Yamaha 35 CS Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Yamaha 35 CS in 1980 reflects a significant era for Yamaha's marine division, which had already established a reputation for pioneering Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) technology in boat construction. The company's manufacturing ethos, driven by founder Genichi Kawakami's "enjoy life" philosophy, emphasized precision and quality, achieving remarkable tolerances in its FRP hulls. The Yamaha 35 CS emerged from this environment, designed by the Yamaha team itself. While specific design philosophies for this model are not extensively detailed, Yamaha's broader design principles, often encapsulated by "Jin-Ki Kanno" (sensual-intellectual experience) and integrity, aimed to create objects optimally designed for human interaction with a strong aesthetic sense. This commitment likely translated into a sailboat intended to offer both a reliable sailing experience and comfortable living spaces. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or different marks during the production run of the Yamaha 35 CS.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Yamaha 35 CS presents as a stable and capable cruiser, well-suited for a variety of conditions, rather than a light-air speed demon. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 13.4, she is not intended for blistering performance in light breezes, suggesting that she will perform best when there is a moderate to strong wind. Her substantial ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.426 indicates excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good amount of canvas even as the wind picks up, providing a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 332 places the 35 CS firmly in the heavy cruiser category. This high ratio points to a robustly built vessel with a full hull form, which contributes to a comfortable ride offshore, though it suggests she will not be the fastest boat on the racecourse. Some sources indicate that Yamaha sailboats of this era were designed with IOR racer/cruiser characteristics, suggesting a balanced approach to performance and comfort, making her a "nice coastal cruiser".

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Yamaha 35 CS is notable for its unique layout, designed to maximize both deck space and privacy. She features a distinctive split, "huge cockpit" and an aft cabin, which is a significant amenity for a boat of her size. This configuration often allows for a more private owner's stateroom separate from the main salon. While specific details on the general finish quality and materials are not extensively documented, Yamaha's reputation for precision in manufacturing suggests a well-built interior, likely utilizing fiberglass complemented by traditional marine wood finishes common to boats of her era. The layout is generally described as providing "adequate space for a couple and guests to day sail," and if cruising is the intent, it should also be comfortable for longer stays. The emphasis on an aft cabin and a generous cockpit hints at a design that prioritized both living comfort below and functional space for sailing and lounging on deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Information regarding specific owner experiences, common problems, or unique strengths of the Yamaha 35 CS is not widely available in public forums or reviews. While general discussions about Yamaha sailboats praise their build quality and reliability, detailed anecdotal accounts for this particular model are scarce. Forum discussions often show individuals seeking information about the 35 CS rather than providing comprehensive owner reviews. Therefore, a synthesized perspective on common strengths or weaknesses from owners is not feasible based on the available grounded information.