Seafarer Bahama 35 MS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

As a motor sailer, the Bahama 35 MS does not pretend to be a light-air flyer. With a moderate displacement-to-length ratio and a sail area-to-displacement ratio typically hovering in the lower teens, the vessel relies heavily on its engine in anything less than a stiff breeze. The hull, designed by McCurdy & Rhodes—who were renowned for balanced, seaworthy shapes—provides a stable platform with a significant amount of form stability.

The shoal draft, often under four feet, allows for incredible access to secluded anchorages but results in notable leeway when close-hauled. Historical technical data suggests the boat is "stiff," requiring a significant blow to wake up the hull, but once established on a point of sail, it tracks with the predictability expected of a heavy-keel cruiser. The helm is typically hydraulic, common for motor sailers of this era, which provides ease of steering from the semi-enclosed station but sacrifices the tactile "feel" preferred by racing purists.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Bahama 35 MS is defined by its "live-aboard" layout. Unlike the standard Seafarer 34 or 35 sloop models, the Bahama version utilizes a raised deckhouse to create a bright, airy main salon with panoramic visibility—a luxury rarely found in traditional trunk-cabin boats of the same vintage. This model was frequently offered in a center-cockpit configuration, which allowed for a private aft cabin, though some variations existed under the "Bahama" nameplate that modified the cockpit's depth and shelter.

The interior is generally finished in teak veneers with high-quality joinery, reflective of Seafarer's peak production years. Headroom is a standout feature, often exceeding 6'4" in the main cabin. Sibling models built on similar hull platforms include the Seafarer 34 and the Seafarer 35 (standard sloop/ketch versions). While these siblings share the same rugged hull construction, the Bahama 35 MS remains unique for its emphasis on the "deck-saloon" experience and its specific accommodation for larger fuel and water tanks necessary for long-range motoring.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Deck Delamination: Like many Seafarers produced during the 1970s, the Bahama 35 MS utilized balsa-cored decks. Potential buyers should pay close attention to areas around the raised deckhouse windows and stanchion bases, where moisture intrusion often leads to core rot and soft spots.
• Window Seals: The expansive windows of the deckhouse are the boat's best feature but also its most common failure point. Over decades, the original seals tend to perish, leading to leaks that can damage the teak joinery below.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The motor sailer rig puts unique stresses on the standing rigging. It is essential to inspect the chainplate attachments—often glassed-in or bolted through heavy laminates—as leaks in these areas can compromise the structural bulkheads.
• Engine Serviceability: Given the "Motor" emphasis of the design, the engine is central to the boat’s utility. While the raised salon floor usually provides good top-down access, side access for components like the raw water pump or heat exchanger can be cramped depending on the specific interior cabinetry chosen by the original owner.

Community & Resources

Owners and researchers of these vessels frequently utilize the Seafarer Yacht Owners research site, which serves as a technical repository for original brochures, line drawings, and builder specifications. This archive is the primary source for verifying the specific McCurdy & Rhodes design numbers (such as Design #74) and production changes that occurred during the transition of the Huntington, NY plant.

The Verdict

The Seafarer Bahama 35 MS is a specialist’s boat, ideal for the cruising couple who values a panoramic view and a dry cabin over technical sail trimming.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom and interior natural light.
• Shallow draft is ideal for coastal exploration and "thin water" cruising.
• Robust hull construction from a pedigree American builder.

Cons:

• Sub-par light-air sailing performance compared to contemporary sloops.
• High maintenance requirements for the large deckhouse window seals.
• Hydraulic steering lacks the feedback desired by performance-oriented sailors.