Warrior Iii (Primrose) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Warrior III begins around 1969, a pivotal year that coincided with the cessation of operations for Morgan-Giles Ltd., a venerable British boatbuilder known for its exceptional craftsmanship. While the provided data links the design to Morgan-Giles, it was Trident Marine, established in the early 1970s, that brought the Warrior III and its sister models to widespread production. The hull itself was a creation of Angus Primrose, a designer celebrated for practical and seaworthy yachts. Trident Marine utilized this versatile 35-foot hull to produce three distinct variations: the Warrior, featuring a center cockpit; the Challenger, with an aft cockpit; and the Voyager, distinguished by its pilothouse. The Warrior 35, with its center cockpit configuration, became particularly favored for long-distance sailing. These boats were conceived with a clear philosophy: to offer a combination of robust construction, traditional lines, and reliable sailing performance, making them suitable for safe, long-distance passages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Primrose Warrior III is characterized by its solid, heavy-displacement design, which translates into a comfortable and stable motion even in demanding sea states. With a displacement of 12,350 lbs against a waterline length of 26.05 feet, her Displacement to Length Ratio is approximately 311.8, placing her firmly in the category of heavy-displacement cruisers. This contributes significantly to her ability to carry stores and maintain an easy motion offshore. Her Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of about 13.06 suggests she is not a light-air flyer but rather a boat designed for steady progress, particularly when the wind builds.

Further enhancing her stability is a high Ballast to Displacement Ratio of approximately 0.413. This substantial ballast, encapsulated within a long fin keel, provides impressive stiffness, allowing the Warrior III to stand up to her canvas in stronger winds without excessive heeling. Owners frequently describe her as a "more comfortable boat at sea" compared to lighter, more performance-oriented designs. While generally praised for her tracking and robust feel, some owners note that, like many long-keeled vessels, she can exhibit idiosyncratic behavior when maneuvering astern.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited interior detail in specifications, the Primrose Warrior III is well-regarded for its practical deck layouts and comfortable interiors. The center cockpit design of the Warrior variant allows for a spacious aft cabin, providing private and often generous berths. The main cabin boasts a commendable headroom of approximately 6 feet 4 inches (195 cm), with the forward cabin also offering ample space at around 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).

The typical interior arrangement features a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon is usually situated amidships beneath the center cockpit, offering a comfortable seating area and a galley. The aft cabin, accessible either through the main salon or directly from the cockpit in some layouts, provides additional sleeping quarters. Construction quality is generally considered robust, with solid interior bulkheads and semi-bulkheads around the mast step providing structural integrity. While specific material details vary by individual boat and refit history, the original construction typically emphasized durability over opulence, consistent with her blue-water cruising intent.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Primrose Warrior III, or Trident Warrior 35, consistently express high regard for its capabilities as a blue water cruiser. The boat is "very highly regarded" for its ability to undertake long-distance passages, with many successfully completing extended voyages. Its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently highlighted as major strengths, contributing to a sense of security and ease during offshore sailing.

However, as with any vessel of its age, certain common maintenance points and potential weaknesses have been noted. Some owners have reported issues such as steering box failures and the need for bulkhead replacement, suggesting that these areas may require attention on older models. Additionally, while not a design flaw, the interior of some older Warriors may require significant refitting, which can be a substantial undertaking for new owners. Despite these potential maintenance items, the overall consensus remains that the Warrior 35 is a highly capable and reliable cruising yacht that continues to serve its purpose admirably.