1981 Islander Sloop Boat in San Mateo, CA 94401 US
Built in 1981
Sloop
1 Engine (Yanmar)
36 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
GRETCHEN - 1981 Islander 36
A San Francisco Bay Sailing Classic - Beautifully Maintained, Thoughtfully Improved, and Powered by an Exceptionally Low-Hour Yanmar Diesel
Some sailboats come and go. Others earn a lasting place in sailing history. The Islander 36 is one of those exceptional designs.
Designed by renowned naval architect Alan Gurney and built in California by Islander Yachts, the Islander 36 has enjoyed an enthusiastic following for more than five decades. With approximately 770 built, the Islander 36 has become one of San Francisco Bay's most recognizable and respected racer-cruisers, celebrated for her handsome lines, rewarding sailing performance, and comfortable cruising accommodations.
GRETCHEN is a particularly appealing example, combining the timeless qualities of this celebrated design with substantial owner investment, recent upgrades, and an exceptionally low-hour diesel engine.
A Classic with Modern Advantages
One of GRETCHEN's most desirable features is her 2019 Yanmar 30 HP diesel engine with just 64 verified total hours. The engine had only 23 hours when her current owner purchased the vessel in March 2023. Serviced in 2026, this modern, low-hour diesel represents a significant advantage for buyers considering a classic sailing yacht.
Since purchasing GRETCHEN, her current owner has invested approximately $16,000 in repairs, restoration, and improvements, including extensive cosmetic and maintenance work completed in 2023.
Additional improvements include a 2025 bottom job with special protective coating treatment to the keel, a new Ritchie marine compass installed in 2025, representing an investment of approximately $1,000, and replacement of all five onboard batteries in July 2026.
These investments complement the Islander 36's enduring reputation as a rewarding sailing yacht with comfortable cruising accommodations.
Designed for the Waters of San Francisco Bay
The Islander 36 earned her reputation where sailing conditions can be both exhilarating and demanding. Her substantial keel, balanced sail plan, and responsive helm provide the kind of confident, rewarding sailing experience that has made this design a favorite among Bay sailors for generations.
Whether sailing across the Bay on a breezy summer afternoon, participating in club racing, or enjoying a relaxed weekend cruise, the Islander 36 offers a wonderful balance of performance, comfort, and traditional sailing character.
Her spacious cockpit provides an inviting setting for sailing with friends and family, while her sloop rig makes her equally attractive to experienced sailors seeking a capable and enjoyable cruising yacht.
A Surprisingly Spacious and Inviting Interior
Step below and discover another reason for the Islander 36's enduring popularity.
Large cabin windows fill the salon with natural light, creating an open, welcoming atmosphere rarely found aboard sailing yachts of this vintage.
Comfortable port and starboard settees provide generous seating, while the folding salon table stows away to create additional living space.
The practical galley is conveniently located to starboard of the companionway, with a three-burner propane stove and oven, refrigeration, stainless steel sink, and ample storage.
Opposite the galley is a dedicated navigation station with additional storage and access to the aft quarter berth.
Forward accommodations include a private V-berth cabin, hanging locker, and enclosed head with shower.
With approximately 6'4" of headroom, GRETCHEN offers comfortable accommodations for extended weekends, coastal cruising, or simply relaxing aboard after a rewarding day under sail.
Recent Improvements and Notable Equipment
2019 Yanmar 30 HP diesel - just 64 verified total hours
Engine serviced in 2026
All five onboard batteries replaced - July 2026
2025 bottom job with specialized protective keel coating
2025 Ritchie marine compass - approximately $1,000 investment
Approximately $16,000 in repairs and improvements completed in 2023
Hull professionally polished and waxed
Exterior striping renewed
Cabin windows removed, resealed, and reinstalled
Interior wood repairs and refinishing
Keel-stepped mast and sloop rig
6-foot draft, confirmed by owner
Roller-furling headsail
Raymarine autopilot
Furuno radar
VHF radio with AIS
Harken traveler and Garhauer boom vang
An Enduring Classic, Ready for Her Next Chapter
There is a reason so many Islander 36s continue to sail the waters of San Francisco Bay. They offer something increasingly difficult to find: genuine sailing performance, practical cruising comfort, timeless good looks, and an enthusiastic community of owners.
GRETCHEN combines these enduring qualities with an exceptionally low-hour Yanmar diesel, five new batteries, recent underwater maintenance, and substantial owner improvements.
For the sailor seeking a proven Bay cruiser with character, capability, and a proud sailing heritage, GRETCHEN deserves a closer look.
Contact Rubicon Yachts to arrange your personal inspection of GRETCHEN.
Accommodations The Islander 36 is noted for its simple and smart interior. Large salon bench seating port and starboard. The salon table folds down and stows in pocket at the mast bulkhead on port side, creating a very open and easy to move around interior. From the companionway the galley is immediately to starboard. Adjacent to port is large Nav station with ample storage. A flip up seat folds down lending access to aft port quarter berth. Moving forward you have a full head with shower, new electric toilet (2019) to port with hanging locker to starboard. Large spacious V Berth forward with custom Serta mattress, fitted sheets and custom comforters. 6'4" head room.
New (additional) keel bolts installed in 2018.
Galley The galley is to starboard of the companionway, with ample working counter space, and storage. Pressure hot / cold water – 2019 new hot water heater and tank. Deep SS sink Force 10 Pressurized propane (3) burner stove and oven. Upgraded safety. Cold machine refrigerator with freezer section. Manual fresh water pump at galley.
Power and Electrical 30 hp Yanmar YM 30 – installed new in 2019 very low hours on meter
3 blade bronze prop Impeller and fluids changed by owner on regular basis
Electronics Knot / Depth / Wind (Datamarine)
Furuno radar
Autopilot - Raymarine Std Horizon VHF radio w/ AIS GX2200 WM AM/FM Blue Tooth with cabin and cockpit speakers
Compass at helm
30 amp shore power cord
Tankage FUEL …. 32 gal Aluminum tank WATER ….60 gal total (2) 27 gal under each settee (1) 6 gal Hot Water Tank - new HOLDING … 12 gal
Sails and Rigging Mast Keel stepped / double spreader .. sloop rig with lines leading aft to cockpit Garhauer spring loaded vang Garhauer Adjustable jib leads Harken traveler Harken furler Spinnaker pole on deck (2) Barient #28ST Primary winches – various additional winches 135% furling jib Garhauer outboard motor davit
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. Buyer should assume that items on the vessel at the time of viewing, but not specifically listed on this specification sheet, are not included with the sale of the yacht, and should instruct his agents, or his surveyors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. Buyer assumes responsibility to verify all speeds, consumptions, capacities and other measurements contained herein and otherwise provided, and agrees to instruct his surveyor to confirm such details prior to purchase. This vessel is subject to sale, price and inventory changes, and withdrawal from market without notice.
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. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 11/13/26 | Initial price | $39,000 |
Overview from around the web 1981 Islander Sloop
The 1981 Islander Sloop is known as a practical, capable cruising sailboat with a traditional layout, steady handling, and a reputation for offering solid value among classic production boats
Buyers typically value its comfortable accommodations, manageable sailing characteristics, and sturdy feel. As with any boat of this age, they should carefully inspect the hull and deck for water intrusion or structural damage, and check the rigging, engine, plumbing, and electrical systems for wear or deferred maintenance.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Islander Sloop offers the appeal of a classic, practical sailboat, with a roomy layout and dependable cruising character that can suit weekend sailing and coastal trips. Its straightforward design may also appeal to owners who enjoy maintaining and updating an older boat.
Pros
Classic styling and an established design
Comfortable space for its size, depending on the model and layout
Suitable for day sailing and coastal cruising
Often offers good value compared with newer boats
Cons
Condition can vary considerably from boat to boat
An older vessel may need work on its sails, rigging, engine, or systems
Older interiors and equipment may feel dated
Performance and onboard amenities may not match those of newer designs
Made For
The 1981 Islander Sloop is a good fit for sailors seeking a classic cruising boat with a traditional design and comfortable space for coastal trips. It may suit couples, small families, or experienced sailors looking for a capable project or an affordable entry into sailboat ownership.
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 1981 Islander Sloop | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,000 | $42,000 | $35,000 | $31,150 | $30,000 | $29,000 |
| Location | San Mateo | Richmond | Benicia | Emeryville | Oxnard | San Francisco |
| Nominal Length | 36' | 40' | 35' | 36' | 36' | 30' |
| Beam | 11' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 6' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | - | Universal | - | Volvo | - |
| Total Engine Power | 30 hp | - | 21 hp | - | 50 hp | - |
| Days on Market | 1 | 836 | 31 | 8 | 109 | 0 |
| Get in touch |
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Boat Location
Contact Rubicon Yachts- San Rafael about 1981 Islander Sloop
25 Third Street, San Rafael, CA, 94901
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