Intrepid 35 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Intrepid 35 began earlier, with its initial design by McCurdy & Rhodes appearing as the Heritage 35, first built in 1974. Cape Dory Yachts, a Massachusetts-based builder founded by Andrew Vavolotis, later acquired the tooling for this design, introducing it under their Intrepid division in 1983. Cape Dory Yachts was celebrated for its unwavering commitment to traditional design and robust fiberglass construction, an ethos that permeated the Intrepid 35. While many iconic Cape Dory models were the work of Carl Alberg, the Intrepid 35 stands out as a distinctive McCurdy & Rhodes creation. The designers aimed for a "fast cruiser" that was also of "sound construction," capable of extended cruising. This design philosophy led to a sturdy vessel with a fin keel, differentiating it from some of Cape Dory's more traditional full-keel offerings and suggesting a balance between cruising comfort and reasonable performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Intrepid 35 exhibits characteristics of a heavy-displacement cruiser, designed for stability and comfort in a seaway rather than outright speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 350.7, she falls firmly into the heavy category, indicating a substantial vessel that will hold her course well and offer a comfortable motion even in challenging conditions. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio (B/D) of 39.2% further underscores her inherent stability and ability to stand up to a breeze.

However, her sail-area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of around 14.12 suggests that the Intrepid 35 is not a spirited performer in light winds. She will likely require a good breeze to get moving efficiently and maintain speed. Despite this, the design's intention as a "fast cruiser" points to a capable and balanced handling experience when the wind fills in. Owners often praise the design for its suitability for shorthanded offshore sailing, a testament to its predictable handling and solid feel on the water. Her fin keel, combined with a skeg-hung rudder, provides good directional stability and control. The boat's theoretical hull speed is 7.0 knots, a practical benchmark for its cruising capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout details are not extensively detailed in the provided data, the Intrepid 35, like other Cape Dory vessels, was built with an emphasis on quality and liveability, with the interior often described as having the feel of a "high end custom built yacht". Typically for a 35-foot cruising boat of its era, one would expect a layout featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a navigation station. A private head compartment would usually be located forward or amidships. Cape Dory's general construction quality suggests that the interior would feature solid wood trim, robust joinery, and practical finishes, designed for durability and comfort during extended periods aboard. Storage solutions would be ample, catering to the needs of cruisers, and ventilation would be provided through opening ports and hatches, common in well-designed offshore boats.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cape Dory yachts, including the Intrepid 35, consistently praise the brand's commitment to robust construction and seaworthiness. The solid fiberglass hulls are known for their durability and longevity, contributing to the enduring appeal of these vessels decades after their production ceased. The Intrepid 35 is generally regarded as a comfortable and secure platform for cruising, offering a sea-kindly motion that instills confidence in various conditions. While the boat is not celebrated for its light-wind performance, owners appreciate its stability and the sense of security it provides when the weather turns foul. Common positive sentiments revolve around the boat's overall build quality and its suitability for serious cruising.