Design and Construction
The 35's hull measures 10.4 metres with a 9.16-metre waterline, and the structure follows Salona's trademark approach of a stainless steel frame bonded into the hull bottom to distribute rig and keel loads. Carbon fibre is worked into the inner moulding that lines the hull up to the bunks' backrests, adding local stiffness without a full carbon build. Buyers could choose a standard hand-laid laminate or pay more for an epoxy/vinylester infusion that sheds weight. Above the waterline, a moulded headliner carries landings for the bulkheads, and alloy plates are bonded into the deck to take fastenings for deck hardware — details that speak to a yard thinking about long-term fitting security rather than snap-in convenience.
Keel, Rudder and Specs
Jason Ker designed the iron/lead composite keel, and the standard fin gives 1.75 metres of draught; a positively cruisey 1.50-metre shallow option was offered, as was a 2.15-metre T-bulb lead fin for the racing alternative. A high aspect-ratio rudder blade runs almost as deep as the keel itself, promising directional bite when heeled. Displacement is 5,300 kg with ballast ranging from 1,500 kg on the shallow fin to 1,200 kg on the deep fin, and the boat carries an RCD Category A rating for offshore capability.
Rig and Handling
A keel-stepped mast is paired with rod rigging to minimise stretch, weight and windage, and the cockpit is built around twin carbon wheels on angled pods. A full-width track sits on the sole just forward of those wheels, serving a 6:1 mainsheet with a 24:1 fine tune for precise trim. Harken 46 self-tailing primaries handle the headsails, with Harken 40s on the coachroof, and all lines run aft under removable garages in a simple, efficient layout. The kicker and pole downhaul are split to both sides, and an under-deck drum keeps the headsail roller-reefing clean. A Yanmar 21 hp saildrive provides auxiliary power.
Accommodations
Below, headroom of 1.85 metres is comfortable for most, and the saloon berths stretch to 1.88 metres. The aft cabin's roll-over height beneath the cockpit is an adequate 0.56 metres. A solid wooden toerail edges the deck, and a full-depth anchor locker is framed with provision for a windlass — a practical cruising touch on a hull with sporting genes.
The Verdict
The Salona 35 is a thoughtful bridge between race-weekend speed and weeknight cruising, carrying J&J's lines and Ker's keel work into a boat that feels considered rather than compromised. The structural frame and carbon-lined interior give confidence, while the twin-wheel, podded cockpit and led-aft lines make short-handed sailing realistic.
Pros
- Stainless steel hull frame distributes keel and rig loads
- Multiple keel draughts from 1.50 m to 2.15 m for cruise or race
- Led-aft lines and twin wheels suit short-handed sailing
- RCD Category A offshore rating
Cons
- Modest 11 ft beam limits interior volume versus beamier rivals
- Deep rudder and keel restrict shallow-water access on standard fin
