Witness 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Witness 35 are defined by its Lock Crowther heritage, emphasizing speed and pointing ability over sheer interior volume. With a reported sail area of approximately 625 square feet and a displacement of 11,500 pounds, the vessel maintains a favorable power-to-weight ratio for a cruiser of its generation. The defining technical feature is the use of twin daggerboards, which, when lowered to a depth of over five feet, significantly reduce leeway and allow the boat to track well against the wind. When boards are raised, the draft is reduced to just over two feet, facilitating "gunkholing" and beaching in shallow waters.

The boat's beam-to-length ratio is narrower than many modern multihulls, measuring 17 feet. While this reduces the "patio" feel found on newer cats, it provides a more sea-kindly motion and allows the Witness 35 to fit into many standard marina slips that larger catamarans cannot navigate. Handling is typically described as responsive, though the boat requires attentive sail trimming to maximize its performance potential. Owners have noted that the original masthead sloop rig provides ample power, though some hulls were reportedly modified with shorter masts for bridge clearance, which significantly hampers light-air performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Witness 35 reflects the "bridge deck saloon" philosophy common in early performance cats. The central living area includes a saloon with panoramic views, while the sleeping quarters and galley are located in the hulls. The construction utilizes hand-laid fiberglass cored with PVC closed-cell foam in both the hulls and deck to save weight and provide thermal insulation.

Most models feature a three-cabin layout, typically with two generous aft doubles and a forward guest cabin or storage area. The galley is generally located "down" in one of the hulls, a configuration that maximizes counter space but separates the cook from the social action in the saloon. While the boat offers standing headroom throughout most of the interior, the cabins can feel tighter than those on modern "condo-cats" due to the slender hull shapes required for performance. Variations in the interior finish were common, as many of these boats were finished or customized by their original owners.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Witness 35 with a focus on its age and specific construction methods. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Core Integrity: Because the Witness 35 uses PVC foam coring in the hulls and deck, a thorough moisture inspection and "tap test" are essential. While PVC foam does not rot like balsa, it can still suffer from delamination if the boat has been subjected to severe impacts or if deck hardware was improperly bedded.
• Engine Configuration: Many original models were fitted with twin 13hp single-cylinder diesel engines. These are often considered underpowered for modern cruising needs and may be coupled with older saildrives that require specialized maintenance. Many well-kept examples have been repowered with larger diesels or high-thrust outboards.
• Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect the trunks for signs of stress cracking or previous grounding damage. Ensure the boards move freely and that the lifting mechanisms (often lines and winches) are in good repair.
• Bridgedeck Clearance: Like many early catamarans, the Witness 35 has a relatively low bridgedeck clearance compared to modern blue-water cats. This can lead to "slamming" in heavy chop, which is a structural and comfort concern that should be assessed during a sea trial in varied conditions.

Community & Resources

The Witness Catamarans Owner Site serves as the primary technical repository for this model. It provides historical context on the builder, technical drawings of the sail plan, and layout diagrams. This site is the central meeting point for owners to share data on refits, particularly regarding the replacement of the original underpowered power plants.

The Verdict

The Witness 35 is a vintage multihull that appeals to sailors who value performance and shallow-water access over the apartment-style luxuries of modern catamarans.

Pros:

• Excellent windward performance for its era due to Lock Crowther design and daggerboards.
• Extremely shallow draft (approx. 2.2 ft) with boards up, ideal for coastal exploration.
• "Marina friendly" 17-foot beam allows for easier berthing.
• Foam-cored construction provides a stiff, light, and well-insulated hull.

Cons:

• Original 13hp diesel engines are frequently cited as underpowered for heavy weather or currents.
• Interior volume is significantly less than modern catamarans of the same length.
• Potential for bridgedeck slamming in short, steep seas.
• Aging foam cores and saildrives require rigorous pre-purchase surveys.