Colvic Liberator 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Ed Dubois is immediately apparent in the Liberator 35’s sailing characteristics. Unlike the fuller-keeled Watson or Victor series, the Liberator features a modern underwater profile with a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. This configuration allows for a level of responsiveness and "bite" upwind that was revolutionary for the Colvic brand at the time. The boat’s moderate displacement and generous sail-to-displacement ratio make it a capable performer in light airs, while its relatively high ballast ratio provides the stiffness required to carry sail comfortably when the breeze freshens.

On the water, the Liberator 35 is known for its balanced helm and ability to track well, even in a chop. Practical handling tests from the era noted that the boat feels much more like a contemporary racing yacht than a traditional cruiser, with a cockpit layout designed to facilitate efficient sail trimming. The masthead sloop rig is typically robust, and many owners have updated these boats with modern reefing systems to enhance short-handed capability. Because many were finished by individuals, deck hardware layouts can vary, but the fundamental hull dynamics remain consistent: fast, dry, and surprisingly agile for a 35-foot cruising yacht.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Liberator 35 is characterized by its variability. Because Colvic sold the boat primarily as a "hull and deck" package, the layout and quality of the joinery depend entirely on the original builder or the skill of the amateur owner. Most configurations follow the classic 1980s cruiser logic: a forward V-berth, a central saloon with a folding table, a galley to starboard, and a navigation station to port.

A notable sibling variation is the "Liberator 35 Special," which often featured a slightly different coachroof profile or customized interior bulkheads. In many versions, a separate aft cabin was squeezed in under the cockpit, though headroom in these areas can be tight. The use of GRP internal modules was less common in the Liberator than in mass-produced French yachts of the time, meaning many interiors feature extensive timber work. Prospective buyers should look for the "factory finish" models, which occasionally emerged from professional yards and offer a more standardized, high-quality teak or mahogany aesthetic. Despite the variations, the 35-foot hull provides generous beam, resulting in a saloon that feels spacious and airy compared to its predecessor, the Salty Dog.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Owner-Finish Standards: The most critical area of inspection is the quality of the original fit-out. As many were kit-built, the standards of electrical wiring, plumbing, and gas installations can range from professional-grade to dangerous. A dedicated survey of the DC system and through-hull fittings is essential.
• Osmosis: Like many British GRP hulls from the late 70s and early 80s, the Liberator 35 can be prone to osmotic blistering if the gelcoat was not properly maintained or if the hull spent long periods in warm, fresh water.
• Deck Core Integrity: The deck is a GRP sandwich construction. Potential buyers should check for soft spots, particularly around high-load areas like the chainplates and stanchion bases, where water ingress can rot the balsa or foam core.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder design puts significant stress on the upper and lower bearings. Any "slop" or vibration in the helm during a sea trial may indicate the need for a bearing replacement, which is a common maintenance task for yachts of this vintage.
• Chainplate Leaks: Over time, the sealant around the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck can fail. If left unchecked, this can lead to moisture damage in the bulkheads to which they are bolted.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Liberator 35 often find support through the Colvic Owners Association, a dedicated group that maintains technical archives and provides a forum for owners of all Colvic models. This community is particularly valuable for Liberator owners seeking original Ed Dubois sail plans or advice on structural renovations. Technical discussions often center on the nuances of the kit-built nature of these boats, offering a "hive mind" of solutions for bespoke interior problems.

The Verdict

The Colvic Liberator 35 is an "unsung hero" of the British performance cruising scene. It offers the pedigree of an Ed Dubois design with the legendary over-built GRP strength of the Colvic yard. It is a boat for the sailor who prioritizes performance and structural integrity over the cookie-cutter predictability of a modern production yacht.

Pros:

• Excellent sailing performance and upwind capability for its age.
• Robust hull construction capable of serious offshore cruising.
• Massive interior volume for a 35-footer of the early 1980s.
• Competitive pricing on the used market compared to better-known brands like Westerly.

Cons:

• Highly variable interior quality due to the prevalence of kit-finishing.
• Aesthetic "datedness" of the deck moldings and coachroof.
• Requires a more rigorous survey than a factory-finished production boat.