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Welcome back! With the Tide 36, MFH in Emden is once again impressively turning its attention to the yacht industry. The company, whose abbreviation stands for Maritime Faserverbundtechnik Haring, is primarily involved in the "production of complex components", according to its own advertising. A business area that includes customised products for the automotive industry, mega yachts, wind turbines and submarines. An area that gives the East Frisians an advantage, as the specifications and controls for public contracts are tough and demanding, according to Managing Director Uwe Regensdorf. He did not want to leave it at vendor parts, but returned to a branch of business that had been neglected for a while: the construction of new yachts.
Ten years ago, MFH launched a small series of yachts customised for the local Wadden Sea, the Tide 34. The design by Marc-Oliver von Ahlen from Kappeln an der Schlei is equipped with an attached plug-in rudder and an integral keel, as well as being light and fast. On the basis of this design, MFH has started to diversify under the new managing director Regensdorf, which currently also includes the expansion of aluminium hulls. The Tide 36 became longer, but not significantly wider, was given a fixed keel and became somewhat heavier, the sail area increased. In terms of design and construction, it is a new boat, with retrospective stylistic devices: oval windows with high-gloss stainless steel frames in a superstructure that is quite round at the top, a closed yacht stern (without hatch), plus tiller steering. And visually a feast for the eyes with strong, harmonious lines that are a joy to behold from every angle. The Tide 36 is already a GRP classic, not in terms of quantity, but in terms of design.
The Tide 36 is an extremely successful package- with one shortcoming
The hull and deck of construction number 1 were laminated by MFH, while the interior was built by the expert hands of Janssen & Renkhoff in Kappeln an der Schlei for capacity reasons. Jan Janssen retired there in the summer and sold his shares to master boatbuilder Christopher Hahn, who was able to share responsibility for a beautiful large project with the Tide 36. The result is not only impressive, but is also an extremely successful package overall - with one small drawback, more on this later.
MFH has hand-laminated the hull and deck from multiaxial glass fibre, rigid foam as the core material and vinyl ester resins. This ensures high-strength, lightweight and osmosis-resistant components. And then there's the interior: if you lift up the floorboards, you'll be amazed to see solid wooden floor cradles in a neatly finished bilge, from which the keel bolts protrude through the curved steel floor plate of the saloon table and are fastened there with high-gloss cap nuts. This is no longer craftsmanship, this is boat-building art. You might think so. Designer Marc-Oliver von Ahlen: "The wooden cranes are cheaper in a small series, and the nuts are visible because otherwise we would have needed a higher floor."
High quality and obsessive attention to detail
Overall, the table epitomises high quality and an attention to detail that borders on obsession. The folding table sides do not simply hang from the upper base plate, but are concealed by the front sides when lowered (see photo below). Further examples of love for the object: A classic weir adorns the ship's side in the foredeck and keeps moisture out. The berth cushions and fittings, even those hidden away, are well designed, rounded, neatly finished and a delight for the eyes and hands. The light-coloured ceiling, beautifully grained cherry in a silk matt finish, is complemented by mint-coloured upholstery.
The rather tight space is also remarkable, especially from the point of view of contemporary designs, which all focus on maximising volume right up to the motorboat-like hull. The Tide, on the other hand, is petite, narrow and flat. It offers just under 1.80 metres of interior height in the saloon, nod once and you are bent over in the foredeck with a height of around 1.65 metres. But surprisingly, the berth is wide, a full 1.80 metres. And there is even a folding desk including a small seat in the foredeck.
Design principles applied to the exterior are consistently continued in the interior. That fits.
The situation is different aft: There are neither two nor one cabin, just an open dog berth. And at 1.60 metres, the saloon berths are too short for sleeping, although the starboard berth can be extended on request by adding a foot hole through the main bulkhead and into the wardrobe. Or a smaller bathroom can be installed at the front. This is also the solution when choosing the optional lifting keel, the box of which is integrated into the wet cell module. The wet room on the test boat is indeed large, has a shower facility and is equipped to a high standard. The latter also applies to the galley opposite, where the headroom can be significantly increased by removing the floorboard.
Ideal for crews of two, but also suitable for single-handed use
In terms of living space, the Tide 36 presents itself as a two-person boat with a single-guest option. The crew size matches the cockpit. The thwarts are a full 2.20 metres long, with additional space for lounging or sitting on the aft deck, under which the gas bottle and storage space can be found. The cockpit and deck layout work excellently underway. With tiller steering, outriggers and short distances as well as a self-tacking jib, the Tide 36 is perfectly suited to single-handed sailing, which is ideal for the two-person crew. The helmsman sits perfectly on the 20-degree bevelled coaming, and the non-slip cork on the thwarts provides sufficient grip for the feet.
The steering itself is a great pleasure. The rudder pressure is right, the angle of attack of the blade shows the desired three to five degrees, which makes the keel and rudder system effective. The boat is easy to steer, the wind edge is easy to find and hold, and the profile of the co-sails matches the boat's capabilities. Approximately 6.6 knots can be achieved during the test on the wind at tacking angles of around 45 degrees, although our measurements can only be approximate values due to the current situation on the one hand and uncalibrated on-board electronics on the other.
The high rig has a cream-coloured paint finish, while the hull changes colour depending on the incidence of light
Under gennaker, you can feel that the Tide 36 wants to get out of the quark, she accelerates to over nine knots in twelve to 15 knots of true wind, and with a little more wave than on the test day, she could easily reach over ten knots. In addition to the pure values, the ease of being on board is pleasing. Manoeuvring, trimming and sail handling are a breeze, also thanks to the good fittings and winches, which are all one size larger than necessary.
The price is like the boat: sporty
The Tide 36 fulfils the requirements: It is aimed at a couple of sailing enthusiasts who are looking for an individual, attractive boat and who prioritise large volume over outstanding features. That leaves the price: like the boat, it is sporty, but this can be put into perspective. A comparison with yachts that can at least remotely be regarded as competitors, i.e. slim, individual, high-quality beauties in Scandinavian style, is obvious. These include the Danish Faurby 360 and Luffe 3.6 as well as the Linjett 34 from Sweden, and these are also boats at property prices.
390,000 euros for a boat just under eleven metres long is a lot of money, but it should not deter potential customers in love with the boat from taking the next step. With its temperament, the Tide 36 will give owners long-lasting pleasure and always attract jealous glances.
The Tide 36 in facts
The hull ...
...is low-resistance, slim and light overall. Large enclosed space was not the declared aim of the design
The rudder ...
... is relatively large and well tuned. The rudder pressure fits, and the blade still works even with a lot of position
The keel ...
... consists of a hollow steel fin and a lead torpedo. This pushes the centre of gravity downwards
The rig ...
... comes from Seldén and was painted cream in RAL colour 1013 to match the body. This costs an extra 5,465 euros. The surfaces of the boom and mast are made of anodised aluminium as standard
The sails ...
...come from Co in Crosscut. Triradial fabric made of sandwich Mylar from the same company costs 10,300 euros
The gennaker pole ...
... is swivelled over the anchor locker for use, slid out and locked on deck. This useful extra costs 2,370 euros
The test ship ...
... is more of a prototype than a construction number 1. Built by Janssen & Renkhoff in Kappeln, it served the MFH shipyard as a 1:1 model or sailing mock-up. The experience gained during construction and detailed solutions were incorporated into the series
The prices ...
... apply to the future production boat, not to the tested vessel
Technical data Tide 36
- Design engineer:Yachtdesign v. Ahlen
- CE design category: A
- Torso length:10,70 m
- Waterline length:9,68 m
- Width: 3,02 m
- Draught/alternative: 1,90/1,65 m
- Draught Lifting keel:1,05-2,00 m
- Mast height above waterline:14,20 m
- Theoretical torso speed: 8.0 kn
- Weight*:4,7 t
- Ballast/proportion:1,16 t/25 %
- Mainsail: 34,5 m2
- Self-tacking jib: 26,5 m2
- Machine (Volvo): 14 kW/19 hp
- Fuel tank (stainless steel):90 l
- Fresh water tanks (stainless steel): 140 l
- Holding tank (PVC): 60 l
- Batteries: 150 AH + 85 AH
- Cooling volume refrigerator: 41 litres
* Addendum to the test in YACHT 25/22:
Note from the editorsAccording to designer Marc-Oliver von Ahlen, the weight information sent to the editorial team was incorrect. The Tide 36 did not weigh 4.7 tonnes, but only 3.8 tonnes. This was the projected weight and was also measured on the finished boat. The low weight is said to be due to the hollow keel fin, extensive use of sandwich materials, including for the furniture, and overall a very weight-optimised construction and design, as well as the fact that the Tide 36 is designed to be narrow and flat.
Sailing performance
(without drift/current; wind speed: 12 to 15 kn (4 Bft), wave height: approx. 1.0 m)
Potential STZ1 = 4.7
The rather high sail carrying capacity is calculated with the genoa. With the self-tacking jib, this results in 4.5
Sound pressure
In dB(A), measured at cruising speed (80 % of maximum speed): 6.5 kn, 2,400 min -1
Cockpit dimensions
Hull and deck construction
Hand-laminated GRP sandwich with foam core and vinyl ester resin. Laminated bulkheads. Laminated deck-hull connection
Equipment and prices Tide 36
- Base price ex shipyard: 392.000 €
- Standard equipment included: Engine, mainsail, jib, sheets, railing, navigation lights, battery, compass, cushions, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, anchor/chain, fenders, mooring lines, fire extinguisher, electric cooler, holding tank with suction system
- For an extra charge: Sailcloth € 960, antifouling € 3,920, clear sailing handover € 4,120
- Price ready to sail:401.000 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/5 years
Surcharge for comfort equipment
- Line-adjustable hole points: incl.
- Traveller with line guide:incl.
- Electric windlass: 4.370 €
- Tube kicker:incl.
- Backstay tensioner: incl.
- Jumping cleats: incl.
- Sprayhood:3.140 €
- Flexiteak (deck and cockpit):incl.
- VHF radio, log and echo sounder, wind measuring system: 4.930 €
- Autopilot:6.942 €
- Charger: incl.
- Shore connection with RCD:incl.
- 230 volt socket (one):incl.
- 12-volt socket in the sat nav: incl.
- Heating: 4.860 €
- Pressurised water system: incl.
- Hot water boiler:2.415 €
- Shower WC room: incl.
- Cockpit shower: 902 €
- Comfort price: 428.559 €
Included in the price:
Backstay cascade, lithium service batteries, three-burner cooker, 230 and 12-volt sockets, mood lighting
Shipyard and distribution
Maritime Fibre Composite Technology Haring, Zum Zungenkai 4a, 26725 Emden www.mfh-emden.de
Yacht Rating Tide 36
The Tide is unique on the market, there is no direct competition. The boat combines retro-classic components with performance-orientated and high-quality construction in exquisite implementation. This has its justifiable, but high price
Design and concept
- +Customised design
- + Harmonious overall package
- + Clear focus on small crew H
- - High total price
Sailing performance and trim
- + Excellent sailing characteristics
- + Easily retrievable potential
- + Simple functional layout
- + Well-tuned rudder blade
Living and finishing quality
- + Attractive interior
- + Spacious wet room
- + Beautiful detailed solutions
- - Conceptually small inside
Equipment and technology
- + High-quality equipment
- + Good installations
- + Very neat finish
- - Engine quite loud (test vessel)
