Snowgoose 35 (Prout) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Prout Snowgoose 35 begins in 1970, marking a significant step in Prout & Sons' evolution from small racing catamarans to larger, more capable cruising vessels, 9]. Prout, a firm that started building canoes and folding dinghies in 1935, had already established itself as a leader in multihull innovation, notably introducing the world's first production catamaran, the Shearwater III. The Snowgoose 35 continued this legacy, becoming one of Prout's most successful production catamarans, utilizing the company's pioneering adoption of solid fiberglass construction for both its hull and deck, Builder Article, 9, 15].

Prout's design philosophy for their cruising catamarans, including the Snowgoose 35, centered on balancing comfort and space with ease of sailing, creating vessels capable of long-distance cruising. The Snowgoose 35 was initially conceived as a 34/35-foot model and was later lengthened over time, eventually evolving into the popular Snowgoose 37 and Snowgoose Elite 37 variants, 9, 11, 14, 15]. This initial production Snowgoose featured a cutter rig, a practical choice for offshore sailing, offering flexibility in sail configuration for varying wind conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While the Prout Snowgoose 35's appearance might be considered somewhat "dumpy and dated" by modern catamaran design standards, its sailing characteristics are largely praised for their comfort and capability. With a length overall of just over 35 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, combined with a reported sail area of 578 square feet, the Snowgoose 35 is designed for steady progress rather than outright speed. Owners often highlight its excellent light wind performance, particularly when augmented with a spinnaker, making it a comfortable boat for singlehanded sailing across vast distances, such as an Atlantic crossing.

The Prout Snowgoose 35 is known for its ability to "plod along in really tough conditions," emphasizing its robust and seaworthy nature. Its shallow draft of 2.75 feet allows access to anchorages and marinas that might be inaccessible to deeper keeled vessels [1,. However, like many catamarans of its era, the bridgedeck clearance is not as high as more modern designs, and this can lead to bridge deck slamming in certain sea states, which some owners note can induce seasickness. Under power, a Snowgoose 35 with a 25HP petrol Honda engine was reported to easily cruise at 5-6 knots. The boat's hull speed is calculated at approximately 7.34 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The Prout Snowgoose 35 is typically designed as a three-cabin catamaran, offering considerable living space for its size. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, owners have indicated that the interior layout provides ample accommodation for liveaboard cruising. The general arrangement typically includes multiple sleeping berths, a functional galley, and a head compartment. One owner mentioned a desire for a head in the aft cabins during the design stage, suggesting that the primary head is usually positioned forward.

Prout catamarans of this era were known for practical layouts, maximizing internal volume to enhance liveability for long-distance voyaging. Descriptions and images from owner reviews and sales listings often reveal a straightforward, functional interior, likely featuring a combination of wood trim and fiberglass surfaces, in line with the construction methods of the time. Storage is generally considered adequate for a cruising couple or small family, though ventilation would likely depend on the number and placement of hatches and ports.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Prout Snowgoose 35 for its core strengths: safety, solidity, and its suitability as a liveaboard and offshore cruising vessel. Many view it as a proven, bluewater-capable multihull that delivers significant comfort and space, making it a highly sought-after boat in the used market despite its age, 14]. The ease of singlehanded sailing, even with a spinnaker, is a frequently mentioned advantage.

However, common weaknesses or areas for consideration include the aforementioned bridge deck slamming in specific sea conditions, a characteristic shared with some catamarans of that design era due to lower bridgedeck clearance. Some owners also express minor design wishes, such as altering rudder stocks to allow for an internal mechanical tie bar. The Prout Owners Association, an active online community, serves as a valuable resource for owners to share tips, discuss maintenance, and celebrate the enduring legacy of these robust cruising catamarans.