[1][2][3] The design was built by Islander Yachts/Tradewind Yachts in the United States from 1971 until 1986 with 770 boats completed, but it is now out of production.

It has a masthead sloop rig; a raked stem; a raised counter, reverse transom; a skeg-mounted rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin keel.

The galley is located on the starboard side just forward of the companionway ladder and is equipped with a three-burner stove and a double sink.

[1] The boat is supported by an active class club that organizes racing events, the Islander 36 Association.

[5] In a 2010 review in Talk of The Dock, stated, "the Islander 36 (I36) is a true classic ... and they’re great boats that will go the distance or race quite impressively"[3] Similar sailboats