GT35 Information, Review, Specs

The GT35 entered production in 2015, a testament to Windboats Marine's continued commitment to quality yacht building following its extensive history, including three decades as a primary builder for Oyster Marine. After diversifying its GRP expertise, Windboats began building for GT Yachts, focusing on brands that emphasize superb sailing qualities. The design ethos behind the GT35, conceived by Stephen Jones, was to create a modern, fully featured, and well-equipped yacht capable of satisfying the demands of serious cruising sailors. Core to its design are principles of quality, seaworthiness, and strength, evident in its modern hull shape and rig, which also boast very high stability ratings. Notably, Trevor James, the owner of Windboats, also owns the first GT35, underscoring the builder's confidence in the model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The GT35's design incorporates a contemporary hull and rig that translates into capable sailing characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.56, the GT35 offers a balanced performance profile, suggesting good responsiveness in a variety of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in lighter airs or excessively overpowered in strong breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Ballast/Disp) of around 37.46% contributes to a moderate level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its canvas effectively. The Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/L) of approximately 208.84 places the GT35 in the moderately heavy cruiser category, indicating a comfortable motion at sea rather than an ultralight, race-oriented design.

Anecdotal reports confirm its robust performance, with the yacht demonstrating good handling in gusty conditions, even beating upwind in true winds ranging from 20 to 30 knots. Reviewers have consistently described the GT35 as an "outstanding" production cruiser that offers "seaworthy performance" and "superb sailing qualities." Despite its modern exterior styling, it is noted to possess a "traditional heavy displacement heart and values," which points to solid construction and a comfortable, secure feel at sea.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the GT35 reflects a bright and modern finish, designed to appeal to contemporary tastes while incorporating features valued by offshore cruisers. The layout generally adheres to a "tried-and-tested modern norm with a few twists," creating a functional and comfortable living space below decks. A notable feature is the aft heads configuration, allowing for a particularly spacious main owner's cabin located forward in the bow. This cabin is often highlighted as being "unusually spacious for a vessel of this size" and benefits from a rectangular berth, maximizing comfort and utility. The boat also features a Mediterranean cockpit, enhancing its usability and comfort in warmer climates or for relaxed cruising. While specific details on storage and ventilation require direct inspection or further inquiry, the overall impression is one of a well-engineered and well-thought-out interior suitable for extended voyaging.