Bolero 35.5 Information, Review, Specs

The 35.5 variant is technically a refined sibling to the standard Bolero 35. While they share the same fundamental hull lines, the 35.5 often featured subtle improvements in ballast distribution, a taller masthead rig, or modernized interior arrangements intended to broaden its appeal to the private owner-navigator. It stands alongside its smaller sibling, the Bolero 25—a successful Quarter Tonner—as a testament to the versatility of the Dubois/Robertson partnership.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bolero 35.5 is a quintessential "sailor's boat," characterized by the IOR-influenced design trends of its era. This manifests in a hull with a relatively broad beam carried amidships and tapering toward the ends. On the water, this translates to excellent upwind performance and high initial stability. According to historical design notes from the archives of Dubois Naval Architects, the Bolero series was engineered to be competitive in club racing without the "twitchy" handling found in more extreme IOR racing machines.

Under sail, the boat tracks well due to its deep fin keel and spade rudder configuration. Owners frequently note that the 35.5 feels "stiff," meaning it carries its canvas well into the upper teens of wind speed before requiring a reef. However, like many boats of this vintage with pinched sterns, it requires an attentive hand on the helm when running downwind in heavy seas to prevent rhythmic rolling. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio is generous enough to ensure the boat remains active in light airs, a common requirement for the varied conditions of the UK's coastal waters where many were commissioned.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the stripped-out racing yachts of the same period, the Bolero 35.5 was finished to a standard that reflected Robertson’s heritage in luxury yacht building. The interior typically features a traditional seafaring layout: a V-berth forward, a central saloon with a folding table, a functional galley to starboard, and a dedicated navigation station to port.

The use of high-quality teak or mahogany veneers is a defining feature of the Robertson-built Boleros. While many GRP boats of the 1970s felt "plasticky," the 35.5 offers a warm, enclosed atmosphere. Headroom is ample for a vessel of its size, generally exceeding 6 feet in the main saloon. The 35.5 often saw variations in the aft section; while some were built with a traditional pilot berth or quarter berth, others utilized the space for increased storage to suit long-distance cruising. The craftsmanship in the cabinetry—specifically the dovetail joints and solid wood trim—remains a primary selling point for these boats on the secondary market today.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Bolero 35.5 with an eye toward the specific stresses of a performance-oriented hull.

• Keel Grid and Floor Structure: Because these boats were often campaigned in offshore races, the internal floors (the structural grid that supports the keel) should be inspected for "working" or hairline cracks in the fiberglass, which can indicate a history of hard groundings.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many vessels of this era, the deck is a sandwich construction. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, or the mast step can lead to core delamination. Buyers should check for "spongy" sections underfoot.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early GRP hulls from the late 70s are susceptible to osmosis. While the Robertson yard was known for high-quality resin work, a moisture meter test of the hull is essential during a survey.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Many 35.5s still carry older fractional or masthead rigs. The chainplates are under significant load on this Dubois design; ensure there is no evidence of "weeping" or rust staining on the interior bulkheads where the chainplates are through-bolted.
• Engine Maintenance: Original installations often featured Bukh or early Yanmar diesels. While robust, parts for older Bukh units can be expensive, and a high-hour engine may be approaching the end of its reliable service life.

Community & Resources

The Bolero 35.5 benefits from a niche but dedicated following. The most prominent resource for owners is the Clyde River Steamer Club and various Scottish maritime heritage groups that archive the history of Alexander Robertson & Sons. While there is no longer a formal factory owners' association, the broader Dubois design community often includes Bolero owners in discussions regarding refits and performance upgrades. Technical drawings and historical specifications are sometimes accessible through the Dubois naval architecture archives, which remain a primary source for verifying original rig dimensions and ballast figures.

The Verdict

The Bolero 35.5 is a "modern classic" that offers a rare blend of Scottish build pedigree and world-class design. It is ideally suited for the experienced sailor who appreciates a boat that "speaks" through the tiller and provides a refined, traditional living space.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Built by one of the UK's most respected yards.
• Versatile Performance: Equally capable in a weekend regatta or an offshore passage.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Beautiful interior joinery that surpasses modern production standards.
• Proven Design: From the board of Ed Dubois, ensuring balanced handling.

Cons:

• IOR Characteristics: Can be challenging to handle downwind in heavy following seas.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for osmosis or deck delamination typical of late 70s GRP.
• Niche Market: Finding specific spare parts for the Robertson-specific hardware can be difficult.