[1][2][3] The silent partner in Auroraglas purchased the rights to the center-cockpit Coronado 35/Columbia 36 design from Columbia Yachts and the tooling was modified to become the aft-cockpit Portman 36.
A total of 19 boats were produced, with Auroraglas only building one or two of them, before production moved to Watkins.
It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a raised transom, a skeg-mounted spade-type/transom-hung rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin keel.
[1][3] The boat is fitted with a diesel engine of 40 hp (30 kW) for docking and maneuvering.
[3] The boat is supported by an active class club, the Watkins Owners.