Dickerson 35 (Whittholz) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Dickerson 35 (Whittholz) is rooted in the early vision of Bill Dickerson, who founded Dickerson Boatbuilders in 1946 with a focus on traditional Chesapeake Bay maritime craftsmanship. The company quickly established a reputation for building "rugged" boats of "real value," initially with its "Simplissima" line of strip-planked ketches. The Dickerson 35 (Whittholz), entering production in 1958, exemplifies this foundational design philosophy. It features a hard-chine hull, a design choice common in Dickerson's early wooden vessels, intended for straightforward construction and sturdy performance. Notably, sets of plans for this Charles Wittholz design were also sold to other builders, indicating its popularity and sound engineering. This original hard-chine iteration of the Dickerson 35 laid the groundwork before later design evolutions, such as the re-engineering to a round-bilge hull by naval architect Ernie Tucker under subsequent ownership.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dickerson 35 (Whittholz) is characterized by a design geared towards comfortable cruising and inherent stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.14, she is indicative of a vessel capable of performing adequately in light winds while also possessing sufficient sail-carrying ability in stronger breezes. Her displacement to length ratio of around 317.0 places her in the heavier, more traditional cruiser category, suggesting a comfortable motion through the water, particularly in a seaway, at the expense of outright speed.

A key feature of the Dickerson 35 (Whittholz) is its centerboard keel, which allows for a minimum draft of 4.25 feet and a maximum draft of 5.0 feet when fully extended. This design choice enhances the boat's versatility, enabling access to shallow coastal waters and inland waterways that might be inaccessible to fixed-keel vessels. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the Wittholz hard-chine model are less documented, the builder's general reputation for solid construction suggests a predictable and stable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications for the interior layout of the Dickerson 35 (Whittholz) are limited in general data, boats of this era and type typically offered a functional layout designed for extended cruising comfort. Given its length overall of 35 feet and a beam of 10.42 feet, the interior would likely feature a traditional arrangement. This would commonly include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley area for meal preparation, and a dedicated head compartment. The use of wood for the hull and deck suggests a warm, classic interior finish, consistent with Dickerson's reputation for traditional craftsmanship. While maximum headroom is not specified, boats of this size from the era generally aimed for standing headroom in key areas.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Dickerson sailboats, including the Dickerson 35 (Whittholz), often praise their vessels for their robust construction and "real value". The enduring legacy of Dickerson Boatbuilders is further cemented by a dedicated and active community, primarily through the Dickerson Owners Association (DOA). This strong owner base frequently shares experiences and provides support, highlighting the camaraderie among those who appreciate these classic wooden cruisers. While specific recurring issues for the Whittholz 35 are not broadly detailed, general maintenance for wooden boats of this vintage often involves vigilance regarding leaks in original deck fittings, which may require re-bedding, and attention to the condition of the wooden hull and deck over time. Owners consistently value the traditional lines and sturdy build quality that define the Dickerson brand.