Caribbean 35 (Chris-Craft) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Caribbean 35 was in production from 1965 to 1976. Its creation stemmed from Chris-Craft's venture into sailboat manufacturing between 1962 and 1976, a period during which well-known sailor Cornelius Shields was a majority shareholder. During this era, Chris-Craft, known for its exquisite wooden powerboats, had fully transitioned to fiberglass construction, and all its sailboats, including the Caribbean 35, were built from this material at their Algonac, Michigan facility.

The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens was pivotal, ensuring that Chris-Craft sailboats maintained a reputation for solid design and performance, despite being a departure from the company's core powerboat business. The Caribbean 35 is based on Sparkman & Stephens design #1657.X, a design that underwent several modifications during its production run. It shares the same hull as the earlier Chris-Craft Sail Yacht 35, but features a distinct deck and interior layout. Buyers had the option of outfitting their Caribbean 35 with either a masthead sloop or a ketch rig, offering versatility in sail plans.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chris-Craft Caribbean 35 is characterized as a very heavy sailboat for its length, indicative of a design philosophy that prioritized a comfortable, stable motion over light-air performance. With a displacement of 18,000 lbs on a 26.5-foot waterline, its displacement-to-length ratio is exceptionally high, solidifying its status as a traditional, heavy cruiser. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests that the Caribbean 35 is generally underpowered, meaning she will likely require a good breeze to perform well and may struggle in lighter winds.

Despite a ballast-to-displacement ratio that might appear moderate by modern standards, the vessel is widely regarded as reasonably stable and stiff, possessing excellent righting capabilities. Owners consistently praise its "soft in the wave crossing" nature, contributing to a feeling of security and solidity while underway. This robust build and long keel hull type contribute to its reputation for predictable handling and a comfortable ride in varied sea states, aligning with its design as a cruising yacht where comfort, not speed, was the primary objective.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Chris-Craft Caribbean 35 is designed with comfort in mind, offering a layout typical of a cruising yacht of its era, particularly noteworthy for its center cockpit configuration. While specific details of the original interior arrangement are not extensively documented in available public records, the center cockpit design generally allows for a well-separated aft cabin, providing privacy for owners. This layout typically includes a forward V-berth, a main salon, a galley, and a head, with additional sleeping or storage in quarter berths or the aft cabin. Owners have consistently found the interiors to be comfortable. The vessel's robust fiberglass construction would have provided a durable foundation for the interior fit-out, likely featuring a blend of practical finishes and traditional wood accents, typical of Chris-Craft's attention to quality, even in its sailing line.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chris-Craft Caribbean 35 frequently commend its solid construction and the overall feeling of security it provides on the water. The boat's ability to handle rough seas with a "soft in the wave crossing" motion is a recurring point of praise, making it a favored choice for those seeking a stable platform for cruising. The comfortable interiors are also highly valued by owners.

While Chris-Craft's sailboats, in general, have been noted to have had certain issues over time, specific recurring problems for the Caribbean 35 are not widely detailed beyond general wear and tear expected of a vessel of its age. As with any older boat, potential maintenance items might include the original engine systems (the Caribbean 35 was powered by a Perkins diesel engine) and potential deck leaks, which are common considerations for vintage fiberglass yachts. The robust nature and sound design, however, mean that well-maintained examples continue to be cherished by their owners.