1990 Rustler 36

Design and Pedigree
The Rustler 36, built in 1990, is a classic long-keel cruising yacht that blends traditional craftsmanship with thoughtful modern sailing design. Built for serious passage-making, the Rustler 36 has earned a strong reputation for elegance, seaworthiness, and comfort. Because of this pedigree, she remains one of the most respected British bluewater cruisers of her size.
Hull and Construction
The Rustler 36 features encapsulated lead ballast and robust hull construction, which contribute to her reassuring stability at sea. This design gives the yacht a predictable and confidence-inspiring motion, especially in heavier conditions. As a result, she is widely known for handling adverse weather with ease.
Sailing Characteristics
Under sail, the Rustler 36 is steady, balanced, and rewarding. The long-keel configuration supports excellent tracking and directional stability, which reduces fatigue on longer passages. This makes her particularly well suited to offshore cruising and extended time at sea.
Engine and Mechanical
‘Galliard’ has been lovingly maintained and sensibly upgraded by her current owners. She is fitted with a new Yanmar engine installed in 2021, providing reliable and efficient propulsion. In addition, a new bow thruster fitted in 2023 improves close-quarters handling, particularly in marinas and confined harbours.
Comfort and Onboard Systems
Comfort aboard is well catered for, with Eberspächer diesel heating, hot pressurised water, shore power, and upgraded navigation electronics. Together, these systems support comfortable cruising in a wide range of conditions and extend the practical sailing season.
Condition and Readiness
The yacht has been freshly antifouled and is presented ready for immediate use. Because key systems have already been addressed, ‘Galliard’ offers a straightforward and reassuring ownership proposition.
Location and Photography
‘Galliard’ is currently afloat in Lymington and available for viewing by appointment.
More photographs coming soon.
Construction
Type: Long-keel sailing yacht
Designer/Builder: Rustler Yachts (UK)
Year: 1990
Hull: Cygnus A1
Material: GRP, epoxied in 2015
Length Overall (LOA): 10.77 m (35’4”)
Beam: 3.50 m (11’6”)
Draft: 1.68 m
Keel: Encapsulated long keel with lead ballast – exceptional directional stability and seaworthiness
Displacement: Approx. 7.5 tonnes (typical Rustler 36)
Certification: CE Category A (Ocean – typical for Rustler 36 class)
Registration: Lloyds registered
Deck & Rigging
Teak deck
Alloy mast and boom with mast steps
Inner forestay + masthead burgee and signal halyards
New Harken roller reefing system (2023)
Fully battened mainsail, genoa in good condition (regularly serviced)
Hi-vis storm jib
Stack pack & lazy jacks
Spinnaker pole
Harken backstay tensioner
All lines led aft for easy short-handed sailing
Lewmar electric winch (port side, 2020)
Lofrans windlass with CQR 45lbs + 50 m 10 mm chain (2020)
Stainless steel guardrails with side gates
Stainless boarding ladder
Deck lifelines, side gates, and safety fittings
Recently antifouled, ready to sail
Sun awning and spray hood
Navigation & Electronics
Garmin GPSmap 7XS chart plotter
Garmin 128 GPS
Full AIS system
Radar
Navtex
Wind, speed, depth & log instruments
Simrad autohelm + new tiller pilot (spare included)
Windpilot self-steering system
Sony CD/radio
Icom DSC VHF
Inverter & battery monitor display
Gas monitor
EPIRB
Visiball radar reflector
Accommodations
Cabins: 2 + saloon berths (7 berths in total)
Forward cabin: V-berth with in-fill (double), storage, overhead hatch
Saloon: Port berth converts to a double; starboard berth single
Aft quarter berth (small double)
Heads: Refurbished Jabsco toilet (2024) with holding tank, shower head, and vanity unit
Heating: Eberspacher hot-air system
Galley: Twin stainless sinks with pressurised hot & cold water, sea water pump, cooker (2-burner with grill), fridge (2018), dry storage
Showers: 1 (hot water system)
Upholstery and joinery of the highest traditional Rustler standard
Engines & Mechanical Systems
Engine: Yanmar 3GM30F (new 2021) – shaft drive
3-bladed propeller
New cutlass bearing & PSS shaft seal (2024)
Diesel purifier system
Fuel Type: Diesel
Fuel Tank: 151 L stainless steel
Water Tank: 208 L stainless steel
Bow Thruster (Lofrans, new 2023) with remote & deck controls – excellent for tight manoeuvres
4 × Batteries with intelligent charger (1xservice/ 2x domestic + bow thruster)
Solar panel & Air Breeze wind generator
Shore power system
Pressurised hot/cold water
LED lights throughout
Inventory & Extras
Full cockpit tent
New sprayhood (2023)
Cockpit table
Liferaft
Fenders & warps
Danbuoy, 2 × horseshoe lifebuoys
Fire blanket
Safety & navigation equipment complete for offshore cruising
Highlights & Benefits
Bluewater Proven: Long-keel design with encapsulated ballast, tracks straight, stable, and safe in heavy weather
Recently Upgraded: New engine (2021), bow thruster (2023), new roller reefing, new sprayhood, electrical upgrades
Comfortable Cruising: Sleeps 7 across 2 cabins + saloon, with heating, pressurised hot water, fridge, and full galley
Ready to Sail: Recently antifouled, serviced sails, modern nav suite, and extensive inventory
Easily Managed Short-Handed: Roller furling, electric winch, lines led aft, tiller pilot, and Windpilot self-steering