
colombo 36 review
Yacht · 36 ft (11 m) · Domaso
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- colombo
- Model
- 36
- Length
- 36 ft (11 m)
- Guests
- 9
- Cabins
- 1
Verdict
The Colombo 36 is a compact early-1990s Italian motor yacht with sporty styling, shallow draft and twin Volvo Penta power, making it well suited to fast day cruising. It offers limited liveaboard comfort by modern standards, but remains a capable and characterful choice if maintained well.
Pros
- +Twin 200 hp Volvo Penta diesel setup
- +Shallow draft suits coastal and inland cruising
- +Classic Italian sport-yacht profile
- +Compact size makes docking and maneuvering easier
Cons
- −Single-cabin layout limits overnight privacy
- −Older 1991 build may need careful maintenance
- −Interior volume is modest for 9 guests
- −Fuel economy and noise depend heavily on engine condition
The Colombo 36 is a 36-foot Italian motor yacht from the early 1990s, with a low-profile sport-cruiser look and a practical beam for its length. Public listings show a 10.8 m hull, 3.15 m beam, shallow draft around 0.6 m, one cabin and one head, which points to a boat aimed more at day cruising and short breaks than extended living aboard.
On the water, the twin Volvo Penta diesel installation gives it the right ingredients for confident coastal running and straightforward maneuvering. The hull form and limited draft should help in sheltered waters and marinas, while the twin-engine setup adds control at low speed. As with any boat of this age, actual performance and running quality will depend heavily on maintenance history.
Comfort is the Colombo 36’s main compromise. The single-cabin layout is fine for a couple or a small family, but it is not a spacious platform for longer stays, and the stated guest capacity is for day use rather than overnight cruising. In value terms, it can make sense for buyers who want a classic Italian open yacht with diesel power and manageable size, but condition, refit level and engine care matter more than age alone.


