36+
36
At a glance
| Attribute | Nord Star 36+ | Sargo 36 |
|---|---|---|
| LOA | 39.4 ft | 38.7 ft |
| Beam | 11 ft 8 in | 11 ft 8 in |
| Protection | Full wheelhouse | Full wheelhouse |
| Propulsion | Inboard / sterndrive | Inboard |
| ABG best use | All-weather family cruising | Two-cabin all-season cruising |
| Weather protection | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Family usability | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Overnight capability | 9.5 | 9.4 |
| Performance | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Deck usability | 9.5 | 9.2 |
| Versatility | 8.2 | 8.0 |
| U.S. support | 6.3 | 7.0 |
| Relative value | 8.2 | 7.7 |
Where the buying decision changes
The 36+ is strongest for buyers who put protected operation and walkaround deck access ahead of maximum open-air social space. Its inboard / sterndrive setup creates a different ownership proposition from outboard-heavy competitors.
The Sargo 36 is an all-season family cruiser first. Its combination of protected helm, walkaround movement and cruising accommodations makes it especially relevant to owners planning substantial shoulder-season use.
The right answer depends on which tradeoffs you care about most. The ABG Score is intentionally broken into categories so a buyer can overweight the areas that matter for their own boating rather than treating the total score as a universal verdict.
Category edges
- ABG scores these two essentially even on weather protection.
- ABG scores these two essentially even on family usability.
- ABG scores these two essentially even on overnight capability.
- ABG scores these two essentially even on performance.
- ABG gives the edge to Nord Star 36+ on deck usability.
- ABG gives the edge to Nord Star 36+ on versatility.
Who should choose Nord Star 36+?
Start with the Nord Star if your mission aligns closely with all-weather family cruising, and if its inboard / sterndrive setup and full wheelhouse match how you expect to use the boat.
Who should choose Sargo 36?
Start with the Sargo if your mission aligns more closely with two-cabin all-season cruising, particularly if its propulsion and layout philosophy solve a higher-priority need for your family.
What to verify on a sea trial
- Noise and vibration at your realistic cruise speed.
- Visibility from the helm with passengers seated and doors/roof systems configured for bad weather.
- Transition from helm to dock lines with one adult operating the boat.
- Sleeping layout with the actual number of overnight guests.
- Engine-room or outboard service access and local service availability.
- Total delivered price with the options you actually require.
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