S&S Impala 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Impala 35 is a quintessential "sailor’s boat," characterized by the balanced helm and predictable motion that defined S&S designs of the 1970s. With a Displacement/Length ratio typically hovering in the 300 range, it is considered a medium-heavy displacement vessel by modern standards, providing a sea-kindly motion in chop that lighter contemporary boats often lack. The hull features the hallmark IOR "tumblehome"—a narrowing of the beam at the deck level—which, while aesthetically striking, was originally a rule-beating tactic.

Under sail, the boat excels upwind. Its deep fin keel and high ballast ratio (often exceeding 40%) allow it to stand up to its canvas long after others have reefed. Owner reports and historical reviews from the era suggest that the boat tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal effort from an autopilot or windvane. However, like many designs influenced by early IOR rules, the Impala 35 can become "rolly" and somewhat temperamental when running deep downwind in heavy seas, a byproduct of its pinched ends and relatively narrow stern. The sail area-to-displacement ratio is moderate, meaning the boat requires a steady breeze to truly come alive, but once it reaches hull speed, it feels remarkably stable and secure.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Impala 35 reflects the functional, "nautical" aesthetic of the 1970s, prioritizing safety at sea over the voluminous "condo-style" layouts of modern mass-production boats. The standard configuration features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main saloon typically utilizes a U-shaped or straight settee arrangement with a central drop-leaf table.

A notable variation in the Impala 35 lineage involves the "Pilot Berth" layout. Many units were built with outboard berths situated above the main cabin settees, providing excellent "sea berths" for offshore passages but slightly encroaching on the feeling of openness in the cabin. The galley is generally compact and located near the companionway for optimal ventilation and communication with the cockpit. While the headroom is adequate for most—measuring roughly 6'2" in the main cabin—the beamier "Mark II" iterations or custom builds occasionally adjusted the joinery to include more modern amenities like larger refrigeration units or dedicated navigation stations. Because the Impala 35 was often used for serious offshore racing, the interiors are frequently finished in high-quality teak or mahogany, which contributes to a warm, albeit somewhat dark, cabin atmosphere.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Impala 35 with a focus on its structural longevity, as most hulls are now over five decades old.

1. Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of this era, the Impala 35 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, cleat mounts, and the mast step is common. Soft spots in the deck are a high-signal indicator of core rot that may require expensive surgery.
2. Mast Step Compression: The downward force of the rig can lead to compression of the mast step or the supporting "I-beam" structure in the bilge. Signs of cracking in the gelcoat around the mast base or doors that no longer align in the forward cabin are primary red flags.
3. Chainplate Leakage: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck to the bulkheads. Over time, the sealant fails, allowing water to wick into the plywood bulkheads. Check for "tea-staining" or rot where the chainplates are bolted to the wood.
4. Osmotic Blistering: While the hulls are thick, solid GRP, early resin formulations were prone to osmosis. A haul-out inspection is essential to check for blistering, particularly in hulls that have spent their entire lives in warmer waters.
5. Original Engine Reliability: Many Impala 35s were originally fitted with the Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early raw-water-cooled Yanmar or Bukh diesels. If the engine hasn't been replaced with a modern fresh-water-cooled unit, factor the cost of a repower into the purchase price.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical context is the Sparkman & Stephens Association, which maintains a registry of Design 2110 hulls. While there is no longer a dedicated factory-supported class association, the S&S 34 and 35 communities often overlap in forums like the S&S 34 Association (Australia), as the designs share significant architectural DNA and maintenance requirements.

The Verdict

The Impala 35 is a classic offshore thoroughbred that offers a level of pedigree and seaworthiness rarely found at its price point. It is a boat for the traditionalist who values windward performance and "shiptape" aesthetics over interior volume and modern conveniences.

Pros:

• Exceptional S&S design pedigree and timeless, graceful lines.
• Superior heavy-weather performance and a secure, sea-kindly motion.
• Robust, thick fiberglass hull construction capable of serious offshore work.

Cons:

• Limited interior volume and storage compared to modern 35-footers.
• "Rolly" downwind handling characteristics typical of the IOR era.
• High maintenance requirements associated with aging systems and cored decks.