36z Downeast

Joystick Computerized Control

One of the primary design goals for the 36z was to offer the ease of joystick control when dealing with tricky docking situations and on a boat that could be moored close to home in less than 2 feet of water. Volvo Penta has recently adapted their IPS computer controlled maneuvering technology to sterndrives and the 36z is one of the first designs to offer it. . The joystick system works with twin sterndrives under the hull. When conventional twinengine controls are in neutral, a button is pushed to activate the single joystick. It’s two-finger control. There are no thrusters. Through a unique computer program, each drive unit is independently operated in terms of direction, rpm and forward-reverse gear. This new system works far more intuitively than conventional twin shaft drives or joystick/thruster operated jet drives.

Unique Features

• Single-level seating for as many as 12 at cocktail time or for a family picnic
• Roll-up side/aft curtains and fully-opening windshields to regulate airflow in the pilothouse to suit conditions.
• Large island berth (78" x 60") and separate shower in owner stateroom.
• 36z can be trucked overland without penalty. Width doesn’t exceed 12 feet and height on a trailer is less than 13.5 feet.

Twice the fun, half the fuel

For those who care about rising fuel prices or spending too much time at the fuel dock, 36z is the answer. Bi-monthly fill-ups will average less than 5 gallons per hour of use. She gets up on a plane without the unsafe, climbing-out-of-a-hole behavior of heavier boats and won’t drop off a plane until under 10 knots. Riding angle, without use of standard trim tabs, is 3-5 degrees with excellent all-round sight lines … “Like being on a flybridge without having to climb ladders, leaving friends below.” Performance profiles of the 3 propulsion options are shown below.