Sailing Performance & Handling
The Tobago 35 is frequently cited by enthusiasts as one of the most "sailable" catamarans in the Fountaine Pajot lineage. Unlike modern cruising cats that prioritize interior volume at the expense of windward ability, the Tobago 35 features low-slung hulls and a modest bridge deck clearance that reduces windage. Its displacement-to-length ratio suggests a boat that is quick to accelerate in light air. Under sail, the boat tracks surprisingly well for a fixed-fin design, though like most catamarans of this vintage without daggerboards, tacking through the wind requires a bit of momentum to prevent "getting stuck in stays."
The steering is generally light and responsive, providing more tactile feedback than the larger, hydraulically steered models. In following seas, the boat’s buoyancy in the sterns prevents hobby-horsing, a common complaint in shorter multihulls. However, the trade-off for its light weight and low profile is a lower bridge deck, which can lead to "slamming" in choppy, head-sea conditions. According to technical assessments of the era, the boat performs best when kept light; over-loading a Tobago 35 with excessive ground tackle, heavy dinghies, or full water tanks significantly degrades its ability to lift over waves and maintain its speed-to-wind ratio.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Tobago 35 was revolutionary for its time, successfully implementing the "galley-up" layout that has now become the industry standard. This configuration places the galley on the same level as the saloon, allowing the cook to remain part of the social activity while enjoying the 180-degree panoramic views provided by the iconic wrap-around windows. The saloon table typically accommodates six adults, though the space is more comfortably suited for a family of four.
The standard layout for the Tobago 35 features a three-cabin arrangement. The owner’s suite is typically located in the starboard hull, featuring a large double berth and a dedicated head and shower compartment forward. The port hull houses two double guest cabins, though they are somewhat narrower than those found on the successor model, the Athena 38. Fountaine Pajot utilized a blend of molded fiberglass liners and wood accents to create an interior that felt bright and airy. While there are no significant production "siblings" built on the exact same hull mold, the Tobago 35 shares a strong design DNA with the larger Athena 38, which offered a four-cabin, two-head layout for charter-heavy markets.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
When inspecting a Tobago 35, the primary focus should be on the structural integrity of the foam core and the mechanical systems that may be nearing the end of their service life.
- Bulkhead Compression: Some owners have reported minor compression issues at the base of the mast compression post. Inspectors should check for any "pumping" of the deck under high rig tension or evidence of hairline cracking in the gelcoat near the mast step.
- Saildrive Maintenance: The Tobago 35 was typically equipped with twin Yanmar 2GM20F engines paired with SD20 saildrives. These units require diligent maintenance of the rubber diaphragm seals. If the seals are more than seven years old, they should be replaced immediately. Additionally, check the aluminum saildrive casings for signs of galvanic corrosion.
- Bridge Deck Slamming: Because of the low bridge deck clearance, the underside of the nacelle is subject to high-impact forces. Inspect the bridge deck for any signs of delamination or spider-cracking, particularly in the forward sections where the hulls meet the bridge deck.
- Window Leaks: The large, curved acrylic windows are held in place by specialized adhesives. Over decades of UV exposure and hull flexing, these seals can fail. Check for water staining on the interior cabinetry below the windows.
- Original Plumbing and Wiring: As a boat from the mid-90s, many Tobago 35s still have their original PVC plumbing and basic electrical panels. Prospective buyers should budget for an overhaul of the freshwater system and potentially an upgrade to the DC charging system to accommodate modern solar arrays.
Community & Resources
The Fountaine Pajot community is one of the most active in the multihull world. Owners of the Tobago 35 often participate in the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association, which provides a wealth of technical knowledge regarding retrofits and parts sourcing. While many owners share their voyages on personal blogs and YouTube, the most reliable technical data is found through the manufacturer’s historical support channels.
The Verdict
The Fountaine Pajot Tobago 35 remains an excellent choice for a couple or a small family looking to transition into catamaran cruising without the intimidating size and cost of modern 40-plus-foot models. It is a "sailor’s catamaran" that rewards light loading with impressive speeds.
Pros:
- Excellent performance-to-size ratio for a cruising catamaran.
- Iconic, timeless design that still looks modern in many marinas.
- Manageable size for single-handed sailing or docking.
- Lightweight vacuum-bagged construction reduces the load on the rig and engines.
Cons:
- Low bridge deck clearance can lead to noisy slamming in rough seas.
- Limited payload capacity compared to modern, high-volume cruisers.
- Interior headroom and cabin width may feel tight for taller sailors.
- Vulnerable to weight; performance suffers significantly if over-provisioned.
