and sounds of North Carolina.Aluminum keel-stepped mastTall Rig2015 full-batten mainsailMultiple reef pointsSchaefer 2000 headsail furling systemGenoaInboard and outboard genoa tracksHalyards led aftRope clutchesGarhauer solid boom vangAdjustable spring-line/genoa-track hardwareSingle-line mainsail reefing led aftLewmar 30ST halyard/sheet winchesLewmar 48ST primary genoa winchesThe Catalina factory tall-rig specification increased rated sail area from approximately 555 sq. ft. to 601 sq. ft.ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATIONDRAGONFLY carries a practical navigation package suitable for coastal and ICW cruising.Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 74-series chartplotterStandard Horizon Matrix GX2200-series VHFIntegrated AIS/GPS capabilityRAM remote microphoneAutopilot with corded remote controlRaymarine/Raytheon wind instrumentationRaymarine/Raytheon speed/log instrumentationRaymarine i50 depth gaugePedestal-mounted Ritchie compassSony stereoFour speakersAtomic clockSome legacy instruments remain aboard in addition to the newer electronics.ELECTRICALA substantial house battery bank and high-output charging system make DRAGONFLY well suited to cruising.12V DC / 115V AC electrical system30-amp shore-power serviceFour 6V Duracell house batteries — 2026Series/parallel house-bank configurationDedicated starting batteryBalmar 90-amp alternatorBalmar voltage regulatorHeart Freedom inverter/chargerTwo shore-power cordsCabin lightingReading lightsCabin fansAIR CONDITIONING & COMFORTA particularly valuable feature for a North Carolina boat is DRAGONFLY's Dometic EnviroComfort reverse-cycle heat pump, installed in 2013.16,000 BTU air conditioningReverse-cycle heatShore-powered climate controlCabin fansHot-and-cold pressure waterEngine/electric hot-water systemThis makes her equally comfortable for summer weekends aboard, shoulder-season cruising or use as a marina-based getaway.ACCOMMODATIONSOne of the reasons the Catalina 36 remains popular is its unusually useful interior.DRAGONFLY features a two-stateroom layout with a large salon, allowing a couple to cruise very comfortably while retaining excellent accommodations for guests.Forward CabinThe spacious V-berth includes:Large double berthMemory-foam-topped mattress replaced in 2015Hanging lockerStoragePrivate access to the headSalonThe salon provides excellent gathering and dining space.Large U-shaped convertible dinette to portExtensive storage beneathStarboard setteeConvertible game/coffee tableAbundant cabinetryNavigation stationSwivel nav seatExcellent natural light and ventilationAft CabinAft of the navigation area is a private stateroom featuring:Large double berthPrivacy doorStanding headroom near the entryHanging lockerStorageHEADThe head compartment is located forward and provides convenient access from both the main cabin and forward stateroom.Manual marine toiletHolding tankDeck pump-outVanityCorian sink and countertopsHot-and-cold pressure waterShower wand on sink faucetStorage cabinetryGALLEYThe large L-shaped galley is positioned conveniently at the foot of the companionway—a particularly good arrangement underway because the cook remains connected to both cockpit and salon.Equipment includes:Adler Barbour 12V refrigerator/freezerTwo-burner propane stove with ovenCorian-style molded countertopDouble stainless-steel sinksHot-and-cold pressure waterFoot pump for icebox dischargeLarge dry-storage lockerMicrowave ovenExtensive cabinetry and storageGood task lightingCOCKPIT & CANVASThe MkII cockpit is one of the design's most useful improvements, with good seating, a walk-through transom and excellent access to the water.DRAGONFLY's Persian Green canvas package includes:BiminiDodgerConnectorMainsail coverHeadsail UV coverWheel/pedestal coverCustom cockpit sunshadeWhite side curtainsCockpit cushionsTwo reclining cockpit cushionsDodger side rails and aft grabrailClear-vinyl dodger windows replaced in 2024The cockpit also includes:Folding leather-wrapped wheelTeak cockpit tableMagma stainless-steel propane grillStern rail seatingWalk-through transomSwim platformTransom hot/cold showerOutboard motor bracketDECK & GROUND TACKLEWhite fiberglass hullWhite fiberglass deck with molded nonskidBow pulpitStern rails with catbird seatsWalk-through transomSwim platformElectric anchor windlassBruce anchor with chain and rodeDanforth secondary anchor with chain and rodeDock linesFendersAdjustable boat hooksOwner intake notes indicate approximately 90 feet of chain plus 100 feet of rode associated with the primary ground tackle; prospective buyers should verify exact inventory during inspection.ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENTMagma stainless-steel gas grillTeak cockpit tableCabin window shadesCabin fansReading lightsFolding helm wheelStove cover/counter boardFire extinguishersFlaresDock linesFendersBoat hooksOWNERSHIP & CONDITIONThe current owner has reportedly cared for DRAGONFLY since approximately 2012.Most importantly, the boat's condition supports the maintenance records. She has the appearance of a vessel that has been routinely cleaned, serviced and attended to rather than allowed to decline between major refits.Owner intake information reports:No collision historyNo fire historyNo flooding/sinking historyNo lightning strikeNo lien/mortgage reportedState titledThe boat has primarily cruised North Carolina waters.A CLEAN CATALINA THAT DESERVES A LOOKThere are plenty of Catalina 36s on the brokerage market, but condition varies enormously after thirty years.DRAGONFLY's advantage is straightforward: she has been cared for.The combination of her clean interior, maintained systems, Tall Rig, shoal-draft wing keel, Max-Prop, reverse-cycle air conditioning, upgraded electronics, newer house batteries, recent bottom service and extensive maintenance history creates a particularly attractive package for a sailor looking for a capable cruising boat without immediately facing a long refit list.For cruising North Carolina, the Chesapeake, ICW, Florida or Bahamas, the Catalina 36 MkII remains a very difficult combination of comfort, sailing ability, shallow draft, parts support and value to beat.DRAGONFLY is clean, well equipped, thoughtfully maintained and ready for her next owner.
Mechanical Disclaimer
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated.
