Design and Construction
The Tradewind 35 has a solid fiberglass hull, encapsulated internal ballast, and a balsa/ply-cored deck. Encapsulating the ballast within the keel cavity removes concerns about keel-bolt corrosion or leakage, a meaningful structural advantage in a boat intended for long service. The deck’s balsa/ply sandwich construction provides strength and insulation, while hardwood pads reinforce the areas where deck fittings are mounted.
At 19,442 pounds displacement, with 8,287 pounds of ballast, the Tradewind is both heavy and beamy. Its 10.5-foot beam and displacement-to-length ratio of 504 place it firmly in the slow-but-sturdy tradition of the period. The long keel extends almost the full length of the hull and draws a moderate 5.5 feet, providing directional stability while allowing access to most harbors.
Rig and Handling
The cutter rig combines a roller-furled genoa on the forestay with a hanked staysail on an inner forestay tensioned by running backstays. The boom carries a slab-reefed mainsail with three reef points and lazy jacks. The aluminum, keel-stepped mast has two sets of spreaders and internal conduit for wiring and halyards.
A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.0 provides adequate power in lighter winds without leaving the boat overcanvased. Period reviews found that the Tradewind tracked well under way and answered the helm promptly when close-quarters avoidance required a quick response. Those traits are consistent with its full-keel profile and attached rudder, which a single wheel controls through cables and a quadrant.
Accommodations
The boat’s heavy displacement and broad beam provide a capacious cockpit and plenty of headroom below. The interior is spacious but cozy, with generous storage and sleeping room for six across two separate cabins and the saloon.
Forward, the V-berth has an infill, along with a hanging locker and shelves. The aft cabin contains a double berth, its own locker, and more shelving. In the saloon, two settees convert into single berths around a folding table.
The navigation station is to starboard and includes a large chart table and instrument panel. Opposite, the port-side galley has a two-burner stove with oven, a sink, a refrigerator, ample counter space, and storage. A head aft of the navigation station completes the layout with a 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. It can be reached from either side or the transom and includes two large storage lockers.
Stainless steel stanchions, lifelines, pulpits, and pushpits provide security around the deck. Ground-tackle equipment includes six mooring cleats, twin bow rollers, an anchor locker, an electric windlass, and an anchor washdown.
Four self-tailing headsail winches, two coachroof mainsail winches, and two running-backstay winches support a sail plan intended to be handled without crowding the cockpit.
The Verdict
The Tradewind 35 is a conservative, well-built cruiser. Its encapsulated ballast and solid hull promise a low-drama ownership profile, while the beamy, heavy hull favors roomy accommodations and steady sea manners over speed. It best suits a sailor who values predictable handling and livable space more than racing performance.
Pros
- Encapsulated keel ballast eliminates the risk of keel-bolt corrosion
- Spacious interior with good headroom, berths for six, a proper navigation station, and a well-equipped galley
- Tracks well and responds quickly to helm input
Cons
- Heavy displacement and a full keel limit light-air speed
- Little known in the United States, which can complicate parts sourcing and survey familiarity
