Allmand 35 Pilot House Information, Review, Specs

The Allmand 35 Pilot House emerged during a period of expansion for Allmand Boats Inc., a company founded by John Allmand in Hialeah, Florida. While initially focused on powerboats, the company, with the influence of John's brother Tom Allmand joining in 1977, diversified into sailboat production. Allmand Boats gained a reputation for sturdy, fiberglass construction, a material they embraced early on for its durability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional wood.

The Allmand 35 Pilot House, like its smaller sibling the Allmand 31, was designed by Walter Scott. Scott was known for designing cruisers, aligning with Allmand Boats' ethos of building practical and durable fiberglass vessels. The Allmand 35, specifically, was conceived as a heavy-displacement masthead sloop, intended for comfortable cruising. Its production ran from 1981 to 1985, and it was based on an earlier model, the Captiva 35. Some variations of the Allmand 35, including a "Raised Cabin" motor sailor version, were also available, offering a shoal draft option of 3.92 feet in addition to the standard 4.92 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Allmand 35 Pilot House is designed as a capable cruiser, balancing sailing performance with comfort and stability. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.06 indicates a moderate sail plan for its displacement. This suggests the boat will perform adequately in a range of wind conditions, though it is not optimized for light-air speed, aligning with its cruising purpose.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of around 35.8%, the Allmand 35 offers a reasonable degree of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a good breeze. This, combined with its solid fiberglass hull and fin keel, contributes to a stable and predictable motion in a seaway, characteristic of a robust cruising vessel. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 239.1 places the Allmand 35 in the moderate displacement category. This ratio further reinforces its design as a comfortable cruiser, capable of handling various conditions while providing a stable platform for living aboard or extended voyages. Its hull speed is calculated at 7.11 knots, providing a comfortable cruising speed under power or sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Allmand 35 Pilot House's interior layout are best gathered from owner forums and reviews, its pilothouse design is a defining feature, offering an enclosed steering station that provides protection and comfort in adverse weather. This is a significant advantage for cruisers, extending the sailing season and providing a warm, dry watch station. The boat's generous beam of 11.67 feet likely translates to a relatively spacious interior for a vessel of its length. Typical interior arrangements for cruising sailboats of this size often include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and potentially a quarter berth or aft cabin. Given Allmand Boats' reputation for robust construction, the interior finish would likely have been practical and durable, employing materials typical of the era, such as fiberglass liners with wood trim accents. Owners of Allmand models often praise the solid construction, suggesting a well-built interior that holds up over time.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Allmand 35 Pilot House vessels frequently commend their solid construction and seaworthiness, which are consistent with Allmand Boats' reputation for building robust vessels. The pilothouse design is often highlighted as a significant advantage, providing excellent protection from the elements and enhancing comfort during inclement weather or in cooler climates. This feature is particularly valued by those who prioritize comfort and extended season cruising.

Common owner discussions found in online forums often revolve around typical maintenance items for boats of this vintage, such as the condition of original systems and fittings. Owners appreciate the boat's ability to handle various sea states with a comfortable motion, a testament to its moderate displacement and sturdy build. While not designed for high-performance racing, owners generally find its sailing characteristics to be reliable and predictable for cruising purposes.