Design and Construction
The hull measures 10.4 metres, or just over 34 feet, with a 9.16-metre waterline and a modest 11-foot beam. The structure follows Salona’s trademark approach: a stainless steel frame bonded into the hull bottom to distribute rig and keel loads.
Carbon fibre is incorporated into the inner moulding, which lines the hull up to the bunks’ backrests. This adds local stiffness without requiring a full carbon build. Buyers could choose a standard hand-laid laminate or pay more for a lighter epoxy/vinylester infusion.
Above the waterline, a moulded headliner provides landings for the bulkheads. Alloy plates bonded into the deck accept the deck-hardware fastenings—details that suggest the yard was thinking about long-term fitting security rather than snap-in convenience.
Keel, Rudder, and Machinery
Jason Ker designed the iron-and-lead composite keel. The standard fin draws 1.75 metres, while buyers could choose a more cruising-oriented 1.50-metre shallow option or a 2.15-metre T-bulb lead fin for the racing alternative.
A high-aspect-ratio rudder blade extends almost as deep as the keel itself, promising directional bite when the boat is 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. The Salona 35 carries an RCD Category A rating for offshore capability.
Auxiliary power comes from a Yanmar 21 hp saildrive.
Rig, Cockpit, and Handling
The keel-stepped mast is paired with rod rigging to reduce stretch, weight, and windage. The cockpit is arranged around twin carbon wheels mounted on angled pods.
A full-width track runs across the cockpit sole just forward of the wheels. It serves a 6:1 mainsheet with a 24:1 fine-tune purchase for precise trim. Harken 46 self-tailing primary winches handle the headsails, while Harken 40s sit on the coachroof.
All lines run aft beneath removable garages, creating a simple, efficient layout. The kicker and pole downhaul are split to both sides, and an under-deck drum keeps the headsail roller-reefing arrangement tidy. Together with the twin wheels, this led-aft layout makes short-handed sailing realistic.
Deck and Accommodation
A solid wooden toerail edges the deck. At the bow, a full-depth anchor locker includes provision for a windlass—a practical cruising feature on a hull with sporting genes.
Below, the 1.85 metres of headroom should be comfortable for most sailors, and the saloon berths extend to 1.88 metres. In the aft cabin, roll-over height beneath the cockpit is an adequate 0.56 metres. The modest 11-foot beam, however, limits interior volume compared with beamier rivals.
Verdict
The Salona 35 thoughtfully bridges race-weekend speed and weeknight cruising. It combines J&J Design’s lines and Jason Ker’s keel work in a boat that feels considered rather than compromised. The structural frame and carbon-lined interior inspire confidence, while the twin-wheel cockpit and led-aft control lines make short-handed sailing a realistic proposition.
Pros
- Stainless steel hull frame distributes keel and rig loads
- Keel options range from 1.50 m to 2.15 m for cruising or racing
- Led-aft lines and twin wheels suit short-handed sailing
- RCD Category A offshore rating
Cons
- Modest 11 ft beam limits interior volume compared with beamier rivals
- Deep rudder and standard keel restrict access to shallow water
