Design Brief & Intent
The Jura 35 MS was designed specifically for long-distance, high-latitude cruising and live-aboard comfort in the challenging waters of the North Sea and beyond. Rather than appealing to the casual weekend sailor, the design targeted experienced mariners who prioritized heavy-weather security, substantial fuel and water capacities, and a genuinely sheltered steering station. The vessel features a traditional double-ended, canoe-stern hull form heavily influenced by Jones of Buckie's legendary Scottish fishing boat designs, emphasizing safety in following seas.
Unlike many production yachts of the 1970s, which were delivered as home-finished kits with highly variable interior qualities, all six Jura 35 MS hulls were completed to an uncompromising professional standard by D.M. Russell Marine. The interior layout highlights this premium pedigree with exquisite, heavy-timber joinery, dense teak or mahogany bulkheads, and robust cabinetry designed to withstand decades of high-humidity environments. The pilothouse is a true sanctuary, featuring excellent 360-degree visibility, a comprehensive interior helm station, and direct access to a deep, secure cockpit.
Sailing Performance & Handling
With a displacement of 24,000 pounds and a massive Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of 368.49, the Jura 35 MS is a traditional ultra-heavy displacement cruiser. Under sail alone, she requires a respectable breeze to wake up; in light winds under Force 4, her substantial wetted surface area and heavy hull form mean she behaves as a true motorsailer, relying on her large diesel engine to maintain speed while utilizing her ketch rig as a steadying force to reduce roll.
However, when the wind rises, the boat's design parameters shine. A high ballast ratio of 41.67% and a comfort ratio of 38.22 dictate an incredibly soft, predictable motion in a seaway. She does not slam or shudder into oncoming waves; instead, her full bow and heavy displacement part the water with authority. The capsize screening formula of 1.80 indicates offshore-rated stability, giving her crew peace of mind in blue-water conditions. At the helm, the long keel provides superb directional stability, allowing the yacht to track straight for hours with minimal autopilot or wind-vane correction, though this same long keel naturally makes maneuvering in tight, crowded marinas a slow and deliberate exercise.
Mechanical & Rigging Configurations
The Jura 35 MS is rigged as a masthead ketch, a sail plan specifically optimized and approved by G.L. Watson for easy handling by short-handed crews. By splitting the total sail area across three relatively small sails (mainsail, mizzen, and headsail), owners can easily reef or drop individual sails as wind conditions dictate.
Mechanically, the vessel's engineering is decidedly heavy-duty. The first five hulls built were equipped with a robust 105 horsepower Perkins 6-354M marine diesel engine. This naturally aspirated six-cylinder powerhouse is coupled to a PRM gearbox with a 3:1 reduction ratio. The drivetrain consists of a massive 2-inch diameter stainless steel shaft driving a 31-inch bronze three-blade propeller. This setup offers immense torque, allowing the Jura 35 MS to easily maintain hull speed against strong head currents and heavy seas. The sixth hull, Tegwynt, was uniquely fitted with a BMC diesel engine, but all share the same philosophy of prioritizing reliable mechanical propulsion over pure sailing speed.
Known Issues & Triage
Given that only six hulls exist, historical owner feedback highlights highly specific mechanical arrangements that require ongoing vigilance.
- Rudder Bearing Seizure: The rudder system is engineered with grease-lubricated "ferro-bestos" bearings running on stainless steel bushes shrunk onto the rudder stock. If the vessel is left on the hard for several years, these bearings are prone to seizing up completely. Crucially, the grease lubrication point is not a standard threaded Zerk nipple, but rather a nut with a smooth, tapered 5mm to 6mm hole. Owners must utilize a specialized conical grease gun nozzle to inject fresh grease under high pressure to free or maintain the assembly.
- Pilothouse Window Leaks: The coachroof sides feature three large rectangular windows and a single round portlight on each side. Over decades, the original bedding compounds dry out, leading to slow water intrusion that can rot the underlying structural bulkheads and ruin the cabin's fine joinery. Re-bedding these windows is a labor-intensive but critical preventative maintenance task.
- Drivetrain Wear: The 2-inch stainless steel shaft and massive 31-inch bronze propeller require careful monitoring. Given the weight of the propeller and the torque of the Perkins engine, the cutless bearing and shaft alignment must be verified regularly to avoid harmonic vibrations that can damage the shaft log and transmission seals.
The Verdict
The Jura 35 MS is a rare masterclass in mid-century British maritime engineering. Designed by G.L. Watson and hand-built to commercial-grade standards, it is an overbuilt, heavily ballasted cruiser that trading speed for ultimate security and comfort. For the sailor seeking a highly exclusive, ocean-capable sanctuary capable of enduring the harshest high-latitude conditions, this pocket ship has few equals.
Pros
- Exceptional heavy-weather comfort and safety due to a high ballast ratio and heavy-displacement hull.
- Outstanding directional tracking under sail or power courtesy of a full-length keel.
- Uncompromising, professional-grade Scottish joinery and interior fit-out.
- Highly reliable, high-torque Perkins mechanical propulsion system.
- Split ketch rig makes sail handling manageable for a couple or single-handed sailor.
Cons
- Extremely rare on the market, making parts tracing and sistership support highly limited.
- Poor light-wind sailing performance, requiring frequent motoring in under Force 4 conditions.
- Difficult close-quarters maneuvering in tight marinas due to the long keel and heavy windage of the pilothouse.
- Propensity for rudder bearing seizure if the unique conical grease lubrication system is neglected.
