Scorpio 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Scorpio 35 marked the official commencement of Scorpio Yachts' journey, with its first appearance in 1980. Founded by Haydn Gozzard in Exeter, Ontario, the company carried forward his deep boat-building heritage and a clear vision for creating robust and comfortable cruising vessels. Gozzard's design philosophy, honed during his prior tenure at Bayfield Boat Yard, emphasized optimizing interior space and comfort, notably moving away from traditional V-berth layouts as early as 1973.

For the Scorpio 35, this ethos translated into a design focused on practical liveaboard cruising and safety. Built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the vessel utilized the advantages of this durable material from its inception, aligning with the prevalent use of fiberglass in production sailboats of that era. While no significant variations such as MkI/MkII designations or distinct tall rig options were widely documented for the Scorpio 35 during its production run, its design as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder remained consistent throughout its limited build numbers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Scorpio 35 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat with a design geared towards capable performance. With a length overall of 35 feet and a waterline length of 26 feet, she boasts a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 19.24. This ratio suggests good performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, indicating the boat should respond well to subtle wind shifts and maintain momentum.

Her Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at around 254, places her firmly in the category of a moderate-to-heavy cruiser. This indicates a solid, well-built vessel with a comfortable motion in a seaway, rather than a lightweight racer. While specific ballast figures are not widely available in common databases, the Scorpio 35 is generally considered to be reasonably stable and stiff under sail. Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the boat offers good maneuverability and responsiveness for a cruising design of its era. The theoretical hull speed for the Scorpio 35 is estimated at 6.83 knots, a standard figure for a vessel of her waterline length.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior diagrams and specific headroom measurements for the Scorpio 35 are not extensively documented in public records, its design was shaped by Haydn Gozzard's emphasis on maximizing interior comfort and space for extended periods aboard. As a coastal cruiser, the Scorpio 35 was likely configured to offer comfortable living accommodations, moving away from more conventional layouts to provide a more open or functional interior.

The boat is equipped with a 30-gallon water tank capacity, indicating provision for reasonable freshwater supply during cruises. Owners performing refits have noted the presence of an interior structure, suggesting a traditional layout that typically includes a salon, galley, and sleeping berths, designed to be practical for cruising couples or small families. Based on Scorpio Yachts' reputation, the interior likely featured a solid finish and durable materials consistent with the robust construction ethos of the builder.