Design Brief & Intent
The Puma 350 was built to serve as a fast, comfortable coastal cruiser and occasional offshore racer. During the late 1980s, mass-market builders like Beneteau and Bavaria were transitioning to high-volume, lightweight production designs. In contrast, Nao-Glass focused on structural integrity and artisanal woodwork. The hull and deck are constructed of solid, hand-laid fiberglass, with an emphasis on reinforcing high-stress areas to withstand the challenging chop of the Mediterranean.
The interior design speaks to a time when yachts were built for extended liveaboard comfort rather than charter-dock appeal. Heavily lined in genuine teak, the interior showcases solid, traditional joinery that is rarely seen in modern yachts of this size class. The layout features a classic U-shaped galley to port, a proper navigation station to starboard, and a large central folding table designed to seat up to eight people comfortably. Accommodation is divided into a dedicated owner’s layout consisting of two private double cabins and a single, well-appointed head with a shower.
Variations & Configurations
Given the highly limited production run of the Puma 350, variations across the fleet are minimal, as most hulls were finished to individual customer order. The standard configuration features a modern fin keel containing a high-ratio lead ballast, which significantly lowers the center of gravity compared to the iron keels found on many of its production contemporaries. This keel configuration gives the boat a draft of approximately 6.23 feet, rendering it highly weatherly but requiring caution when navigating shallow coastal bays.
The rig is configured as a robust masthead sloop. This setup favors reliability, simplicity, and low-down power, delivering manageable heeling forces even when carrying a full canvas. Some hulls were customized during build; notably, at least one well-documented hull was delivered with an extra 80 centimeters of mast height to optimize light-wind performance for racing in the Gulf of Cádiz.
Sailing Performance & Handling
On the water, the design metrics of the Puma 350 translate to a reassuringly stiff and predictable ride. With a displacement-to-length ratio of 300.39, the yacht sits firmly in the heavy cruiser category. It resists the temptation of modern flat-bottomed designs that slam into oncoming waves, choosing instead to slice cleanly through a head sea. This solid displacement is balanced by a respectable sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.14, ensuring that the boat does not feel sluggish in light air, particularly when flying its generous 40-square-meter genoa or its massive 110-square-meter spinnaker.
Under sail, the boat exhibits excellent directional stability. A comfort ratio of 29.89 ensures a gentle, slow motion in a seaway, reducing crew fatigue on multi-day passages. This stability is matched by a capsize screening ratio of 1.85, a figure that easily qualifies the vessel for serious offshore work and category-A ocean racing. At the helm, the rudder provides crisp, positive feedback, though the deep fin keel requires a bit of speed to bite when maneuvering in tight marina slips.
Market Snapshot & Economics
Because of its scarcity, finding a Puma 350 on the brokerage market requires patience. The majority of these vessels reside in Spain, where they command a quiet cult following and are valued higher than generic production boats of the same era. For buyers seeking structural longevity, the Puma 350 represents a high-value entry point into premium yacht ownership.
Prospective owners should factor in the unique economic realities of a hand-built boat from a defunct yard. While the fiberglass work is exceptionally thick and durable, original auxiliary systems—often featuring Solé Diesel engines (typically the Solé Mini 31 or 32 based on robust Mitsubishi blocks)—may be approaching the end of their operational lives. Refitting a Puma 350 is generally a rewarding endeavor, as the premium teak interior and solid deck structures justify the investment in modern electronics, fresh sails, and updated power systems.
The Verdict
The Puma 350 is a rare, beautifully crafted cruiser-racer that prioritizes structural integrity, sea-kindly manners, and traditional wood craftsmanship over modern high-volume accommodation. It is an ideal choice for the discerning traditionalist who values a stiff, dry ride and is willing to search the Mediterranean market for a truly exclusive vessel.
Pros
- Exceptionally strong, hand-laid fiberglass hull construction.
- Stunning, old-world teak interior joinery that is highly durable.
- Highly stable and seaworthy, with a reassuring comfort ratio for offshore passages.
- Excellent upwind performance facilitated by a deep lead fin keel.
- Simple, reliable masthead rig that is easy to single-hand or sail short-handed.
Cons
- Extremely scarce on the used market, with most hulls concentrated in Spain.
- Deep draft limits access to some shallow anchorages and cruising grounds.
- Orphan brand status means there is no factory support for proprietary replacement parts.
- Heavy displacement demands active sail trim to maintain speed in ultra-light breezes.
