Design and Construction
The hull form is a “modern” full keel — a modern canoe body with a full-length fin-like keel. Standard draft is four feet six inches; a keel/centerboard version drew three feet eight inches with board up. The hull is solid fiberglass cloth and polyester resin, stiffened by a structural grid and molded liners. Two gel coats are used: one blister-resistant below waterline, one high-gloss above. Deck and hull bolt on an inward flange; deck core is Polycore, a resin filler. The rudder base ties to the keel with a stainless steel strap. The builder offered a 10-year warranty.
Rig and Handling
The 35 is cutter-rigged; published sail area of 735 square feet includes the staysail. Against 17,500-pound displacement the sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 15.2, so light-air performance suffers.
Accommodations
Below, the plan is pragmatic: a bow V-berth, head to port, twin settees facing each other in the saloon, a nav station facing aft, the galley to starboard, and a quarter berth in the port aft cabin.
Known Issues
Rudder delamination and separation is a problem quite common to older Island Packet models including the 35 a common rudder problem on older models. Skin admits water, foam saturates, assembly lets go at the keel strap.
The Verdict
A purpose-built cruiser valuing hull robustness and livability over pace. Shallow draft and cutter rig suit shoal cruising; solid hull and dual resin are quiet arguments for longevity. Rudder is the service item.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass hull with blister-resistant gel coat and grid
- Shallow 4'6" draft, 3'8" centerboard option
- Roomy layout from high freeboard and trunk
- Cutter rig with staysail-inclusive sailplan
Cons
- Light-air limited by 15.2 sail-area-to-displacement ratio
- Rudder delamination common on older models
