Express 35 (Killing) Information, Review, Specs

The Express 35 began production in 1984, emerging from the brief but impactful tenure of Goman Boat Ltd.. The company was founded in 1981 in Midland, Ontario, by Bill Goman and Steve Killing, both bringing a wealth of experience from their prior roles at C&C Yachts. Killing, an America's Cup designer, established his own design firm, and his early commissions directly benefited Express Yachts after Goman Boat Ltd. merged with Express Yachts soon after its founding. The core philosophy behind the Goman and Express lines, including the Express 35, emphasized creating high-performance racer/cruiser sailboats that integrated speed with practical cruising features.

The Express 35 was primarily constructed as a fiberglass solid monohull, a standard and reliable choice for production boats of its era, offering a balance of strength and cost-effectiveness. While the standard model featured a maximum draft of 6.5 feet, variations were available to suit different sailing needs. A shoal draft version offered a reduced draft of 5.40 feet, though with a slightly increased displacement of 13,000 lbs compared to the standard 11,500 lbs. Additionally, a Tall Rig configuration was offered, featuring a taller mast (I: 51.00', P: 45.30', E: 14.90') to optimize performance in certain conditions. The keel shape itself was meticulously optimized through computer analysis, resulting in a thin, moderate aspect ratio foil.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Express 35 exhibits an impressive blend of sailing performance and comfortable handling, reflecting Steve Killing's design prowess. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.61, the Express 35 suggests good performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, allowing it to move efficiently even when winds are modest. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of roughly 0.46 indicates a relatively stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a fair amount of wind and providing a secure motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length ratio of around 210.58 places it in the category of moderately light, performance-oriented cruisers, suggesting a hull designed for efficient speed rather than heavy displacement comfort.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Express 35's performance capabilities, with some asserting its ability to outperform similarly sized boats like the J/35. The hull's efficient design contributes to a theoretical hull speed of 7.22 knots. Owners generally find the Express 35 to be well-balanced and responsive, benefiting from the optimized fin keel and spade rudder, which enhance maneuverability and control.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Express 35 are less extensively documented in public domain reviews, its design ethos as a racer/cruiser suggests a thoughtful balance between sailing functionality and liveaboard comfort. As with many boats of its era, the interior likely features a traditional layout, typically including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley area for meal preparation, and a dedicated head compartment. Given its overall length, it would offer sufficient space for coastal cruising and weekend trips, accommodating a small family or a few friends comfortably. The general finish quality would have aligned with the builder's commitment to quality fiberglass construction, likely incorporating wood trim to provide a warm and inviting interior ambiance.

Owner's Perspectives

The Express 35 has cultivated a loyal following, and there remains an active community of owners who appreciate these classic Canadian-built sailboats. Owners frequently praise the boat's solid construction and its robust sailing performance, often highlighting its ability to perform well in various conditions and against other popular models of its time. The enduring presence of the Express 35 on the used boat market is a strong indicator of its lasting appeal and the quality of its original design and construction. Owners value these yachts for their balanced characteristics, offering both respectable speed for competitive sailing and comfortable accommodations for leisurely cruising.