Clearwater 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Clearwater 35 began its production run in 1988, marking an early and significant model for Holby Marine. Founded in 1984 by W. Barrett Holby, Jr., Holby Marine established a reputation for building yachts that prioritized performance while maintaining cruising comfort, often utilizing advanced materials and construction techniques for lighter, stronger vessels. Designer Craig V. Walters' vision for the Clearwater 35 perfectly aligned with this ethos, creating a boat that offered a unique solution for shallow-water access without compromising sailing dynamics.

The most distinctive feature of the Clearwater 35 is its innovative retractable centerboard and rudder. This system dramatically reduces the boat's draft from a maximum of 5.92 feet to a mere 1.79 feet when fully retracted, allowing it to explore areas inaccessible to many other keelboats. The design incorporated a masthead sloop rig and was available with a "tall rig" option, indicating Holby Marine's flexibility in offering performance-enhancing variations to suit owner preferences. The success of the Clearwater 35, including its Boat of the Year award, underscored Holby Marine's capability in delivering innovative and well-executed designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Clearwater 35 is characterized by a design that balances cruising comfort with respectable sailing performance. With a total calculated sail area of 524.34 square feet and a displacement of 10,000 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.9 suggests good light-air performance, making it capable of moving well even in lighter breezes. The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.45 is notably high, indicating a stiff and stable hull that can stand up to more wind and maintain its canvas, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length ratio of around 235 positions it as a moderate displacement cruiser, offering a good compromise between speed and load-carrying capacity.

Sailors have noted the Clearwater 35 as being "pretty fast for an older 35 footer." With a calculated hull speed of 6.92 knots, it offers competitive performance for its size and era. The masthead rig further enhances its sail-carrying ability. The designer's choice of a "slightly more spacy hull design" hints at not only interior volume but also potentially favorable characteristics for a comfortable ride. The retractable rudder, a key part of its shoal-draft capability, is described as a "cassette style," which contributes to its overall handling and adaptability.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications for the Clearwater 35's interior layout are not extensively documented in available data, its overall dimensions—a length overall of just over 35 feet and a beam of 11.33 feet—suggest a comfortable living space for a vessel of its size. The "spacy hull design" referenced in a review implies that the interior volume was a deliberate consideration during its design, likely offering more usable space than some contemporary models.

Typically, a sailboat of this size and vintage would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Given Holby Marine's reputation for quality, semi-custom builds, it is reasonable to expect a well-finished interior with durable materials, though specific details on wood trim, fiberglass finishes, or innovative storage solutions would vary by individual vessel and owner customization. Ventilation would likely be provided through opening hatches and ports, contributing to comfort at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Holby-built boats, including the Clearwater 35, frequently commend the enduring quality and performance of their vessels. The Clearwater 35 has been described by owners as "pretty fast" for a boat of its age and size, indicating satisfaction with its sailing characteristics. The innovative retractable keel and rudder system is a significant draw, offering unparalleled access to shallow cruising grounds, a feature consistently valued by those who appreciate its versatility. While specific common issues are not widely reported, the overall sentiment points to a well-regarded vessel that provides a solid and enjoyable sailing experience.