36' Allied Princess Ketch

The Princess 36, built by Allied Boat Company in Catskill, New York, is a robust character ketch that does not pretend to be anything other than a simple, comfortable blue-water cruising boat. Designed by Arthur Edmunds and first introduced in 1972, the Princess enjoyed a 10-year production run during which about 140 hulls were built, which likely makes it the most successful boat produced by Allied during its 22 years of existence (1962-84).

Its somewhat exaggerated sheer line leads up to a high bow, but blends nicely with its moderate overhangs and shoal-draft cutaway full keel. The boat's performance under sail is smooth and steady.    

A ketch-rigged Princess sails nicely on a reach, particularly if a mizzen staysail is set between the masts. The long keel tracks well, the ketch rig is easy to balance, and many owners report that this, together with the non-reversing worm-gear steering, makes it very easy to leave the helm unattended for long periods.

As with all boats built by Allied, construction is strong and simple. The Princess hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass with 24-ounce woven roving and mat with a surface layer of cloth under the gelcoat--with thicker laminate at the turn of the bilge and down low around the keel. The ballast is lead, glassed over and encapsulated within the keel. The deck is balsa-cored. All bulkheads are tabbed directly to the hull. The rudder stock, impressively, is bronze.

For a boat of its size and era, the Princess has a very roomy interior with standing headroom well over 6 feet.

The Princess, thanks to its shoal-draft keel, is a near-perfect family cruising boat for skinny-water cruising grounds like Chesapeake Bay, the Florida Keys, or the Bahamas. It will serve admirably, too, as a coastal cruiser in any deep-water locale. With its stout construction and easy motion it is also an excellent blue-water cruiser.

Cayo Mio was just hauled out last summer for a complete bottom job including a new cutlass bearing and shaft coupler. All of her systems are working properly, and she is in great shape for her age. Dry and fume free, Cayo Mio comes with many sailing accessories and extra parts.

She is very spacious with an open main salon, large fold down table for the dinette, 2 single berths and 2 double berths, navigation station and aft quarter berth. The galley has a 3 burner gimbaled LP stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and water heater. The forward cabin has a large v-berth with a pillow top mattress, fitted sheets, closet, sink and separate entrance to head.