Cole Bounty 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Cole Bounty 35 are defined by its IOR heritage, featuring a moderate displacement hull, a fine entry, and a relatively narrow beam compared to modern high-volume cruisers. This design allows the boat to excel in upwind conditions, where it exhibits a degree of "stiffness" and tracking stability that provides confidence in heavy weather. With a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the Bounty 35 offers a balanced feel at the helm, avoiding the "twitchiness" often associated with modern spade-rudder designs.

Technical reviewers and owners frequently note that the boat finds its "groove" quickly when pushed. According to editorial retrospectives on the designer’s impact found in Trade-a-Boat, Peter Cole’s designs were celebrated for their ability to handle the notorious "southerly busters" of the Australian coast, and the Bounty 35 is no exception. Its rig is typically a high-aspect masthead sloop, which provides ample power in light airs if the genoa is sized appropriately, yet remains manageable for a short-handed crew when reefed down. While it lacks the downwind "planing" speed of contemporary designs, its sea-kindliness in a chop makes it a superior passage-maker for those prioritizing comfort over raw speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Bounty 35 reflects a traditional Australian layout optimized for both offshore racing crews and family cruising. The standard configuration includes a V-berth forward, a central saloon with a drop-leaf table, a linear or L-shaped galley, and a dedicated navigation station. Because many of these vessels were sold as "hull and deck" packages or completed by various smaller yards, the quality of the timber work and the specific cabinetry layout can vary significantly between individual boats.

Most models feature a heavy use of teak or Australian hardwoods, creating a warm, classic atmosphere. Headroom is generous for a 35-footer of this vintage, typically clearing six feet in the main cabin. The sibling models provide important context here: the Bounty 35 was essentially a "stretched" and modernized version of the East Coast 31, offering significantly more volume in the aft quarters and a more dedicated galley space. Owners often modify the original pilot berths in the saloon to create additional storage, as the original racing-focused "pipe cot" philosophy has given way to modern cruising needs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cole Bounty 35 occupies a significant place in the history of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and other major Australian offshore events. While not as famous as the Cole 43 Balandra, which became a legend in its own right, the Bounty 35 was a frequent sight on the starting lines of the 1980s. The design’s reputation for safety was cemented during an era when Australian yachting was shifting toward more extreme "lightweight" designs that occasionally struggled in the Bass Strait; the Bounty 35 remained a "safe bet" for amateur crews.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Cole Bounty 35 today requires a keen eye for the structural realities of 40-year-old fiberglass construction.

• Osmosis: Like many Australian-built boats of the late 70s and early 80s, the Bounty 35 is susceptible to osmotic blistering in the hull. A professional survey with moisture meter testing is essential.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The stainless steel chainplates are known to develop fatigue or leaks where they penetrate the deck. If the sealant has failed over time, water ingress can lead to "rot" in the bulkhead to which the chainplates are bolted.
• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are typically balsa-cored or plywood-reinforced. "Soft spots" around the mast step or stanchion bases are common signs of core delamination caused by unsealed hardware penetrations.
• Engine Service Life: Many original units were fitted with Volvo Penta or Bukh diesels. If the engine is original, check for "exhaust elbow" corrosion and cooling system scale, as replacement parts for older models are becoming increasingly expensive.
• Rudder Bearings: The skeg-hung rudder is a robust design, but the bushings can wear, leading to "play" in the steering system that is felt as a vibration or clunking at the helm.

Community & Resources

Owners of Cole-designed yachts often find technical support and community through the Classic Yacht Association of Australia, which recognizes the Bounty 35 as a significant contributor to the nation's maritime heritage. While no longer in production, the legacy of Peter Cole is maintained by a dedicated group of enthusiasts who often share refit logs and original design drawings through regional sailing clubs in New South Wales and Victoria.

The Verdict

The Cole Bounty 35 is a "sailor’s sailboat"—a vessel that prioritizes seaworthiness and windward performance over the "condo-maran" volume of modern coastal cruisers. It remains one of the best-value entry points for a sailor looking to tackle serious coastal or blue-water passages on a budget.

Pros:

• Excellent heavy-weather handling and tracking stability.
• Timeless, classic aesthetic with high-quality interior woodwork (in well-finished examples).
• Proved offshore pedigree and robust construction.
• Active second-hand market in Australia with good resale stability.

Cons:

• Performance in downwind light airs can be sluggish compared to modern hulls.
• High variability in interior finish quality due to "kit" builds.
• Common aging issues (osmosis/deck core) require diligent maintenance and inspection.