Design and Construction
The Tradewind 35 is a solid fiberglass hull with encapsulated internal ballast and a balsa/ply cored deck anchor. Encapsulating the ballast in the keel cavity removes any concern over keel-bolt corrosion or leakage, a meaningful structural advantage for a boat intended for long service. The deck itself uses balsa/ply sandwich construction for strength and insulation, and where deck fittings are mounted the structure is reinforced with hardwood pads. At 19,442 pounds displacement with 8,287 pounds of ballast, the boat is heavy and beamy; her 10.5-foot beam and 504 displacement-to-length ratio place her firmly in the slow-but-sturdy tradition of the period. The long keel runs almost the entire length of the hull and draws a moderate 5.5 feet, enough to give directional stability while still accessing most harbors.
Rig and Handling
As a cutter, the Tradewind 35 carries a genoa roller-furled on the forestay and a hanked staysail on an inner forestay tensioned by running backstays, with the mainsail slab-reefed on the boom and fitted with three reef points and lazy jacks. The aluminum keel-stepped mast has two spreader sets and internal conduit for wiring and halyards. A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.0 gives adequate power in lighter winds without being overcanvased. Period reviews found she tracked well under way and answered the helm promptly when a close-quarters avoidance demanded quick response, traits consistent with the full-keel profile and attached rudder controlled by a single wheel through cable and quadrant.
Accommodations
Her heavy displacement and broad beam allowed for a capacious cockpit and plenty of headroom below anchor, and the interior is both spacious and cozy with generous storage. Sleeping space runs to six across two separate cabins and the saloon: a forward V-berth with infill, a hanging locker and shelves; an aft double berth with its own locker and shelves; and two saloon settees that convert to singles around a folding table. The navigation station sits to starboard with a large chart table and instrument panel, while the port-side galley holds a two-burner stove with oven, sink, refrigerator and ample counter. A head aft of the navigation station completes the layout with marine toilet, sink and shower.
Deck and Equipment
The deck layout is simple and functional, with wide side decks, high bulwarks and sturdy handrails. The deep, well-protected cockpit has high coamings and a dodger, and can be reached from either side or the transom, with two large lockers for storage. Stainless steel stanchions, lifelines, pulpits and pushpits, plus six mooring cleats, twin bow rollers, an anchor locker, electric windlass and anchor washdown, round out a practical ground-tackle setup. Four self-tailing headsail winches, two coachroof mainsail winches and two running-backstay winches reflect a sail plan meant to be handled without crowding.
The Verdict
The Tradewind 35 is a conservative, well-built cruiser whose encapsulated ballast and solid hull make for a low-drama ownership profile, while the beamy, heavy hull delivers roomy accommodations and steady sea manners rather than speed. She suits a sailor who values predictable handling and livable space over racing performance.
Pros
- Encapsulated keel ballast eliminates keel-bolt corrosion risk
- Spacious, headroom-rich interior for six with proper nav station and galley
- Tracks well and responds quickly to helm input
Cons
- Heavy displacement and full keel limit light-air speed
- Little known in the US, complicating parts and survey familiarity
