Bonito 35 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Bonito 35 spanned a brief period from 1961 to 1963. During this era, Seamaster Ltd., established by Dick Sparrow in 1955, was at the forefront of adopting fiberglass construction in British boatbuilding. The company quickly became synonymous with the burgeoning use of this modern material, allowing for the mass production of durable and accessible vessels. The Bonito 35 represents this pivotal transition, combining the revolutionary fiberglass hull construction with a more traditional wood deck and interior finish, reflecting the craftsmanship for which Stebbings & Sons was known.

Alan Buchanan, the designer of the Bonito 35, was a highly regarded naval architect, celebrated for his elegant and seaworthy designs. While specific design philosophies for the Bonito 35 are not widely documented, Buchanan's work generally emphasized well-balanced and capable cruising yachts. The collaboration between Seamaster's fiberglass molding expertise and Stebbings' finishing prowess aimed to deliver a substantial cruising yacht that could appeal to a growing market of recreational boaters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bonito 35, with a displacement of 16,500 lbs and a waterline length of 25 feet, falls into the category of a 'heavy cruiser', indicated by its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 374. This high ratio suggests a boat designed for comfortable offshore passage-making rather than outright speed. Vessels in this weight class are typically characterized by a more stable and forgiving motion in a seaway, making them well-suited for extended cruising.

Equipped with a fin keel and a masthead sloop rig, the Bonito 35 would be expected to exhibit predictable handling characteristics. While specific performance anecdotes are not readily available, its heavy displacement implies good momentum and a steady course, particularly in choppy conditions. As a masthead sloop, it would benefit from a larger headsail, providing reliable drive. The fin keel, a more modern design element for its time compared to full keels, would offer decent upwind performance and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The Bonito 35 was noted for its traditional wood interior, a hallmark of craftsmanship from its finisher, Stebbings & Sons. While specific detailed layouts are not widely documented, boats of this size and vintage, designed as cruisers, typically featured a practical interior arrangement to maximize living space and comfort.

Common configurations for a sailboat of approximately 35 feet from this era would likely include a V-berth forward, providing the primary sleeping cabin. A main salon would typically follow, featuring settees on either side, often convertible to berths, and a central drop-leaf table for dining. The galley, positioned along one side, would offer basic cooking facilities, while the head compartment would be located opposite or adjacent to the galley. Aft, quarter berths or a small navigation station might be found. The emphasis would have been on robust, functional joinery, often in hardwoods, providing ample storage throughout for provisions and gear. While precise headroom figures are not available, early fiberglass cruisers often aimed for comfortable standing room in the main salon, though forward cabins might have less. Ventilation would typically rely on deck hatches and opening ports, contributing to a comfortable living environment at anchor.