Puma 435 Information, Review, Specs

The Puma 435 began production in 1991, conceived by designer Xavier Solé. This marked a new chapter for the "Puma" brand, as the original Nao-Glass division, known for models like the Puma 26 and 34, had ceased production under its initial structure in 1978 following an acquisition. However, the Astilleros Puma/Naoglass, S.A. entity carried forward the name and reputation for fiberglass construction into the 1990s with the 435. The builder, with its roots in plastic manufacturing, maintained a focus on durable fiberglass hulls, providing a sturdy foundation for cruising. The Puma 435 was offered with distinct deck configurations: a center cockpit version, often preferred for enhanced aft cabin space and a drier helm, and a more traditional aft cockpit layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Puma 435 features a fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration generally indicative of good maneuverability and performance. With a reported sail area of 1248 square feet and a displacement of 18,871 pounds, the Puma 435 boasts a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 28.35. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Puma 435 is a powerful sailboat, likely performing well in lighter winds and offering a responsive sailing experience. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at around 0.40 (39.7%), indicating a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind and maintain an upright position. Due to the unavailability of a definitive Length Waterline (LWL) measurement, a precise Displacement to Length ratio cannot be calculated to fully categorize its weight class.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Puma 435 was designed to maximize cruising comfort, reflecting its role as a capable offshore vessel. The layout typically features three cabins and two bathrooms, with the master cabin often benefiting from an en-suite facility. The availability of both center cockpit and aft cockpit versions would have significantly influenced the interior volume and arrangement, particularly for the aft cabin, with the center cockpit design generally allowing for a larger, more private aft owner's suite. Specific details regarding interior finish quality, material choices (such as wood trim versus fiberglass liners), storage solutions, or ventilation systems are not extensively documented in publicly available information.