Arcona 36

Some boats are simply maintained. Others are continuously improved.

Over the last seven years, this Arcona 36 has been my passion project. Rather than focusing on cosmetic upgrades, I have systematically modernized virtually every major system on board—from the hull and engine to the electrical system, rigging, sails and navigation equipment.

The result is a classic Arcona that retains the sailing performance these boats are known for, while offering the reliability, comfort and technology of a much newer yacht.

If I were buying an Arcona 36 today, this is exactly the boat I would be looking for: one where the expensive and time-consuming projects have already been completed.

Highlights

• Volvo Penta D1-30 diesel engine (approximately 700 hours)
• Complete electrical refit with custom-built 270 Ah LiFePO₄ battery bank, Victron charging system and entirely new wiring
• Garmin GPSMAP 922xs, Raymarine wind instruments, AIS and new VHF installation
• Premium North Sails, gennaker on furler and extensive sail wardrobe
• Major structural upgrades including keel removal and resealing, new keel bolts, new through-hulls, new windows and renewed rigging
• Modern 6.6 kW diesel heater
• Spacious three-cabin layout
• Zodiac dinghy included
• NOA winter frame with custom-made winter cover

Hull & Structure

The boat has been maintained with long-term reliability in mind.

• Keel removed, inspected, resealed and refitted with new keel bolts
• Rudder bushings replaced
• All through-hulls replaced
• New windows throughout
• New stainless handrails
• New teak on the toerails
• Large parts of the interior refinished
• Epoxy barrier coat with annual antifouling maintenance

Engine

The original engine has been replaced by a modern Volvo Penta D1-30, with approximately 700 engine hours.

During my ownership the engine has also received extensive preventative maintenance, including:

• Valve adjustment
• New heat exchanger
• Additional seawater filter
• Saildrive rebuilt with new seals and diaphragm

Rig & Sails

Standing rigging has been inspected and renewed where required, including the forestay and spreaders.

Every running line has been replaced with premium Dyneema, including runners, checkstays and backstays.

The sail inventory includes:

• North Sails mainsail
• North Sails headsail
• Gennaker on furler with complete hardware
• Additional Dacron mainsail and genoa
• Two spinnakers

The North sails are top of the line racing/cruising (carbon + dacron), approximately seven years old but have seen relatively little use during recent seasons due to limited sailing after our children were born.

Electronics & Electrical

One of the largest investments has been a complete redesign of the electrical system.

• Entire boat professionally rewired
• New electrical distribution panel
• Custom-built 270 Ah LiFePO₄ battery bank
• Dedicated BMS fully integrated with the charging system
• Victron charging equipment
• CTEK battery charger
• Premium solar panels

The charging system delivers approximately 100 A when cold, stabilizing around 60 A once the alternator reaches operating temperature. In practice, normal motoring in and out of harbour is often enough to recharge the batteries.

Navigation equipment includes:

• New Garmin GPSMAP 922xsv
• Raymarine wind instruments
• AIS
• New VHF radio
• New antenna and cabling
• New depth sonar

Comfort

The boat has also received numerous comfort upgrades.

• New 6.6 kW diesel heater
• Completely rebuilt refrigerator
• New oven
• New galley faucet
• New 20-litre hot water heater
• New gas installation
• New holding tank level indicator
• New leather steering wheel

Included in the sale

• Zodiac dinghy
• NOA winter storage frame
• Custom-built winter cover
• Complete mooring equipment
• Extensive collection of spare parts, tools and equipment accumulated during ownership

Full transparency

No boat is perfect, and I'd rather be upfront about the few remaining items.

• The autopilot occasionally disengages unexpectedly. Since I rarely use it, I haven't investigated the cause.
• The current marine toilet does not have a deck pump-out fitting. My plan was to replace it with one of the modern composting toilets, but I never got around to it.

Reason for selling

The boat is located in Sweden, but we moved abroad two years ago. We originally intended to keep her, but with two young children we've realized we simply don't spend enough time sailing in Sweden anymore.

Today the boat spends around 11 months each year on land, and it deserves to be used rather than waiting for the few weeks we can come back.

Viewing

The boat is currently cruising in the Stockholm archipelago and can be viewed during the first week of August, before being lifted for winter storage.

After that she will remain ashore for the winter and will most likely be available for viewing again in the spring.

Final note

This is far from a standard 1987 Arcona 36. Over seven years, I've invested an enormous amount of time, care and money into systematically upgrading the boat. The goal was never to restore her cosmetically, but to create an Arcona that is dependable, modern and ready to sail anywhere with confidence.

I believe it's one of the most comprehensively upgraded Arcona 36s on the market, and I'm looking forward to handing her over to someone who will enjoy her as much as we have :-).

Reach out if you have any questions or want more pictures. If you prefer talking in Swedish my wife is much better than me and she speaks it fluently.