King Arthur 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The King Arthur 35 is defined by its Robert Perry heritage, specifically Design #063 in his portfolio, as noted on the official Robert Perry Yacht Designers website. Because it is a heavy-displacement vessel, it does not excel in light-air ghosting; however, it finds its stride once the breeze exceeds 12 to 15 knots. With a long-fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the boat exhibits exceptional tracking ability, allowing it to hold a course with minimal helm fatigue—a critical trait for long-distance voyaging.

The rig is typically a cutter or a versatile sloop configuration, providing a manageable sail plan for short-handed crews. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling due to a high ballast-to-displacement ratio. While its high wetted surface area limits its speed in light winds, its momentum and hull shape allow it to punch through heavy chop without the jarring "pounding" often associated with modern, flat-bottomed yachts. This "sea-kindly" motion is a hallmark of Perry’s designs from this era, prioritizing crew comfort over sheer racing velocity.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Stepping below deck on a King Arthur 35 reveals the high-quality joinery that made Taiwanese shipyards famous during the 20th century. The interior is dominated by solid teak and teak veneers, creating a traditional, "salty" atmosphere. The layout is optimized for a couple or a small family, usually featuring a generous V-berth forward, a central salon with a drop-leaf table, and a dedicated navigation station.

Headroom is generally excellent for a boat of this vintage, often exceeding 6'2", which contributes to a spacious feel despite the 35-foot length. Variations in the interior often depend on the specific year of production, with some hulls featuring a more open "U-shaped" galley for safety at sea, while others might include a slightly different quarter-berth arrangement. Because King Yacht Corp often allowed for semi-custom tweaks, it is common to find slight differences in cabinetry and storage solutions between individual hulls. The Arthur 35’s siblings, such as the King 40 or the smaller 32-foot variants, share this aesthetic DNA but offer different scales of living volume and tankage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a King Arthur 35 should approach the vessel with an understanding of the common maintenance requirements for 40-year-old Taiwanese-built yachts.

• Teak Deck Condition: Many models were originally equipped with "teak over fiberglass" decks, fastened with hundreds of screws. These screws can eventually back out or allow water to penetrate the balsa or plywood core. A thorough moisture inspection of the decks is mandatory.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: Like many boats of this era, the King Arthur 35 often utilized black iron or stainless steel tanks that were glassed into the hull structure. If these tanks corrode, replacement can be a major "engine-out" surgical project.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are often buried behind cabinetry. Given their age, they should be inspected for crevice corrosion, especially where they pass through the deck.
• Osmotic Blistering: While the hulls are thick and robust, some vessels from this shipyard era are known to develop osmotic blisters. A survey should include a "haul-out" to check for hull integrity.

Community & Resources

The most significant resource for owners is the broader community of Robert Perry design enthusiasts. While there is no exclusive "King Arthur Association," owners are heavily active within the Robert Perry Fan Club and various "Taiwanese-Built Boat" forums. These groups provide technical support for sourcing replacement parts and maintaining the unique hardware found on these vessels.

The Verdict

The King Arthur 35 is an "honest" cruiser—a boat that trades modern acceleration for traditional reliability and offshore comfort. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who values the artistry of a Robert Perry design and the warmth of a teak-heavy interior.

Pros:

• Seaworthiness: Excellent tracking and a comfortable motion in heavy seas.
• Craftsmanship: Beautifully executed teak joinery and a robust, hand-laid fiberglass hull.
• Design Pedigree: High resale value and pride of ownership associated with a Robert Perry design.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Significant teak brightwork and aging systems require constant attention.
• Light Air Performance: Struggles in light winds due to weight and wetted surface area.
• Potential for High Repair Costs: Replacing original iron tanks or leaking teak decks can be prohibitively expensive.