Sailing Performance & Handling
The Privateer 35 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and sea-kindliness over raw speed or pointing ability. Its hull features a traditional full keel with a cutaway forefoot, a design choice that provides exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" in 15 to 20 knots of wind, where its weight allows it to power through chop that would slow lighter, modern fin-keel designs.
Most Privateer 35s were configured with a ketch rig, which is a hallmark of Thomas Gillmer’s design philosophy. This "split rig" offers a versatile sail plan, allowing the skipper to drop the mainsail and sail comfortably under "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen) during heavy weather. While the boat is not known for its agility in light air or its ability to tack through narrow angles, it is a formidable tracker. Once the sails are trimmed, the long keel allows the boat to hold its course with minimal helm correction, a trait highly valued by solo sailors or those making longer coastal passages. The high displacement-to-length ratio ensures that the vessel remains stiff and predictable, though the large wetted surface area of the full keel does necessitate a reliable engine for maneuvering in tight marinas or navigating doldrums.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Below deck, the Privateer 35 reflects the era of its construction, utilizing a significant amount of wood to maintain a warm, traditional ambiance. The layout is typically conservative, featuring a V-berth forward, a head and hanging locker just aft, and a main salon with opposing settees that can double as sea berths. Because the hull narrows significantly at the bow and stern to accommodate its classic lines, the interior volume feels more compact than a modern 35-footer with a wider beam and plumb ends.
One of the defining variations of this model is the finish level. Early hulls were often sold as "kits" or partially finished boats, meaning the interior joinery can vary wildly from basic plywood to exquisite teak or mahogany, depending on the original owner’s craftsmanship. The factory-finished models generally featured a galley located near the companionway for optimal ventilation. Despite the smaller interior volume, the headroom is generous for a boat of its vintage, often exceeding six feet in the main salon. The Privateer 35 was built on a similar ethos to the Kenner Skipjack 35, though the latter utilized a different hull form based on Chesapeake Bay oyster dredges; those interested in the Privateer should ensure they are not looking at the Skipjack variant, which offers a much shallower draft and different sailing characteristics.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Kenner Privateer 35 must approach the vessel with an understanding of 1960s-era fiberglass construction. While the hulls are notoriously thick and robust, the materials used for reinforcement and decking have known lifespans.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, Kenner used wood (often balsa or plywood) to core the fiberglass decks. Over decades, water intrusion through unbedded stanchions, cleats, or the bowsprit can lead to delamination and rot. A thorough percussion test with a phenolic hammer is essential during inspection.
- Bowsprit and Rigging Hardware: The wooden bowsprit is a critical structural component of the rig. It is prone to "freshwater rot" if the wood is not meticulously maintained. Furthermore, the chainplates—where the rigging meets the hull—should be inspected for crevice corrosion, particularly where they pass through the deck.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: Original tanks were often made of galvanized steel or early-grade aluminum and may be nearing the end of their service life. Given the tight interior configuration, replacing these tanks can be a labor-intensive "engine-out" project.
- Osmotic Blistering: While the hulls are overbuilt, the resins used in the late 60s were susceptible to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural on a hull this thick, it is a common cosmetic and maintenance concern.
Community & Resources
The community surrounding the Privateer series is deeply rooted in the "Traditional Character Boat" movement. The Thomas Gillmer Design enthusiasts often share technical data and restoration tips through various maritime heritage groups. While Kenner is no longer in production, technical drawings and original marketing brochures are occasionally archived by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which celebrates the history of local builders like the Kenner family. Owners also congregate in independent online circles dedicated to "Plastic Classics" and Gillmer designs, where the nuances of the Privateer’s ketch rig are frequently discussed.
The Verdict
The Kenner Privateer 35 is a vessel for the sailor who values aesthetics and history over modern performance metrics. It is a rugged, capable cruiser that turns heads in every harbor, offering a connection to maritime tradition that modern production boats cannot replicate.
Pros:
- Timeless Aesthetics: The clipper bow and ketch rig provide a classic silhouette that remains visually stunning.
- Heavy Weather Capability: High displacement and a full keel offer a stable, comfortable ride in rough seas.
- Robust Construction: The solid fiberglass hull layup is significantly thicker than contemporary standards.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensive: Exterior wood trim, a wooden bowsprit, and aging systems require constant attention.
- Light Air Performance: The heavy weight and high wetted surface area make it sluggish in light winds.
- Tight Interior: The narrow, traditional hull shape offers less living space than modern cruisers of the same length.
