Young Sun 35 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the esteemed American maritime architect Robert H. Perry, the Young Sun 35 embodies a philosophy of seaworthiness and enduring quality. While some models with a similar canoe stern have been mistakenly attributed to Perry, his design is distinctly recognized for its practical and robust characteristics. The builder, Young Sun, emerged from Taiwan's flourishing yacht-building industry in the early 1980s, quickly establishing a reputation for durable, heavy-displacement vessels.

History and Design

Production of the Young Sun 35 began around 1980. The builder, Young Sun, was formally established in Taiwan in 1984, but the design and development of models like the Young Sun 35 predate this, suggesting a period of design conception prior to the company's official founding or that existing designs were brought to the yard for construction. Young Sun's manufacturing ethos centered on quality over mass production, utilizing a solid Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) layup for their hulls, contributing significantly to their reputation for sturdiness and capability in offshore cruising.

Robert Perry's design philosophy for the Young Sun 35 emphasized blue-water capability, characterized by a full keel and a double-ended canoe stern. This combination is crucial for directional stability, comfort, and safety in open ocean conditions. While there isn't extensive documentation on specific variations like MkI/MkII, the Young Sun 35 was primarily offered as a cutter, a rig known for its flexibility and ease of handling in varying winds. The design is often likened to other renowned Perry designs of similar vintage, such as the Baba 35.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Young Sun 35's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.73, the Young Sun 35 suggests a moderate performer, capable of decent speeds but not optimized for light-air racing. Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of about 0.349 indicates reasonable stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 261.5 categorizes her as a moderate to heavy cruiser. This heavier displacement contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability and seaworthiness over outright speed.

Anecdotal reports from owners generally affirm these characteristics, describing the Young Sun 35 as a robust and comfortable cruiser. She is known for her excellent directional stability, thanks to her full keel and skeg-hung rudder, which provides a balanced helm. While she may not be the fastest boat, her ability to handle challenging sea states with comfort is highly regarded. Some owners have even reported surfing down waves at impressive speeds, highlighting her offshore capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Young Sun 35 is typically described as classic and spacious, often featuring a generous use of wood trim, particularly teak joinery, which lends a traditional and ship-like ambiance. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, reviews suggest a surprisingly comfortable and livable layout below decks for a boat of its size.

A common layout often includes a V-berth forward, followed by the main salon with settees that can convert into berths and a dinette. The galley is typically located to port, equipped with a stove and ample wooden cabinetry, while a chart table and a quarter berth (sometimes referred to as a "dog cage") are often found to starboard. Owners praise the quality of the interior finish and the robust construction evident throughout the cabin. Storage is generally considered good for a cruising vessel, and while ventilation details vary by specific boat, the overall design supports comfortable extended living aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Young Sun 35 consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics, making it a favored choice for serious blue-water cruising. The comfort and stability in a seaway are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. Many appreciate the classic aesthetics and the heavy-duty build, which instills confidence during offshore passages.

However, common maintenance issues that owners frequently mention often relate to the age of these vessels. Teak decks, a popular feature on boats of this vintage, are a recurring concern, often requiring significant restoration or replacement due to their propensity for leaks and deterioration over time. As with many older boats, routine maintenance and potential upgrades to systems like plumbing, electrical, and rigging are to be expected, but the fundamental robustness of the hull and major components is generally considered sound. The community of Young Sun owners often share experiences and advice, reflecting a dedication to maintaining these durable and reliable cruising platforms.