Privateer 35 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Privateer 35 emerged during a period of significant expansion and diversification for the Kenner Boat Company. While Kenner initially gained prominence with its "Ski Barge" powerboats, the late 1960s saw the company solidifying its presence in the sailboat market, notably with designs from respected naval architects. Thomas Gillmer, known for his deep appreciation for traditional yacht designs and their inherent seaworthiness, brought his philosophy to the Privateer series, including the Privateer 35. Kenner, under A.J. Industries from 1968, applied its practical expertise in fiberglass technology to translate Gillmer's classic lines into a durable, low-maintenance vessel, reflecting their commitment to robust and user-friendly construction. The Privateer 35 was produced for a relatively short run, from 1968 to 1972, without widespread documented variations in rig or hull configurations beyond its standard ketch setup.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Privateer 35’s design priorities lean heavily towards stability and comfort rather than outright speed. Her sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 15.82, indicates she is a very heavy sailboat and likely to be slightly underpowered, particularly in light air conditions. This characteristic is typical of traditional cruisers of her era, prioritizing a comfortable motion over nimble performance. The ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.39 signifies a good degree of stiffness and an excellent righting capability, ensuring stability even in challenging seas.

Further emphasizing its cruising pedigree, the displacement to length ratio, a high 415.03, confirms the Privateer 35 as a heavy displacement vessel, designed to carry stores and withstand adverse conditions with a steady motion. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Privateer 35 is an easy boat to sail, even capable of being single-handed, which speaks to its balanced nature. The ketch rig configuration, a hallmark of many of Gillmer's designs, enhances comfort and stability when sailing downwind or on a broad reach by allowing for a more balanced sail plan. With a theoretical hull speed of around 6.8 knots, she offers a predictable and reliable pace for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed diagrams of the Privateer 35's interior layout are not widely available, her design as a heavy displacement cruiser from the late 1960s and early 1970s suggests a practical and robust interior intended for extended voyages. The boat offers a generous interior volume, with some owners noting it provides as much living space as many modern 30-foot vessels. She is equipped with a water capacity of 30 US gallons (114 liters), supporting liveaboard or long-cruising aspirations. The emphasis on durability in Kenner's construction ethos suggests the use of solid, functional materials, likely featuring fiberglass moldings complemented by traditional wood trim throughout the cabin. While precise headroom figures vary, such a large cruising vessel would typically offer comfortable standing headroom in the main salon areas. The interior layout would most likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a navigation station, with quarter berths often found aft.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Privateer 35 frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, appreciating the secure feeling it provides in a seaway. The boat's stability and robust build quality are consistent themes, reflecting Thomas Gillmer's design philosophy and Kenner's manufacturing practices. The ketch rig is often highlighted for its versatility, allowing for easier handling and improved comfort, particularly when sailing short-handed. While there are no widely reported systemic design flaws, general maintenance typical of a fiberglass boat of its age, such as potential re-bedding of deck fittings or managing older systems, can be expected by owners.