SJ-35 (Oyster) Information, Review, Specs

The journey of the SJ-35 began in 1982, with production continuing until 1985, resulting in 27 hulls built. [3, While the Oyster Marine shipyard, famous for its luxurious bluewater cruising yachts, oversaw the finishing and sale, the hulls were sometimes completed by yards like Landamores. The SJ-35 emerged from a lineage of Stephen Jones's designs, celebrated for their "cruiser/racer" philosophy and consistent "winning ways" on the racecourse, without resorting to extreme design features. This aligned well with Oyster's burgeoning reputation for combining performance with practical, durable construction. Early models of the SJ-35 featured a fin keel and spade rudder, with later boats benefiting from an updated elliptical keel. Some owners further modified their vessels, with at least one documented instance of a Stephen Jones-designed keel bulb being retrofitted in 1988.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Oyster SJ-35's design ratios underscore its identity as a performance-oriented cruiser-racer. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 23.04, she is indicative of a boat designed for strong light-air performance. A Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.43 suggests a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the vessel to stand up to considerable wind pressures. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length ratio, at approximately 189.58, positions her as a lighter, more agile boat for her length. These figures collectively point to a lively and capable sailing experience. Anecdotal accounts from owners highlight the SJ-35's responsiveness and overall good handling characteristics. She is often praised as a "good club racer and a fast cruiser," offering a comfortable motion even in choppy seas, affirming her general reputation as a sound sea boat.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details of the Oyster SJ-35's original interior layout are not extensively documented, typical arrangements for a 35-foot cruiser-racer of its era generally included a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and an enclosed head. Oyster Marine, even in the SJ-35's production era, was establishing its reputation for robust construction and meticulous craftsmanship, suggesting a well-finished interior. Vessels from this period often featured classic wood trim married with fiberglass liners, prioritizing durability and functionality. Owners who have undertaken refits have transformed the interiors to a "clean, modern and luxury" standard, demonstrating the inherent quality of the hull as a foundation for extensive customization.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Oyster SJ-35 frequently praise its successful dual nature as both a capable club racer and a comfortable family cruiser. Its responsiveness and pleasant motion in a seaway are consistently highlighted, making it a generally well-regarded boat for varied sailing conditions. While specific recurring issues are not broadly documented, the enduring appeal and continued use of these vessels, sometimes after significant refits, speak to their fundamental build quality and timeless design.