Yorktown 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Yorktown 35 lies within a fascinating period of yachting history, marked by the rapid adoption of fiberglass as a primary construction material. Henry "Hank" McCune, a figure who transitioned from the entertainment industry to become a visionary in marine manufacturing, established Henry R. McCune, Shipbuilders around 1960. While his company's primary operational period is often cited as concluding around 1970, the Yorktown series, designed by McCune himself, represented a "revamped lineup" in his shipbuilding career, with the Yorktown 35 specifically beginning production in 1974. McCune's ethos was defined by his forward-thinking embrace of fiberglass, a material he championed for its durability and ease of maintenance.

True to McCune's adaptable approach, the Yorktown 35 was offered in several configurations, including flush deck and center cockpit models, providing options for different sailing preferences and allowing for a "significantly more spacy hull design" according to some reviews. The practice of selling these boats for owner completion or as finished sailaways also meant that many vessels developed a unique history through their owners' personal involvement in the build process.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Yorktown 35, with its fin keel and masthead sloop rig, presents a sailing profile indicative of a comfortable and stable cruiser. With a Length Overall (LOA) of 35 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 30 feet, she boasts a substantial platform for her size.

Analysis of her key performance ratios reveals much about her characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 12.6, this ratio suggests the Yorktown 35 is a heavier displacement vessel that performs best in moderate to stronger breezes. While not designed for light-air racing, she is built to handle more challenging conditions with poise.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: A robust ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.4375 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heel. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for cruising.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: With a D/L ratio of approximately 264.55, the Yorktown 35 falls into the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. This further reinforces her identity as a solid, capable cruiser rather than a light, nimble performer.

The fin keel, while providing "splendid manoeuvrability," may offer "less directional stability than a long keel," a common trade-off in design. Overall, the Yorktown 35 is generally considered a comfortable vessel, though some analyses place its comfort value slightly below average when compared to similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with a focus on maximizing interior volume, the Yorktown 35 offers generous living spaces below deck, evidenced by a maximum headroom of 6.25 feet. While specific details of a "typical" interior layout are not extensively documented, the design allows for comfortable cruising. Owners have configured various layouts, particularly for the center cockpit models, which can feature distinct fore and aft cabins. The vessel also carries a respectable 40 gallons of water and 27 gallons of diesel fuel, supporting extended time aboard. The emphasis on a "spacy hull design" suggests a focus on livability, storage, and comfort for its crew.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Yorktown 35s frequently express satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting their solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. The opportunity for owner completion meant that many individuals developed a deep personal connection to their boats, fostering a dedicated community. While specific, recurring problems unique to the Yorktown 35 are not widely detailed, like many fiberglass boats of its era, potential owners should be aware that issues such as wet core in decks can be common in vessels from that period. Nevertheless, the enduring presence of many Yorktowns on the water today is a testament to their fundamental design and robust build quality.