Prout Snowgoose 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Snowgoose 35 are defined by its unique mast-aft rig. In this configuration, the mast is stepped significantly further aft than on a typical catamaran, resulting in a small, high-aspect mainsail and a large, powerful genoa. This design was pioneered by the Prout brothers to make the boat easily handled by a shorthanded or family crew; most of the driving force comes from the headsail, which can be easily furled or tacked without the heavy labor associated with a large mainsail. According to technical archives from the Prout Owners Association, this rig reduces the risk of pitch-pole in heavy seas by keeping the center of effort lower and further aft.

In terms of sea-kindliness, the Snowgoose 35 is often described as "stiff" and "predictable." Because of its low-aspect-ratio keels, it does not point as high to windward as modern performance cats with daggerboards, typically tacking through 100 to 110 degrees. However, it excels on a reach and is exceptionally stable in a following sea. The boat's displacement-to-length ratio is relatively high for a catamaran, which helps it punch through a chop where lighter multihulls might hobby-horse, though this weight limits its light-air performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Snowgoose 35 was revolutionary for its time, utilizing the bridge deck to house a large, panoramic saloon that serves as the social hub of the vessel. Unlike modern "open plan" cats, the Snowgoose maintains a cozy, protected feel. The layout typically features the galley in the midships section of the starboard hull, with the primary heads located aft. The port hull usually contains additional berths or storage.

This model saw several variations during its production run, most notably in the transition to the Snowgoose 37. While the hulls of the 35 and 37 are largely identical in underwater profile, the 37 added two feet of length to the transoms, improving buoyancy aft and increasing top-end hull speed. The later Snowgoose Elite 37, however, represents a more significant departure, as the beam was increased to over 16 feet to provide a more spacious interior and greater initial stability. Owners of the original 35 often praise the "ship-like" feel of the wood joinery, which was finished to a high standard at the Canvey Island factory.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Snowgoose series is widely regarded as the most successful production catamaran line in history by volume of ocean crossings. Yachting Monthly has frequently highlighted the Snowgoose lineage in its used boat features, noting that these vessels have completed more circumnavigations than almost any other multihull design. Their reputation for safety was cemented by their performance in heavy weather, including documented accounts of Snowgoose 35s and 37s weathering extreme storms that damaged larger, more modern vessels.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas specific to Prout construction from this era:

1. Sillette Sonic Drive: Most Snowgoose 35s were equipped with a single central engine connected to a steerable "Sonic" outdrive leg. This leg can be tilted out of the water to prevent corrosion, but the lifting mechanism and the gaiters require meticulous maintenance. Buyers should check for water ingress in the leg oil and ensure the steering linkage is smooth.
2. Bulkhead Bonding: While the hulls are solid, the bonding of the main structural bulkheads to the hull and deck can occasionally show signs of stress cracking or secondary bond failure in boats that have been driven hard in heavy seas.
3. Deck Core and Windows: Like many boats of this age, the sandwich-construction side decks can suffer from moisture ingress if hardware has not been re-bedded. Additionally, the large forward-facing wrap-around windows are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished; replacing these is a labor-intensive task due to the curvature of the acrylic.
4. Osmosis: While Prouts are generally robust, hulls from the 1970s and early 80s should be checked for osmotic blistering, particularly if the boat has spent its life in warmer waters.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Prout Owners Association, which maintains an extensive library of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and manuals for the Sillette drive systems. This community is particularly active in the UK and North America, offering a wealth of knowledge on modernizing the mast-aft rig and retrofitting newer engines.

The Verdict

The Prout Snowgoose 35 is a quintessential "slow and steady" blue-water cruiser. It sacrifices the high-speed potential of modern multihulls for immense structural reliability and ease of handling.

Pros:

• Ease of Handling: The mast-aft cutter rig allows for sail changes and reefing with minimal physical effort.
• Offshore Pedigree: A proven track record of ocean crossings and a design that prioritizes safety over speed.
• Layout: The bridge deck saloon provides excellent 360-degree visibility and a social atmosphere.

Cons:

• Upwind Performance: Significant leeway and wide tacking angles compared to modern designs or monohulls.
• Narrow Beam: Offers less living space and lower initial stability than contemporary 35-foot catamarans.
• Mechanical Complexity: The steerable outdrive leg requires more frequent maintenance than a standard sail-drive or shaft-drive system.