Two interior generations appeared during the production run. The original “Classic” had a workshop forward, while the later “Encore” replaced it with a conventional V-berth.
Design and Construction
Ellis drew the Niagara 35 as a dedicated coastal and offshore cruiser rather than a stripped-out racer. The somewhat veed hull carries a long “cruising fin” keel and a balanced rudder without a skeg. Below the waterline, the semibalanced spade rudder complements a keel that is longish rather than deep. The keel is massively faired into the hull with a substantial sump.
External lead ballast is bolted to the reinforced sump. The reported 5,500 lb of lead, against a displacement of 15,000 lb, gives a ballast-displacement ratio of 0.37. Construction used unidirectional rovings, and all structural bulkheads were bonded to the hull. Balsa coring was used in both hull and deck; the hull is semicored and needs to be monitored.
A bridge-deck helps protect the companionway. Raised bulwarks provide a greater sense of security than simple toerails, while the chainplates tie into accessible interior knees that are heavily bonded to the hull.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
The Niagara 35 carries a masthead-sloop rig on a keel-stepped mast with a single set of spreaders. The rig is staunchly supported by double lowers. Period boats used Navtec rod rigging, with Barient or, later, Lewmar winches.
A short bowsprit extends the foretriangle and supports double anchor rollers. A rod bobstay helps make anchor carriage easy. Jibs sheet either to an aluminum toerail on the bulwark or to an inner track on the wide side decks, and the mainsheet traveler sits out of the way on the coachroof. Later models came rigged with an inner forestay on the large, secure foredeck. Many older boats have also been retrofitted after being duly reinforced.
Owners describe the boat as stable and stiff under sail. Phantasia II, one owner’s Niagara 35, had its rail in the water only once, while beating down Lake Huron in 20 knots. The boat tracks and maneuvers well, and one owner recorded more than 8 knots downwind on a deserted day.
Practical Sailor’s owners rated the handling above average and said the Niagara 35 cuts through seas better than the smaller Niagara 31. However, she isn’t as fast or close-winded as that sister, and some owners feel she doesn’t track as well as she could off the wind. Sail trim and the right sail combinations can make or break progress upwind or in light air.
With a D/L around 329–353 and an SA/D near 15.7–16.47, the sailplan favors breezy conditions and offshore work over outright speed.
Accommodations
The Encore replaced the Classic’s forward workshop with a conventional V-berth. From the companionway, the crew enters an aft cabin with a smallish double berth to port and a quarter berth to starboard. A stand-up navigation station sits atop a large dresser at the head of the quarter berth.
Doors connect the aft cabin to the head and galley, and the saloon has another door into the head. With the doors open, there’s a view through the boat’s full length. The saloon lies largely forward of the mast and offers more than 6 feet of headroom. Four fixed windows, four opening ports, and four hatches provide light and ventilation.
Settees on either side of the drop-leaf table make excellent sea berths when fitted with lee cloths. A hanging locker to starboard and drawers to port separate the saloon from the forward cabin. Cruising World called the interior unusual but intelligent for extended coastal cruising by a couple.
Interior finishes include a teak sole, teak inlay in the molded overhead, and oiled teak bulkheads with varnished pine strapping. Outside, the cockpit is quite large. Its high-backed seats are long enough to stretch out on, with deep lockers beneath.
Systems and Stowage
The engine sits behind the companionway stairs and is more accessible than those on many boats of this size. The standard auxiliary was a Volvo MD11C diesel with Sail Drive, though Westerbeke and Universal V-drive options were also offered.
A drained and vented propane locker aft holds two 20-pound tanks. A deep chain box low in the bow can be divided to separate chain and rode.
Known Issues
Older boats should be checked for water saturation around deck fittings. Balsa coring is present in both the hull and deck, and the semicored hull also needs monitoring. Niagara 35s aren’t known for blister problems.
One owner struck a rock suddenly in Georgian Bay. No water entered the boat, and the damage was limited to mangled lead on the keel’s leading edge. That incident is a fair indication of the structure’s toughness rather than evidence of a chronic defect.
Refits and Used-Boat Considerations
The Encore layout commands more on the used market than the Classic, reflecting buyers’ preference for the forward V-berth. Many earlier boats have been retrofitted with an inner forestay after the hull was duly reinforced, a sensible upgrade for offshore use.
The Verdict
The Niagara 35 Encore is a thoughtfully engineered Canadian cruiser with a tough semicored hull, secure bulwarks, and a comfortable aft-cabin layout suited to coastal and offshore cruising by a couple. She is stiff and seakindly rather than quick, and she rewards careful sail selection. The principal ownership considerations are deck-core moisture on older boats and the value gap between the Classic and Encore interiors.
Pros
- Stiff, stable hull with lead ballast bolted to a reinforced sump and proven offshore passages
- Secure bridge-deck, raised bulwarks, and accessible chainplate knees
- Encore’s forward V-berth layout is practical for cruising couples
- Engine access is better than on many boats of this size
Cons
- Balsa-cored deck and semicored hull require moisture monitoring on older boats
- Not as fast or close-winded as lighter sister designs; some owners criticize off-wind tracking
- Smaller sailplan is less lively in light air without careful trim
