Coronado 35 MS Information, Review, Specs

The Coronado 35 MS emerged during a significant period for Coronado Yachts, which operated under the Whittaker Corporation as an "alternative brand" to Columbia Yachts. The brand's ethos during this era centered on making yachting accessible by producing popular cruising sailboats with practical designs. William H. Tripp Jr., a respected designer who began his career in the office of Phillip Rhodes, was responsible for the Coronado 35 design. The Coronado 35 was introduced in 1971, marking it as one of the final designs before the Coronado nameplate was retired in 1976., 1] While the Coronado 35 was also offered in a ketch-rigged variant, the "MS" designation denotes the masthead sloop version, featuring a single mast with a total calculated sail area of approximately 500 square feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Coronado 35 MS is characterized by a moderate-displacement hull, a fin keel, and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its stable and comfortable cruising profile. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 279, she falls into the category of a moderate-displacement cruiser, suggesting a balance between light-air performance and heavy-weather capability. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of about 14.4 indicates that she is a moderately powered vessel, designed more for comfortable passage-making than for high-performance racing, and is described by some as "slightly under powered." A ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 36% suggests a reasonable degree of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a moderate breeze. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Coronado 35 MS is "no speedster, but a comfortable cruising boat", with a comfort value above average when compared to similar designs, making it appealing for those prioritizing a smooth motion in a seaway. The hull is capable of a theoretical hull speed of 7.03 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its relatively modest length overall of just over 35 feet, the Coronado 35 MS is frequently praised for its remarkably roomy and spacious interior, a significant selling point for many owners. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in all data, the general consensus points to "plenty of standing height" within the main cabin. The typical layout of a Coronado 35 MS often includes two spacious cabins, a practical wet cell (head), and a cozy saloon area. The interior usually features classic cruising boat elements, often with wood trim, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic. Storage is generally ample, a key consideration for cruisers and those who consider the boat suitable for liveaboard purposes. The boat carries a water capacity of 29 gallons and a fuel capacity of 29 gallons.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Coronado 35 MS frequently commend its solid, sturdy construction and its comfortable motion underway, making it a reliable platform for cruising. The exceptionally spacious interior is a consistent highlight, often cited as a primary reason for purchase and appreciation. However, some owners have noted potential issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Recurring concerns mentioned include deck delamination and the development of a "smile" or separation at the keel-to-hull joint, particularly on older models. While some opinions reflect a general perception of Coronado boats being built to an inexpensive price point, implying some "questionable engineering decisions", others attest to their enduring appeal as solid, stable, and relatively simple cruising boats. These vessels continue to maintain a community of dedicated owners who value their classic fiberglass cruiser attributes.