De Antonio D36 Open, a classy walkaround cabin cruiser (11.5 m)

Anticipated as early as last year, the De Antonio D36 Open made its debut at the Genoa Boat Show, a boat that undoubtedly left its mark, representing particularly well the evolution of the Mediterranean open. At 11.50 meters long and with a streamlined, performance hull, the D36 looks like a remarkable hull, bordered by brilliant exteriors and interiors up to the mark. An excellent compromise for those seeking the hybrid of cruiser, power boat, and comfortable walkaround.

De Antonio D36 Open, a classy walkaround cabin cruiser (11.5 m)

Not only satisfying in terms of aesthetics, the D36 is also confirmed as an extremely high-performance boat, with a hull with particularly positive qualities, and remarkable performance even at high speeds and in rough seas. In fact, we tested it during the Boat Show, and while waiting for the full test inside the next issue of Boche a Motore, find below some first impressions.

Exterior

The glance is immediately pleasing. Clean, sharp lines make this 36 (11.5 m) footer a light, streamlined boat, a synthesis of good balance between sharp edges and prominent freeboards. The new D36 seems to take the best of its predecessors D34 e
D42
, creating a boat with a balanced flavor. A happy blend between an open and a more structured cruiser. Cockpit and spaces are smooth, well designed, and placed well in the surfaces offered by the deck. Moving aboard, it feels like a bigger boat than it is, especially considering the open-air nature of the exterior. In the cockpit is a large three-person sundeck, facing aft, under which the outboard motor is actually located. Clever solution, now a trademark of the Spanish shipyard, that allows for a much larger perceived boat size.

Also in the cockpit, immediately toward the bow, we find a U-shaped sofa with a center table and a three-door cabinet just behind the bridge seats. Both sides, at the broadside, run two passages equipped with handrails, and they lead from stern to bow smoothly, in total freedom. Amidships, in the wheelhouse, three ergonomic seats accommodate helmsman and passengers, all protected by a tinted windshield and a T-top, available rigid or canvas.

De Antonio D36 Open – Interior

Below deck the spaces are well cared for, with an open-space forward area that can be used as both a living area and a berth. We also find a separate toilet and two aft couches, the latter of which can be interpreted as bunks. The only compromise here is the heights, necessarily sacrificed toward the aft in order to provide sensible deck spaces and excellent lines. A sound compromise and not worthy of criticism. As on deck, the details here are remarkable, and it is fascinating how so much space has been carved out of a hull that, from the outside, would not seem to grant any.

Navigation, performance and propulsion

Equipped with a particularly high-performance hull, the D36 is a boat that not only pleases aesthetically, but also proves enjoyable and fun at the helm. Engineable up to 900 horsepower, we tested the set-up with two Mercury V8 outboards of 300 HP each, for a total of 600 horsepower. Power that more than lived up to expectations, especially given the 1.7- to 2-meter waves that characterized the day. Extremely stable and endowed with amazing ‘grip,’ the D36 indeed demonstrated commendable handling, responding to each maneuver exactly as instructed. Also deserving of note is its behavior with respect to waves, which it copes with smoothly, either by escaping into the cables with significant speed and stability, or by stepping over them, without losing control or grip. Ergonomics and spaces are also positive in turn, allowing for safe movement and operations, while the deck stays dry, thanks to a hull that opens the water well, directing splashes and spray toward the forward ends.

Overall remarkable, the De Antonio D36 Open proves to be a commendable boat even beyond appearance, and undoubtedly offers an excellent compromise for those seeking a cabin cruiser whose marine qualities equal elegance and on-board comfort. Clever on deck, pleasant and performant, it is thus a good combination of performance, handling and quality, the epitome of a design that would seem to really stand up for itself. You will find the full proof inside the next issue of Motor Boats.

De Antonio D36 Open – Data Sheet

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