Corbin 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Corbin 35 was slated for production starting in 1981, following the success of the larger Corbin 39, which began production in 1979. Corbin Les Bateaux, established by Marius Corbin in Chateauguay, Quebec, in 1977, had a clear mission: to construct strong, safe, and adaptable boats for long-distance family cruising. The company became known for its fiberglass construction, utilizing a closed-cell foam core in its hulls, a technique valued for its robustness and insulation properties. The Corbin 35 was intended to carry this design ethos into a slightly more compact package.

However, the ambitious plan for the Corbin 35 was cut short. According to Marius Corbin himself, while the molds for the 35-foot vessel were being created, the factory experienced a devastating fire. Without adequate insurance to rebuild the mold, the production of the Corbin 35 was halted before any boats could be completed. Customers who had placed orders for the 35 were subsequently offered the Corbin 39 as an alternative. This unfortunate event means that while the specifications detail a thoughtfully designed vessel, no physical Corbin 35 sailboats were ever launched or sailed.

The theoretical design of the Corbin 35 called for a monohull with a length overall (LOA) of 35.25 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 29.16 feet. It featured a beam of 12.08 feet and a maximum draft of 5.0 feet, coupled with a substantial 6,900 lbs of ballast in a fin keel configuration. The hull and deck were specified to be fiberglass with a PVC foam core, aligning with Corbin Les Bateaux's signature robust construction methods. A skeg-hung rudder and a cutter rig were also part of the design, features often chosen for their reliability and ease of handling in offshore conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling (Theoretical)

Given that the Corbin 35 was never built, any discussion of its sailing performance and handling must remain theoretical, based purely on its design specifications. With a reported sail area of 655 square feet and a displacement of 16,000 lbs, the calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio is approximately 16.50. This figure suggests a boat with moderate sail-carrying ability, likely performing adequately in light to medium air but not necessarily a fast racer.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at a healthy 0.43, indicating a significant amount of ballast relative to its overall weight. This high ratio would theoretically contribute to excellent stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong breeze without excessive heeling, a desirable trait for an offshore cruiser.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio for the Corbin 35 is exceptionally high at approximately 646. This indicates a very heavy displacement for its waterline length, even by traditional cruising boat standards. Such a design choice points towards an exceptionally robust and powerful hull, emphasizing seaworthiness and comfortable motion in a seaway over outright speed. While this heavy displacement would likely make the boat feel solid and secure, it would also imply a more deliberate motion through the water, as opposed to a nimble, performance-oriented feel. The hull speed is theoretically calculated at 7.24 knots. However, the actual handling, balance, and behavior in various sea states remain a subject of pure speculation.

Accommodations and Layout (Intended)

As the Corbin 35 was not produced, detailed interior layouts and specific accommodation features are not documented. The provided specifications indicate that the maximum headroom was not determined in the design phase. However, drawing from the builder's reputation and the characteristics of the Corbin 39, it can be inferred that a planned Corbin 35 would likely have prioritized interior comfort and functionality suitable for extended cruising.

Corbin Les Bateaux was known for blending offshore capability with interior comfort. It is probable that the Corbin 35's design would have aimed for a practical arrangement featuring standard cruising amenities, such as a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a navigation station. Given the builder's focus on robust construction, the interior finish might have featured durable materials, potentially with a combination of wood trim and fiberglass elements, designed to withstand the rigors of ocean passages. Storage and ventilation would have likely been important considerations, reflecting the needs of long-distance sailors. Without actual production, however, specific details regarding the general finish quality, material use, or precise layout remain unknown.