Tobago 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Fountaine Pajot Tobago 35 was a product of the builder's progressive approach to multihull development in the early 1990s, a period when cruising catamarans were gaining significant traction. Designed by the collaborative talents of Joubert-Nivelt and Olivier Flahault, the Tobago 35 showcases the design philosophy that came to define Fountaine Pajot's successful cruising line. Joubert-Nivelt had been instrumental in the design of Fountaine Pajot's initial production catamarans, leveraging foam-core sandwich construction to achieve robust yet lightweight vessels. Olivier Flahault, who joined the design team in 1990, contributed to the distinctive aesthetic, with the Tobago 35 retaining the familiar Fountaine Pajot styling characterized by "great curves".

During this era, Fountaine Pajot, founded by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, focused on crafting vessels that balanced performance, comfort, and spaciousness, while also maximizing interior volume and natural light. The Tobago 35, constructed with a fiberglass foam core hull and deck, exemplifies this ethos, offering a well-regarded cruising platform built with French craftsmanship [4,. The model was offered in both "Owners" and "Charter" versions, providing flexibility to suit different cruising lifestyles.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 35 feet and a waterline length of 31 feet, the Tobago 35 is designed for efficient passage making. Its lightweight displacement of approximately 8,000 pounds, combined with a reported sail area of 731 square feet, results in a high sail area to displacement ratio (around 29.24). This suggests excellent performance, particularly in lighter air, allowing the Tobago 35 to move efficiently even in marginal conditions. Its low displacement to length ratio (approximately 119.8) further indicates a nimble and performance-oriented design for a cruising catamaran of its size.

Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Tobago 35 as an "efficient bluewater cruiser". It is notably fast for a cruising catamaran, often capable of reaching speeds of 10 knots without significant effort in a decent breeze. The catamaran's impressive 19-foot beam contributes significantly to its inherent stability, reducing heel and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Handling is precise, aided by twin rudders that offer good control, while twin Yanmar 40hp diesel engines provide reliable auxiliary power and maneuverability under power [1,. Anecdotal reports suggest that while the companionway steps might be "a tad steeper than the Lagoon 37," they remain "very workable". The Tobago 35 is considered a "naturally seaworthy" vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Fountaine Pajot Tobago 35 is lauded for its surprisingly "spacious interior for her size". The design successfully maximizes the living volume within its twin hulls and connecting bridgedeck. Typical layouts feature three cabins and a single head, commonly found in both the "Owner's Version" and "Charter" configurations. This arrangement usually includes berths forward in each hull, with a larger, dedicated owner's cabin in one hull (often with more storage or a more expansive layout) and guest cabins in the other.

Headroom throughout the interior is generous for a boat of this size, with reported maximum headroom reaching 6 feet 2 inches. The salon, typically located on the bridgedeck, offers panoramic views and serves as a comfortable living and dining area. The galley, often incorporated into one of the hulls or within the salon, provides functional space for meal preparation. While the interior of older models may show their age and occasionally be "in need of some upgrades," the underlying French craftsmanship ensures a solid foundation for potential refits. The cockpit is also well-regarded, often described as "cozy, ocean-going" with ample space for lounging.