Design and Construction
Maxi Yachts built the 35 with both hull and deck in fiberglass, and the yard used a sandwich laminate for each to improve the indoor climate below anchor. The keel itself is iron rather than lead, and buyers could choose between a wing keel and a fin keel with bulb. Draft runs about 4.92 to 5.22 feet depending on load, which keeps the boat within reach of most marinas. At 11,684 pounds displacement with 5,071 pounds of ballast, the 43 percent ballast ratio and 240.44 displacement-to-length ratio place her among moderate racers rather than heavy cruisers. The beam of 10.66 feet and length-to-beam ratio of 3.26 give a reasonably proportioned hull, while the wetted surface of roughly 322 square feet and immersion rate of 1,036 pounds per inch describe a hull that responds predictably to trim and loading.
Rig and Handling
The Maxi 35 carries a masthead sloop rig, and the standing and running geometry is well documented. Jib and genoa sheets are specified at 34.8 feet with a 0.55-inch diameter, the mainsheet at 86.9 feet, and the spinnaker sheet at 76.5 feet, all in the same 14-millimeter line size. A single Volvo Penta diesel of 28 horsepower drives a saildrive transmission, a configuration that simplifies the drivetrain compared with a conventional shaft. The theoretical hull speed is 7.1 knots, with a quoted top speed of 8.0 knots; the capsize screening value of 1.88 and Motion Comfort Ratio of 25.6 frame her as a stable, comfortable coastal performer rather than an offshore expedition vessel.
Accommodations
Below, the interior is finished in teak, consistent with the period norm for Maxi Yachts cruisers. The cabin volume supports the boat's role as a family cruiser, and the sandwich construction of deck and hull contributes to a steadier interior temperature than a solid laminate would allow. With 36 gallons of water and 21 gallons of diesel, the systems support weekend and coastal cruising without frequent replenishment.
The Verdict
The Maxi 35 is a compact, limited-production Petterson design that pairs a moderate-racer hull with a practical cruising interior. The sandwich construction, multiple keel options, and documented sail-plan dimensions make her a knowable, well-defined boat, though the small production run means prospective owners will search carefully for an example.
Pros
- Pelle Petterson design with documented moderate-racer proportions (43% ballast ratio, DL 241)
- Sandwich hull and deck for improved interior climate
- Choice of wing keel or fin-with-bulb keel to suit draft needs
- Masthead sloop with fully specified sheet lengths for easy rig renewal
Cons
- Only twenty built, limiting availability
- Iron keel rather than lead invites corrosion vigilance
- Saildrive transmission demands careful seal inspection
