Sail Yacht 35 (Chris-Craft) Information, Review, Specs

The Chris-Craft Sail Yacht 35 was introduced in 1963, signaling Chris-Craft's entry into the sailboat market, a move influenced by then-majority shareholder and celebrated yachtsman Cornelius Shields. This particular model, S&S design #1657.X, was a collaborative effort with Sparkman & Stephens, ensuring a foundation of solid design and performance for the fiberglass hull. Its production run extended until 1985, a testament to its enduring appeal and design.

Throughout its production, the Sail Yacht 35 underwent a number of modifications. Early versions of the boat notably featured a wooden deck and superstructure, distinguishing them from later models that transitioned to a full fiberglass construction. Interestingly, the Sail Yacht 35 shares the same hull as the Chris-Craft Caribbean 35, which was introduced in 1965, though the deck and interior layouts differed between the two models. This period saw Chris-Craft, a company synonymous with exquisite mahogany powerboats, fully embrace fiberglass construction for its sailboat line, built at their Algonac, Michigan facility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chris-Craft Sail Yacht 35 is characterized by its heavy displacement and full keel, indicators of its design as a stable and seakindly cruiser rather than an outright racer. With a displacement of 18,112 pounds and a waterline length of 28.5 feet, its Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 350 confirms its status as a heavy, traditional cruising boat. This substantial build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability over light-air speed.

The boat's Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of around 13.06 suggests that it is relatively under-canvassed, implying it will be a more docile performer in lighter winds. However, this conservative sail plan can be an advantage in heavier conditions, making the boat manageable and robust. The Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of approximately 0.276, while seemingly modest, works in conjunction with its long keel to provide reasonable stability and an excellent righting capability. Owners frequently describe the Sail Yacht 35 as stable, tough, and elegantly handling various conditions, confirming its design as a safe and sturdy vessel. It is considered a capable cruising boat that sails reasonably well for its era and design philosophy, though not a "slouch" or a "motorsailor per se."

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom details are not widely available, reviews and owner accounts describe the Chris-Craft Sail Yacht 35 as offering a classic and functional interior typical of cruisers from its era. The interior layout often features a traditional arrangement designed for comfortable extended cruising. Descriptions from owners suggest a design with a forward cabin, a main salon, and typically a quarter berth or an aft cabin, depending on the specific modification and year of production.

Owners who appreciate its "odd and classy styling" also often undertake interior redesigns to modernize or personalize the space, indicating a robust hull that allows for such modifications. While detailed floor plans require specific review of individual boats, the emphasis is generally on solid construction and practical use of space, reflecting Chris-Craft's reputation for quality, even in its sailboat offerings.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chris-Craft Sail Yacht 35 generally hold a strong appreciation for its robust construction and stable sailing characteristics. Many describe the boat as tough, safe, and sturdily built, making it a reliable choice for cruising. Its full keel contributes to a comfortable motion offshore, a quality frequently praised by those who spend extended time aboard. The classic and elegant styling of the Sail Yacht 35 is also a common point of pride for owners.

While the boat is not renowned for its speed, particularly in light airs, owners accept this as a trade-off for its comfort and seaworthiness. Some owners have noted that the original wood deck and superstructure on early versions may require more maintenance than later all-fiberglass models, but this is a common consideration for vintage boats. The strong hull design allows for interior customization, and many owners embark on renovation projects to update the accommodations to modern standards while retaining the boat's classic appeal. The Sail Yacht 35 continues to attract enthusiasts looking for a well-built, capable cruising sailboat with a rich heritage.