Design and Construction
The Carter 35 measures 34 feet 8 inches overall, with a 24-foot waterline and an 11-foot beam. Her 9,300-pound displacement and near-52-percent ballast ratio put her in the moderate-displacement cruiser-racer class.
Construction was substantial, with a solid fiberglass hull and deck. A wing keel carries 4,800 pounds of lead ballast and draws 6 feet, while the spade rudder hangs from the transom.
Rig and Handling
The standard Carter 35 is a masthead sloop carrying 585 square feet of sail. Her sail-area-to-displacement ratio of about 21 gives her enough power to be a fast cruiser under sail.
Wheel steering was unusual on a boat of this size. It provides positive steering, though the helm is slightly heavy. That weight is a trait of the wheel and transom-hung rudder rather than a fault.
A limited-edition variant appeared in 1983 with a lifting keel and Luna rig—a schooner arrangement with jibs only on each mast. The version was not successful, and its complexity worked against it. The standard masthead-sloop model carries no such defect.
Accommodation
Below, the Carter 35 has a conventional six-berth layout with a generously appointed galley and chart table. It suits coastal or offshore passages without aftermarket rework.
Refits and Ownership
Only a few Carter 35s were sold in the UK, so standard boats are scarce on the second-hand market. If you can find one, the standard version is well worth considering. Its conventional plan and solid construction mean refits favor systems over structure.
The Verdict
The Carter 35 is a Dick Carter cruiser-racer that combines racing pace with cruising comfort. Its solid build, conventional accommodation and positive helm make the standard version a sensible used-boat candidate.
Pros
- Fast, well-mannered cruiser with racing potential
- Well-built solid fiberglass hull and deck
- Conventional six-berth layout with a generous galley and chart table
- Wheel steering is unusual for the size and provides positive helm feedback
Cons
- Slightly heavy steering from the wheel and transom-hung rudder
- Limited-edition lifting-keel Luna version was unsuccessful
- Few examples were sold in the UK, and standard versions are scarce on the market
