Pretorien 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Pretorien 35 is a moderate-displacement cruiser with a hull shape that prioritizes sea-kindliness over outright surfing speeds. With a displacement-to-length ratio that suggests a sturdy, stable platform, the boat is known for its ability to carry sail well into the upper wind ranges. Owners frequently report that the vessel feels "planted" in heavy weather, a trait attributed to its deep-V sections forward and a lead-ballasted fin keel that provides a high righting moment.

Under sail, the boat exhibits a classic IOR-era preference for upwind work, tracking exceptionally well and offering a light touch on the helm when properly balanced. While it may not possess the light-air agility of modern, flat-bottomed performance cruisers, it excels in a breeze. The rig is a robust masthead sloop configuration, often featuring a baby stay for added stability in rough conditions. According to editorial insights from Practical Sailor, the Pretorien 35 is praised for its overbuilt nature and its ability to handle "anything the ocean can throw at it," though it notes that the IOR-influenced hull can exhibit some rhythmic rolling when running directly downwind in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Pretorien 35 is a masterclass in traditional French joinery. The cabin is finished almost entirely in high-quality teak, providing a warm, seaworthy atmosphere that modern mass-production boats rarely replicate. The layout is a standard offshore configuration: a forward V-berth, a central salon with a folding table, a functional galley to starboard, and a dedicated navigation station to port.

One of the standout features of the Pretorien's interior is the aft cabin, located to port behind the navigation station. While modest by modern standards, it provides a secure sea berth or a private cabin for guests—a feature that was quite advanced for a 35-foot boat in the late 1970s. The galley is U-shaped, designed to keep the cook secure while underway, and typically includes a deep icebox and a two-burner stove. Ventilation is provided by multiple opening ports and hatches, ensuring air circulation during tropical passages.

While there are few structural variations of the Pretorien 35, it is technically a sibling to other Holman & Pye designs built by Wauquiez during the same era. The Gladiateur 33 shares a similar design DNA but on a smaller scale, while the Centurion 32 preceded it as the yard's foundational success. The Pretorien 35 was eventually succeeded by the Centurion 37, which carried forward many of the 35's bluewater philosophies into a more modern hull form.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Pretorien 35 gained significant fame within the cruising community through the exploits of legendary voyagers Hal and Margaret Roth. Their Pretorien 35, named Whisper, served as their home and vehicle for extensive global explorations, documented in numerous books and articles. Hal Roth’s choice of the Pretorien 35 for his late-career voyages cemented the boat's reputation as a "thinking man's" bluewater cruiser. Roth often praised the boat for its manageable size, strength, and predictable handling, making it a frequent subject in his technical sailing guides, such as Always a Distant Anchorage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Pretorien 35 with an eye toward the specific aging characteristics of 1980s European builds.

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Pretorien 35 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step is a known issue. High-moisture readings in these areas can lead to delamination and require significant repair.
2. Chainplates: The original stainless steel chainplates are now decades old. Given the boat's intended use for offshore work, a thorough inspection for crevice corrosion is mandatory, particularly where they pass through the deck.
3. Engine Replacement: Many units were originally fitted with Volvo Penta MD11C or MD17 engines. While robust, parts for these specific older models are becoming increasingly difficult to source. Many well-maintained Pretorien 35s on the market have already been repowered with Yanmar or newer Volvo units.
4. Rudder Bearing Wear: The spade rudder is supported by bearings that can develop play over time. Buyers should check for excessive movement in the rudder stock while the boat is hauled.

Community & Resources

The Pretorien 35 benefits from a dedicated following under the umbrella of the Wauquiez Owners Association. This international group provides a wealth of technical knowledge, original brochures, and maintenance tips specific to the Holman & Pye era boats. Additionally, the Wauquiez Forever organization maintains historical records and facilitates rendezvous for owners of these classic hulls.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Pretorien 35 remains a premier choice for the solo sailor or couple looking for a proven, high-quality offshore vessel on the secondary market. It balances performance and safety in a way that few modern designs can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and interior joinery.
• Proven bluewater pedigree with multiple circumnavigations.
• Manageable size for short-handed sailing.
• Comfortable, predictable motion in a seaway.

Cons:

• Balsa-cored decks require careful moisture monitoring.
• Older original engines may require replacement or high maintenance.
• Interior can feel dark compared to modern "deck saloon" designs.
• IOR hull shape can be prone to rolling on a dead run.