Saga 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Saga 35 commenced production in 2000, five years after Allan Poole established Saga Marine in St. Catharines, Ontario. Poole's ambition for Saga Marine was to deliver yachts distinguished by "superb performance and sturdy offshore credentials," a philosophy deeply ingrained in the Saga 35's design. Robert H. Perry, a designer celebrated for his practical and sea-kindly hull forms, was the principal architect behind the Saga 35, a vessel he reportedly considered one of the few he would personally own. Perry's design brief for the Saga 35 emphasized creating a fast, offshore-capable performance cruiser. The hull form is notably characterized by its relatively light displacement, narrow beam, and a long waterline, contributing to its speed and tracking ability. While most Saga 35s share a consistent design, some variations in interior layout were offered, such as the option for a fully enclosed, private aft stateroom.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Saga 35 is engineered for spirited performance without compromising its cruising comfort. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.9 points to a powerful sail plan, suggesting that the boat is well-powered and performs commendably even in lighter air. Despite its "muscular sail plan," it is known for being manageable, largely due to its efficient design that leads all control lines aft to the cockpit and incorporates a self-tacking jib, simplifying maneuvers for short-handed crews.

With a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 151, the Saga 35 falls into the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category, differentiating it from heavier, more traditional cruisers. This lighter displacement, combined with a bulb keel and spade rudder, contributes to its agility and responsiveness. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Saga 35 as an "extremely well balanced" boat with excellent tracking capabilities, largely attributed to its long, narrow hull. Furthermore, its robust construction and "performance hull and appendage package" ensure safe handling and a dry ride even in challenging offshore conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Saga 35, while perhaps not the most voluminous for a boat of its length, is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality for a cruising couple or small family. Robert Perry's design philosophy placed a strong emphasis on practical living spaces, particularly evident in the "ample galley areas with substantial storage spaces".

Access to the cabin is via a companionway featuring four curved steps, topped with a non-skid surface for safe transition. The saloon is characterized by an "open concept," providing a practical and efficient layout for both offshore passages and dockside entertaining. A generous 6-foot 5-inch headroom enhances the feeling of space below deck. The interior accommodations are well-appointed, noted for their quality construction and hand-finished joinery. While specific details can vary, typical layouts include a V-berth forward, a head, a main salon, and a navigation/chart table, along with an aft cabin, which on some models is fully enclosed and private. Owners generally praise the well-built nature of the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Saga 35 consistently highlight its strengths as a capable and reliable cruising vessel. Many praise its solid construction and robust build quality, giving them confidence for offshore passages. The boat's sailing performance is frequently lauded, with owners often noting its superior speed and handling compared to other boats of similar size, particularly its balance and tracking ability. Its "dry boat" characteristic in a seaway is also a recurring positive comment. The ease of handling, especially with the self-tacking jib and lines led aft, is a significant advantage for short-handed sailing. While some owners have noted that the interior space might be considered modest for a 35-foot boat, this is often viewed as a trade-off for its performance-oriented hull design. The general consensus among owners is that the Saga 35 represents excellent value for money, offering a well-designed and capable cruising platform.