Cherokee 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Cherokee 35 commenced in 1973 under the aegis of Sailcraft Ltd., a British boatbuilder founded in 1967 by Reg White MBE and Rodney March. While Sailcraft was initially renowned for high-performance racing catamarans like the Olympic-class Tornado, their collaboration with the self-taught multihull design luminary Rod Macalpine-Downie marked a pivotal expansion into cruising multihulls. Macalpine-Downie's designs, including the Iroquois and Comanche, were instrumental in making cruising catamarans more accessible and popular.

The Cherokee 35 was a product of this fruitful partnership, showcasing Sailcraft's commitment to adopting modern materials and manufacturing techniques. The company's embrace of fiberglass construction for its cruising lines allowed for vessels that were lighter, stronger, and more consistently built than previous plywood iterations. A notable design feature of many Cherokee 35s was their twin, shallow-draft keels, setting them apart from other Sailcraft cruising catamarans that typically featured centerboards. This design choice aimed to offer good directional stability and shallow water access.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran, the Cherokee 35 inherently benefits from characteristics distinct from monohulls, such as greater initial stability, reduced heel, and typically higher speeds downwind. With a length overall of 35 feet and a waterline length of 31 feet, combined with a generous beam of 16.5 feet, she is noted as a light sailboat and a good performer. Owners and reviews describe the Cherokee 35 as a proven offshore performer, capable of handling various conditions.

The twin, shallow-draft keels contribute to the boat's stability and allow for access to shallower anchorages compared to deeper-draft vessels. For auxiliary power, the Cherokee 35 featured a single diesel engine connected to twin independently controlled hydraulic propeller units. This innovative propulsion system provides excellent maneuverability, allowing for precise control when docking or navigating confined spaces, a significant advantage for a catamaran of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed interior layouts for the Sailcraft Cherokee 35 are not widely documented in general reviews. However, like most cruising catamarans of its era, the Cherokee 35 would have been designed to maximize the expansive living space offered by its broad beam. Typically, such a layout would include separate sleeping cabins within each hull, often with a V-berth forward and potentially quarter berths aft, providing privacy and good separation for crew or family.

The main saloon area, situated on the bridging deck between the two hulls, would likely feature a dinette and a galley, benefiting from panoramic views and ample natural light. Headroom, while not explicitly detailed in all specifications, would generally be generous in the saloon area, a common advantage of catamaran design. Storage would be distributed throughout the hulls and under seating, designed to accommodate provisions and gear for extended cruising. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck suggests an interior finish typical of the period, likely featuring a combination of molded fiberglass liners and wood trim to create a functional and comfortable living environment.