Finnsailer 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Finnsailer 35 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes "sea-kindliness" over raw speed. With a hull form characterized by a longish fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, the boat tracks exceptionally well, even in following seas. Owners often describe the motion as "sedate" and "predictable," avoiding the jerky motions common in lighter, modern fin-keel designs.

Because the sail area-to-displacement ratio is relatively low, the Finnsailer 35 requires a stiff breeze—typically 12 knots or more—before she truly wakes up under canvas alone. In lighter air, she is designed to be "motor-sailed," utilizing her powerful inboard engine (frequently a Perkins 4.236 or similar 50–80hp unit) to maintain progress while the sails provide stabilization and a boost in speed. Her pointing ability is limited compared to a dedicated racer, but her ability to punch through a head sea without losing momentum is a direct result of her significant mass and high-volume bow. The vessel was offered in both sloop and ketch rig configurations, with the ketch rig being particularly favored by long-distance cruisers for its ability to balance the helm in heavy weather using the "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen) configuration.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Finnsailer 35 is where the Fiskars heritage of high-quality craftsmanship is most evident. The layout typically features an enclosed or semi-enclosed wheelhouse—a critical feature for northern latitudes—allowing the helmsman to navigate in comfort while shielded from spray and rain. This "deck saloon" feel provides excellent 360-degree visibility, a rarity in 35-foot boats of this vintage.

Moving below, the cabin is characterized by rich teak joinery and a surprising amount of headroom, often exceeding 6'3" in the main saloon. The 35-footer was a development of the Finnsailer 34 hull, stretched and refined to offer more sophisticated accommodation. Most layouts include a large U-shaped galley and a convertible dinette. A hallmark of this model is the aft cabin, which, depending on the specific variant, provides a private sanctuary separate from the main living area, making it an ideal choice for cruising families or couples with guests.

Fiskars also produced several "sibling" models on related hull forms, including the smaller Finnsailer 29, the more common Finnsailer 34, and the flagship Finnsailer 38. The 35 remains the "sweet spot" of the range, offering the dual-cabin privacy of the 38 with the manageable maintenance and berthing costs of the 34.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Finnsailer 35 should conduct a rigorous inspection of several key areas common to Fiskars-built vessels of this age:

• Osmotic Blistering: While Fiskars used heavy, hand-laid GRP, boats from the 1970s are susceptible to osmosis. A professional moisture meter reading of the hull below the waterline is essential.
• Engine Longevity: Because these are motorsailers, the engine often has significantly higher hours than a standard sailboat. Inspect the cooling system and exhaust elbow of the original Perkins or Volvo Penta engines, as parts for older models can become difficult to source.
• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are generally robust, but check for "soft spots" around stanchion bases and the wheelhouse mounting points, where water ingress can rot the balsa or plywood core.
• Window Seals: The large windows in the pilothouse are prone to leaking over time. Check for water staining on the interior teak, which indicates the seals need replacing—a labor-intensive task.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the age and the weight of the skeg-hung rudder, check for excessive "play" or vibration in the steering system, which may indicate worn bushings.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory presence for Finnsailer, the brand enjoys a dedicated following. The Finnsailer Owner’s Association (often found through Nordic yachting portals) and various Scandinavian cruising forums remain the best repositories for technical drawings and restoration advice. Given the boat's shared DNA with other Angus Primrose designs, technical insights can also be gleaned from the Moody Owners Association, particularly regarding rig tension and sail handling.

The Verdict

The Finnsailer 35 is a "little ship" rather than a mere sailboat. It is built for the sailor who values comfort, safety, and the ability to keep moving when the weather turns foul.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and heavy-duty GRP construction.
• Enclosed wheelhouse provides superior protection from the elements.
• Generous interior volume and headroom for a 35-foot vessel.
• Predictable and stable handling in heavy seas.

Cons:

• Underwhelming performance in light winds without engine assistance.
• Limited "feel" and feedback through the steering due to its motorsailer configuration.
• Higher maintenance costs associated with older, large-displacement engines.
• Large pilothouse windows can be a source of leaks if not properly maintained.