Coronado 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Coronado 35 in 1971 marked a significant point in Coronado Yachts' history, as it was the final model introduced and built under the brand before its discontinuation in 1976,. Its design by William H. Tripp Jr. placed it within a lineage of well-regarded cruising yachts; indeed, the hull of the Coronado 35 is believed to have originated from the mold of Tripp's earlier Columbia 34 MkII, first built in 1970, 3, 29]. Tripp's design philosophy for such vessels centered on creating capable coastal cruisers, prioritizing comfort and a balance of performance.

During the period of the Coronado 35's production, Coronado Yachts, under the umbrella of Whittaker Corporation, aimed to provide practical and accessible sailboats. The company was known for producing boats with features that appealed to a wide segment of the sailing public, consistently emphasizing stability and a comfortable motion. The Coronado 35 was offered with both a ketch rig and a masthead sloop rig, providing options for sailors based on their preferred handling characteristics. The ketch rig, in particular, was often favored for its ease of handling due to smaller individual sails.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 13,000 lbs and a waterline length of 27.5 feet, the Coronado 35 falls into the medium-heavy displacement category, reflected by its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 279.05. This substantial displacement, combined with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.36, suggests a stable and seaworthy vessel, capable of standing up to a reasonable amount of wind, though not necessarily an exceptionally stiff one. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 13.09 indicates that the Coronado 35 is not a light-air speedster but rather a comfortable cruising boat designed for steady progress rather than outright performance. Owners generally describe the Coronado 35 as offering decent and smooth performance with easy handling. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to predictable tracking and maneuverability, characteristics often appreciated in a cruising platform.

Accommodations and Layout

The Coronado 35 is well-regarded for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it a viable option for extended cruising or even liveaboard situations. The layout typically includes six berths across three cabins. Forward, there is a double V-berth, often with an infill to create a larger sleeping area. The main saloon is a cozy space, usually featuring a dinette to starboard and a chart table to port, which sometimes incorporates a pilot berth. The boat often includes a practical wet cell (head) and offers ample standing height throughout much of the cabin, contributing to the feeling of generous volume. While specific details on finish quality vary by individual vessel and maintenance, boats from this era often featured a blend of fiberglass and wood trim, providing a classic nautical ambiance. Storage is generally abundant, a key consideration for cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Coronado 35 for its solid construction and the overall soundness of its hull. Its roomy interior and comfortable motion in a seaway are consistently highlighted as significant strengths, making it a good choice for those seeking a liveable and stable platform. The ketch rig, when present, is often appreciated for its manageable sail plan and ease of handling. Furthermore, many consider the Coronado 35 to represent good value as a classic fiberglass cruiser on the used boat market.

However, some common points of concern or areas for improvement have been noted by owners. The Coronado 35 is generally not considered a blue-water cruiser, with some suggesting it is best suited for coastal and near-shore voyaging. Recurring maintenance issues often include original deck fittings developing leaks and the potential for deck delamination, as well as the need to address the keel-to-hull attachment point. Some owners also suggest that the original rigging may require upgrades to optimize sailing performance. The construction approach, characterized by a lack of internal framing in some areas and external flange hull-to-deck joints, is another aspect that prospective owners often consider.