We have had a CS36T for the past three seasons and are quite pleased with it. The
engine access is considered to be poor, however, once all the
panels are removed, you can pretty much get at everything. The V-drive is just about bulletproof, as is the
Westerbeke 30 (if it's properly maintained). The main drawbacks to the V-drive are that the engine is mounted in reverse (the drive belts are aft), the stuffing box is best reached with a flexible 10 year old, and, if repowering becomes necessary, your options are limited. I had some problems with cold starts and
overheating, which was
solved by rebuilding the injectors and disassembling and
flushing out the
heat exchanger. Both relatively easy tasks. Properly serviced, the engine will last forever. That said,
parts, when required, are easily found, but hideously expensive.
Otherwise, the boat
sails well, points high for a shoal
draft, and is built like a tank. Some don't like the
companionway steps (ladder!?), but the layout requires it. It is a great cruiser and well suited for long distance voyages, it can sail comfortably in almost any
weather. We are a
family of 5 (two teenagers) and have done two week holidays on two occasions on
Lake Ontario with no casualties.
Hope that helps.
Be happy to give you more details.