Cherokee 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Cherokee 35 are defined by its relatively narrow beam-to-length ratio—approximately 17 feet of beam for 35 feet of length—which provides a more traditional motion through the water compared to the ultra-wide footprints of modern production catamarans. This narrower stance, combined with slim hull entries, allows the boat to track exceptionally well and reduces the "hobby-horsing" motion often found in shorter multihulls. Because Sailcraft utilized the design expertise of Olympic-class builders, the Cherokee 35 is surprisingly light for its era, enabling it to outperform many contemporary 35-foot monohulls on almost every point of sail, particularly in a reach.

Handling is further influenced by the specific underbody configuration chosen by the original owner. While many were built with high-aspect daggerboards for superior windward performance, Sailcraft also produced versions with twin, shallow-draft fixed keels. These keel versions offer a simpler sailing experience and the ability to dry out on a tide, though they sacrifice a few degrees of pointing ability. On the helm, the boat is responsive, though sailors transitioning from modern cats will notice the low bridge deck clearance. In heavy seas, this can lead to "slamming" against the bridge deck, a common trait of 1970s multihulls that requires careful speed management and sail trimming to minimize.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cherokee 35 was a significant step up in luxury from the Iroquois and Comanche models. The bridge deck serves as the social heart of the vessel, typically housing a wrap-around saloon settee that offers panoramic views through the large forward and side windows—a feature that was quite advanced for its time. The galley-down configuration is standard, usually located in the port hull, which provides a dedicated workspace away from the main living area.

Accommodation usually consists of four separate sleeping areas: two double berths located in the aft sections of the hulls and additional berths forward. This separation provides a level of privacy rarely found in monohulls of the same length. Materials typically include a mix of robust fiberglass liners and teak joinery, reflecting the utilitarian but high-quality standards of British boatbuilding in the 1970s. Owners should note that because these boats were often semi-customized, variations in the layout of the navigation station and head compartments are common. The "Cherokee 35 Mk II" variants often featured improved ventilation and slightly refined deck moldings to increase internal headroom, which is generally around 6 feet in the hulls.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cherokee 35 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the bridge deck and the condition of the fiberglass laminate. As with many vessels from Sailcraft Ltd., the Cherokee 35 was built using early GRP techniques that are generally robust but prone to specific age-related issues.

• Bridge Deck Integrity: Inspect the area where the hulls join the bridge deck for stress cracking or "spidering" in the gelcoat. This area bears the brunt of the torsional loads in a seaway.
• Daggerboard Trunks: On models equipped with daggerboards, the trunks are a known point for leaks and osmotic blistering. Ensure the trunks are structurally sound and the boards move freely without excessive play.
• Core Moisture: While the hulls are primarily solid laminate, the decks and cabin house often utilize a balsa or foam core. Use a moisture meter to check for soft spots around stanchion bases and window frames, as leaks here can lead to localized delamination.
• Window Seals: The large acrylic windows on the bridge deck are prone to crazing and seal failure after decades of UV exposure. Replacing these is a common but necessary project to ensure the interior remains dry.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Given the age of these vessels, the standing rigging and the internal reinforcements for the chainplates should be scrutinized. The Cherokee 35 carries a powerful rig, and any signs of "pumping" in the deck near the mast step should be investigated.

Community & Resources

The Cherokee 35 benefits from a legacy shared with the more numerous Iroquois 30, and much of the technical support for these boats is found within broader multihull communities. The Iroquois Owners Association is the most prominent technical resource, often providing archival data and modification advice that is directly applicable to the Cherokee 35 due to their shared construction methods at Sailcraft Ltd. Additionally, the Amateur Yacht Research Society (AYRS) maintains historical records regarding the designs of Rod Macalpine-Downie, offering insight into the original performance specifications and hull forms of the Sailcraft range.

The Verdict

The Cherokee 35 is a classic "sailor's catamaran" that offers a level of performance and historical pedigree that modern, high-volume cruisers often lack. It is an ideal choice for the enthusiast who values speed and traditional aesthetics over maximum interior volume.

Pros:

• Excellent performance-to-length ratio, particularly on a reach.
• Shallow draft allows for gunkholing and easy beaching in keel-equipped versions.
• Strong community support and a well-documented design lineage.
• Spacious bridge deck saloon for a boat of its era.

Cons:

• Low bridge deck clearance can lead to uncomfortable slamming in choppy head seas.
• Interior volume is significantly less than modern 35-foot catamarans.
• Requires a diligent maintenance schedule for daggerboard trunks and deck seals.