Caliber 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Caliber 35 began its production in 1992, emerging from the Clearwater, Florida-based shipyard of Caliber Yachts. Founded by brothers George and Michael McCreary, Caliber Yachts quickly earned a reputation for constructing "go anywhere" boats, a philosophy deeply ingrained in the 35's design. The company's commitment to robust construction is evident in the Caliber 35's solid fiberglass hull, a method favored for its inherent strength and integrity, ensuring exceptional durability for serious cruising sailors.

A notable aspect of the Caliber 35's lineage is its close relation to the Caliber 33; the 35 is essentially an updated and extended version of its predecessor, often noted as being a Caliber 33 with an added swim platform. In 1995, the model was further updated and renamed the Caliber 35 LRC (Long Range Cruiser), emphasizing its intended purpose. The design typically incorporates a fin keel paired with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen to balance sailing performance with critical protection for the rudder in challenging offshore conditions. The vessel also boasts a "Caliber Convertible Cutter Rig™," designed to offer versatility and safe handling in heavy air conditions by breaking down the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Caliber 35 is known for its commendable sailing characteristics, stability, and comfort under various conditions, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and offshore passages. With a reported sail area of 563 square feet and a displacement of 13,100 pounds, the Caliber 35 features a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.22. This ratio indicates that the Caliber 35 is a moderate performance cruiser, capable of respectable speeds without sacrificing the stability crucial for extended voyages.

Further contributing to its sturdy nature, the Caliber 35 boasts a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 46.5%. This significant ballast ratio contributes directly to the boat's stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up well to strong winds and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio, at around 220.26, categorizes the Caliber 35 as a moderate displacement vessel, prioritizing seaworthiness and solid performance over extreme light-air speed. This combination of design characteristics ensures that the Caliber 35 handles predictably and securely, even when faced with adverse conditions. Owners have consistently praised its balance and behavior, finding it a capable vessel that can be easily managed by one or two people.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Caliber 35's primary focus is on robust offshore capability, its interior layout is designed for comfortable living during extended periods aboard. The vessel typically features two private sleeping cabins, providing ample personal space for cruisers. The main salon is notably spacious, offering a supremely comfortable two-settee dinette area with abundant seating, shelving, and storage. A practical bulkhead table can be folded away when not in use, maximizing floor space for entertaining or movement. Forward, an enclosed V-berth cabin provides privacy, while an efficient U-shaped galley is well-appointed with generous storage and preparation space, addressing the practical demands of cruising.

Ventilation is a strong point on the Caliber 35 LRC SEries, designed with serious cruising in mind. It features eleven opening portholes throughout the cabin, including ten on the cabin sides and an additional one in the aft cabin, ensuring outstanding cross-ventilation. Caliber's meticulous attention to construction details extends to the interior, where all bulkheads and furniture are directly bonded to the hull, avoiding large fiberglass pans or liners. This method creates a strong, solid structure and contributes to a quieter, more integrated feel below deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Caliber 35 frequently laud its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, reinforcing Caliber Yachts' reputation for building durable, "go anywhere" vessels. The enduring quality of these boats is a common theme among the ownership community, with many boats remaining with a single owner for extended periods. While generally well-regarded, some discussions among owners, particularly concerning earlier Caliber 33 and 35 models, have occasionally noted concerns such as the original deck fittings developing leaks, which may require re-bedding over time. Despite these minor points, the Caliber 35 is widely considered a reliable and robust choice for individuals and couples seeking a comfortable and seaworthy yacht for extended cruising and offshore adventures.