fuji 35 sailboat review

This classic Alden-designed ketch is seaworthy and beautiful

Naval architect John G. Alden never got to see his traditional Fuji 35 ketch make the jump from drafting table to boat-building production line. Alden was born in 1884 and died in 1962, eleven years before the first Fuji 35 was completed in Japan. By then, the Alden Design firm was being overseen by Niels Helleberg, who went on to become the chief designer. Helleberg held fast to Alden’s balanced sense of form and function. Alden was known for designing beautiful offshore boats that were fast and seaworthy.

The Fuji 35 boat was offered as a standard ketch or optional cutter. The boat had a nine-year production run from 1973 to 1982. Simple and time proven, like most Alden designs it barely needs an introduction. 

Available records indicate 128 Fuji 35s were built. At least 57 with different hull numbers were sold on Yachtworld over the past 20 years, according to yacht broker Kevin McCann in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. 

First impressions

Cheryl Andrews first saw a Fuji 35 in Provincetown, Rhode Island. 

Andrews eventually bought a 1974 Fuji 35 and renamed it Sabbatical . She sailed it for 16 years and currently has the boat listed for sale with McCann’s brokerage.

“Once we bought the boat, we never wished we had bought something else. The boat is built like a tank. I cried when Kevin told me somebody is seriously looking at it,” she said.

Phillip Caputo, owner of the Fuji 35 See Life , summed up the emotions that surfaced upon seeing the boat under sail. In an online post, he wrote,  “John Alden sure knew how to design vessels that were so pleasing to the eye.”

The Fuji 35 certainly lives up to that description. Long, sleek and narrow, the traditionally designed boat exudes nautical charm, enhanced further by its bowsprit and portholes. Despite the boat’s relatively slim beam, the decks on both sides provide adequate space for crew to move forward.

Alden was raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts and family holidays were spent in Rhode Island on the Sakonnet River and on Narragansett Bay. Legend has it he sailed his sister’s flat-bottomed rowing boat, using an umbrella as a sail. Upon finishing basic schooling, he studied naval architecture, enrolling in courses at MIT and apprenticed with naval architects Starling Burgess and Bowdoin B. Crowninshield. 

Alden was drawn to the shape and seaworthiness of the Grand Banks-style schooners docked along the Boston waterfront. He was known to frequent the wharves, studying the New England fishing vessels. He was inspired by what he saw, a vision later carried over onto his drafting table when designing recreational sailboats. Interestingly enough, Alden was a compulsive doodler as a child and made countless sketches of boats.

Construction

The Fuji 35s were built by Fuji Yacht Builders in Yokosuka, Japan. The hull was hand laid-up fiberglass with polyurethane insulation. Below the waterline, its long keel was cut away slightly at the forward end to improve maneuverability. The carpentry below deck has been described as “a lost art” and “museum quality.” Some of the boats were outfitted with wooden masts and booms, while others were made with white painted aluminum masts and booms.

What to look for

The Fuji 35 can be susceptible to water infusion and deck delamination. Potential buyers should check for soft spots on deck. Boats with wooden masts and booms should be carefully inspected for cracks or weakness. Online forums note some owners rebuilt the cabin structure. 

The artistry of John Alden comes alive on deck. The boat’s traditional design is enhanced by a beautiful sheer that is extended with a bowsprit. On some of the boats, wooden masts and booms further complete the nautical look. The stainless steel bow pulpit, stern rail and stanchions with double lifelines add to the boat’s overall appearance as safe and seaworthy.

There are four portholes on each side of the cabin and the cockpit, with its teak sole and varnished teak coamings, can easily accommodate six sailors. Storage lockers are located under the teak cockpit benches and also under the helm seat. The grabrails on the coach room are also teak. All fittings are bronze or stainless steel. The companionway features a teak louvered door. 

The pedestal-mounted steering wheel takes up space in the cockpit, as does the mizzen mast on the ketch.  

Headroom in the saloon is 6 feet 3 inches and there’s plenty of space to stretch out on the settees. The boat sleeps six, with two in the V-berth, three on settees in the saloon and one on the aft quarter berth on the starboard side.

The dinette is a folding table between the two settees in the saloon.  The galley is located to port at the bottom of the companionway. It’s outfitted with a stainless steel sink, icebox and a kerosene-fuel stove with oven. The stove is gimbaled. 

The freshwater tank under the cabin sole holds 60 gallons, and a secondary freshwater tank on the port side under the V-berth holds another 26 gallons. 

Directly across from the galley is a pullout nav station. There’s a hanging locker on the port side, just aft of the V-berth. The head on the starboard side faces the hanging locker. The wastewater tank holds 30 gallons. 

There are storage lockers and drawers located throughout. Most of the cabinetry is varnished teak. The joinery was done to perfection.

Most of the boats were outfitted with a 36-horsepower Perkins 4107 diesel engine. A lesser number of boats had Westerbeke diesels. The original engines had a top speed of about seven knots under power. Many subsequent owners have replaced those engines with a Yanmar diesel. The boat was built to carry 40 gallons of fuel. 

The Fuji 35 has a reputation for being a dry boat, with a cockpit and coamings designed to keep seawater where it belongs. Owners say the boat tracks flawlessly in heavy air and commendably when the breeze slackens. 

“She holds her own off the wind in big seas and yet is nimble going upwind during a nice day sail,” said Andrews, who sails primarily in Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod and the Islands. “She has a great personality.”

Caputo offered a similar assessment. “I love my 1973 staysail ketch. Not the fastest boat out there, but it will take you anywhere in the world,” he said.

Some of the boats were fitted with a self-tending staysail, which can make single-handing or sailing with a short crew much less demanding.  

Both the Fuji 35 ketch and cutter are John Alden-designed masterpieces with beautiful lines, seaworthy construction and the ability to safely transport a small crew offshore in style over long distances.

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS: LOA 34’6”; LWL 26’; Beam 10’; Draft 5’; Displacement 16,302 lb.; Ballast 5,500 lb.; Sail area 538 sq. ft. 

SAILING's Value Guide (5 sailboat rating system)

PRICE:  The asking price of a used Fuji 35 ranges from $55,000 in Patagonia, Chile, to $34,900 in Florida. A Fuji 35 heavily damaged in Hurricane Irma was for sale in Florida for $9,000. (3 sailboats)

DESIGN QUALITY: The Fuji 35 is considered among the best designs by legendary naval architect John G. Alden, known for creating fast, seaworthy, offshore boats. The design was influenced by his appreciation for Grand Banks-style fishing schooners. The Fuji 35 was available as a ketch or cutter.  (3.5 sailboats)

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY: With its solid fiberglass hull and, in some versions wooden masts and booms, it was built to impeccable standards by the highly regarded Fuji Yacht Builders in Yokosuka, Japan.  (3.5 sailboats)

USER-FRIENDLINESS:  Owners report the Fuji 35 is a joy to sail and the self-tending staysail makes it easier to handle when short-handed. The overall design results in a dry cockpit and pleasant sea motion. The boat is known for its seaworthiness and comfort in heavy weather. (3.5 sailboats)

SAFETY:  The boat is fitted out with double lifelines and stainless steel stanchions, bow pulpit and stern rail. There’s plenty of lead ballast in the keel to help keep the boat upright in a blow. The bridgedeck in the cockpit keeps water from entering the companionway.  (3.5 sailboats)

TYPICAL CONDITION: The condition of Fuji 35s varies from pristine to in need of attention. (2.5 sailboats)

REFITTING: The high quality of construction, particularly the woodworking and joinery is difficult to replicate. Many owners have upgraded the Westerbeke or Perkins diesel engines to a Yanmar diesel.  (2.5 sailboats)

SUPPORT: Specifications, owner manuals and original brochures are available at www.fujiyachts.net/owners/fuji35owners.html and information on John Alden designs can be found at www.aldendesigns.com . His designs are housed at the MIT Museum’s Hart Nautical Collection. (3 sailboats)

AVAILABILITY: The Fuji 35 owners’ registry said 128 boats were built. Only four Fuji 35s were available for sale during winter of 2020, and a fifth boat in Indiantown, Florida, was damaged by Hurricane Irma and for sale at $9,000. (2.5 sailboats)

INVESTMENT AND RESALE:  The Fuji 35 was originally priced at $28,900 for the most basic model. The price was increased in 1976 to a high of $41,035. A 1974 model completely overhauled was recently offered in Australia for $89,000. (3.5 sailboats)

OVERALL 'SVG' RATING: (3 sailboats)

Also in Used Boat Notebook

• Hunter Passage 42
• Pearson Rhodes 41
• Santa Cruz 52
• Allied Princess 36
• Kelly-Peterson 46
• C&C 36 Invader

Also from David Liscio

• Chasing a dream
• The wide, wide world of multihulls
• Flares are expired. Now what?
• Saved from the scrap heap
• Pedal to the Medal

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Cruising Yachts 30' to 35'

The Fuji 35 Sailboat

The Fuji 35, a clipper-bowed staysail ketch, was designed by John Alden and built in Japan by Fuji Yacht Builders.

The Fuji 35 is a full-keel, heavy displacement, ocean cruising sailboat, and is known for its strong and sturdy construction, making it a reliable vessel for long-distance sailing. It has a fiberglass hull with a traditional design, a long overhang, and a wineglass transom.

Published Specification for the Fuji 35

Underwater Profile:  Full keel, with a cut-away forefoot;

Hull Material :  GRP;

Length Overall : 34'7" (10.5m);

Waterline Length : 26'00" (7.9m);

Beam : 10'00" (3.1m);

Draft : 5'0" (1.5m);

Rig Type : Staysail Ketch;

Displacement : 6,302lb (7,395kg);

Designer : John Alden;

Builder :  Fuji Yacht Builders (Japan);

Year First Built : 1973;

Year Last Built : 1982; 

Design Ratios

The Fuji 35’s design ratios are crucial to understanding its sailing performance.

• The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) is a measure of the sailboat's ability to move efficiently. For the Fuji 35, this ratio is 15.22, indicating a relatively moderate ability to accelerate and maintain speed, making it a balanced choice for both cruising and racing.
• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D) of the Fuji 35 is 40.73. This ratio reflects the boat's stability and resistance to capsizing. A higher ratio suggests a more stable boat, and the Fuji 35's ratio indicates a well-balanced vessel that can handle a variety of sea conditions.
• The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) is another critical measure. A higher D/L ratio generally suggests a slower but more comfortable ride. The Fuji 35 has a ratio of 327.11, indicating a boat designed for comfort and stability, rather than speed.
• The Fuji 35’s Comfort Ratio (CR) , which measures the motion comfort of the boat, is 35. This suggests a boat that provides a smoother ride in rough conditions, making it ideal for those long passages where comfort becomes paramount.
• The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) for the Fuji 35 is 1.72. A lower CSF is better, as it indicates a lower likelihood of capsizing. With a CSF of 1.72, the Fuji 35 offers a good level of safety for offshore sailing.

But how reliable are these design ratios and how are they derived?

The Fuji 35 was available in two versions: a staysail ketch and a cutter. The ketch version has a smaller mainmast, a mizzenmast and a staysail, while the cutter version has a single taller mast and a staysail. The ketch version has more sail area and more options for sail trimming, but the cutter version is simpler to handle and has less windage.

Above & Below Deck

The Fuji 35 is also praised for its beautiful craftsmanship, both on the exterior and the interior. The woodwork is typically made of high-quality teak, giving the boat a classic and elegant look.

The interior of the Fuji 35 is crafted from teak and offers a warm, traditional feel. The layout includes a forward V-berth, a main saloon with settees that can double as bunks, a navigation station, a galley, and a separate aft cabin.

The galley in the Fuji 35 is well-equipped for long voyages. It includes a stove, oven, and refrigerator, as well as ample storage for provisions. The layout allows for easy meal preparation even while underway.

The Fuji 35's cockpit is spacious and well-protected, offering a safe and comfortable space for the crew while sailing. The helm is responsive, and the cockpit layout provides easy access to all the necessary controls and instruments.

The deck layout of the Fuji 35 is practical and efficient, with all lines leading aft for easy handling. The wide side decks and high lifelines provide a safe and secure environment when moving around the boat at sea.

What the Sailing Press and Fuji Owners have said...

The sailing press generally praised the Fuji 35 for its classic design, solid construction, comfortable interior, and seaworthy performance. Some of the reviews are:

• "Both the Fuji 35 ketch and the cutter are John Alden-designed masterpieces with beautiful lines, seaworthy construction and the ability to safely transport a small crew offshore in style over long distances."
• "The Fuji 35 is a very heavy sailboat which is underpowered. It is stable/stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a heavy bluewater cruising boat."
• "The Fuji 35 is one of those boats that makes you stop and stare. She has graceful lines, a clipper bow, a wineglass transom, and a traditional rig. She looks like she belongs in another era, but she was built to modern standards of quality and safety."

Owners of the Fuji 35 tend to love their boats for their beauty, comfort, durability, and reliability. They also appreciate their boats' ability to handle rough seas and strong winds with ease. Some of the owners' comments are:

• "We have owned our Fuji 35 ketch for over 20 years and have sailed her extensively in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and US East Coast. She is a wonderful boat that always gets compliments wherever we go. She is well-built, spacious, and comfortable. She sails well in light airs and heavy weather. She is easy to maintain and repair. We have never regretted buying her."
• "Our Fuji 35 cutter is our dream boat. We bought her in 2010 and have since sailed her across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. She has proven to be a sturdy, safe, and fast boat that can handle anything we throw at her. She is also very beautiful and attracts attention everywhere we go. She has a cozy and functional interior that makes living aboard a pleasure. We are very happy with our boat."
• "I have owned my Fuji 35 ketch since 1985 and have sailed her around the world twice. She is an amazing boat that has never let me down. She is strong, stable, and seaworthy. She can sail well in all conditions and point high into the wind. She is also very elegant and charming. She has a lot of character and history. She is more than just a boat, she is my home."

The Secondhand Market

The Fuji 35 is not a common boat on the market, but it is not impossible to find one either. According to some online sources, there were about 200 Fuji 35s built, and some of them are still sailing today.

The asking prices vary depending on the condition and the equipment of the boat, but they range from $30,000 to $60,000 on average.

The Fuji 35's performance under sail is commendable. It is known for its steady course-keeping ability and its predictable handling characteristics.

This makes it a boat that is easy to sail, even for less experienced sailors, and one that can provide a challenge for those seeking to refine their sailing skills.

The Competition

In terms of comparable sailboats, the Fuji 35 often gets compared to other cruising sailboats of similar size and displacement. These include the Island Packet 35 , the Hallberg-Rassy 352 , and the Pacific Seacraft 34 .

Each of these boats offers similar performance and comfort levels but may differ in terms of layout, construction quality, and price.

In conclusion, the Fuji 35 is a robust and reliable sailboat that offers a unique blend of comfort, performance, and craftsmanship.

Its design ratios suggest a boat that is stable, comfortable, and reasonably quick, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to undertake long passages or live aboard.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

Recent Articles

'Natalya', a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54DS for Sale

Mar 17, 24 04:07 PM

'Wahoo', a Hunter Passage 42 for Sale

Mar 17, 24 08:13 AM

Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

Feb 28, 24 05:58 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...
• Sign-up for our newsletter, 'The Sailboat Cruiser' ...
• Identify this month's Mystery Boat...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Fuji 35 is a 34 ′ 6 ″ / 10.5 m monohull sailboat designed by John G. Alden and built by Fuji Yacht Builders Ltd. between 1973 and 1982.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Alden design #1029. Ketch or cutter rig.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Review of Fuji 35

Basic specs..

The Fuji 35 is equipped with a long keel. A long keel provide a better directional stability than a similar boat with a fin keel; on the other hand, better directional stability means also that the boat is more difficult to handle in a harbour with less space.

The boat can enter most marinas as the draft is just about 1.52 - 1.62 meter (4.99 - 5.29 ft) dependent on the load.

The boat is typically equipped with a Westerbeke diesel engine.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.8 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Fuji 35 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

The Fuji 35 is a 34.58ft staysail ketch designed by John G. Alden Inc. and built in fiberglass by Fuji Yacht Builders Ltd. (JAP) between 1973 and 1982.

The Fuji 35 is a very heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a heavy bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a short water supply range.

Fuji 35 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, other photos, modal title.

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

Fuji Yachts

The following is a reprint of a review of the FUJI 35 by Robert H Perry in SAIL Magazine . I don't have the exact date but it must have been somewhere between 1974 and 1977 . Of course the dealers and addresses shown at the end of the article are no longer valid but this review is a good reinforcement of the value of not only the Fuji 35 but the entire Fuji line.

Capable Alden cruiser

By now the Fuji 35 is a very successful stock yacht. Upon her introduction I was quite surprised that there was a market for a yacht with very little of the current stock boat trappings. In fact, the Fuji 35 seemed a little anachronistic. It is, I'm sure, this feature that has brought her to the popularity she is now enjoying.

The John G. Alden office has been known for years for producing fine performing yachts. The Fuji follows in this tradition. She is of a hull form that traces its model back to the well-known Alden schooners. Compared to most of the current production yachts, the Fuji is a bit narrow. I don't think it's narrow, I feel it's about right for good windward performance. While the Fuji won't point like an IOR racing yacht, she will move to weather well, to cruising boat standards.

The sheer and other aesthetic treatments on the hull are done with impeccable taste, and the Fuji doesn't convey the "toy boat" image of some of the other character type designs. In fact, to call the Fuji a character yacht would be wrong. She is a traditional yacht.

The beam on deck is generous. This makes for a very dry boat and has the bonus of affording large side decks and a huge cockpit area. The keel is long but cut away slightly forward to improve maneuverability. There is a slight drag angle to the keel also. This, I think, is also to improve maneuverability. There should be no question as to the Fuji's ability to track or steer herself. The large transom and the minimum overhang of the mizzen boom would be ideal for attaching a self-steering device. The displacement / length ratio of the Fuji 35 is 413. This indicates the Fuji is in the heavy displacement area.

The Fuji is available in two rigs, the standard ketch and optional cutter. Aesthetically both rigs look great on the yacht, but my preference is for the ketch. It's true that you possibly could go to weather a little bit better with the cutter; however, I think the improvement would be negligible due to the hull form of the Fuji. The largest sail in the ketch rig is only 220 square feet. This would make the Fuji very easy to handle short handed. The ketch rig is very hard to beat for leisurely husband and wife sailing. While I don't care for the shape of most club jibs, they do cut down the activity during a tack.

Very few people can go below a Fuji for the first time without some sort of pleasant exclamation. The woodwork is of a quality that is all but extinct and has to be one of the main selling points of the Fuji. Her builder is Fuji Yacht Builders, Japan. The molding details are the best I've seen on a production yacht. Wood lovers will feel right at home. The builder has gone to the trouble of matching all his grains, and the overall impression is beautiful.

The layout of the Fuji is quite simple and a time-proven winner. There is quite an expanse of teak and holly cabin sole, and I personally know of a number of people living aboard their Fujis in the Seattle area. This is the true test of an interior. If you can stand to live aboard the yacht, and even enjoy it, the layout is usually the prime factor. Standard cushions on the Fuji are five inches thick. Other nice standard features are hot and cold pressure water, 110 wiring, shower sump pump, 30 gallon holding tank and an unusual amount of lockers and drawers.

Standard tankage is 40 gallons of fuel and 60 gallons of water. Auxiliary power is Perkins 4.107M diesel with a 2.1 hydraulic reduction gear. This is much more than adequate horsepower, 36, and should drive the yacht at hull speed very comfortably. Speed under power should be about seven knots.

The hull of the Fuji is hand laid up fiberglass with polyurethane noise and sweat insulation. Anti-fouling paint is standard.

Yachts, being the romantic objects that they are, are, I'm sure sold on their looks more times than the owners would like to admit. I like this. This is a very valid criteria and one in which the Fuji 35 excels. Her styling insures that she will look good for years to come.

Fuji, 2125 Sherington Pl., Suite C-20?, Newport Beach, Ca. 92663. Great Lakes area dealer of the Fuji 35 and 45 Is Palmer Johnson, Inc., Dept. SG, 61 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI. 54235, or write John G. Alden, Inc., naval architects, yacht brokers, 89 Commercial Wharf, Boston, Ma. 02110.

Return to Main Page

Sail Far Live Free

Top 10 favorite affordable bluewater sailboats.

• Blue Water on a Budget: 5 Budget Cruisers for Crossing Oceans
• Go Small and Go Now: 5 Pocket Cruisers to Take you Anywhere
• A Proper StinkPot: Top 5 Pilothouse Motorsailers
• The Voyager's Handbook: The Essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising by Beth Leonard
• How to Sail Around the World: Advice and Ideas for Voyaging Under Sail by Hal Roth
• Twenty Small Boats to Take You Anywhere by John Vigor  

Great post... Most of these boats are slow for their waterlines and, for me at least, speed is a factor in safe passagemaking due to the ability to avoid and dodge weather. I want the ability to easily make 7+ knots in all conditions. (I don't take this as a compromise to seakeeping.) One quirk of the HC33: The teak decks were fastened from the bottom up (e.g. through the deck) and the heads were then glassed over. (Not joking.) The tips of the screws pricking your feet is the first clue your decks need replacing. From my dock neighbors entire summer (3 full days per week) this is a truly massive problem to fix and delayed their cruising dream by a year.

timone - Great comments, thanks! I agree, there's a definate choice to make between speed and tank-like toughness. My personal preference for bluewater is a a heavy full keeler, though this may change with experience. Maybe I'm too wrapped up in the asthetics of these classic designs. Good tip on the HC33. I'm leary of teak decks on any boat due to maintenance issues and would prefer any of the above boats without teak decks.

You are on to something with these large dispacement boats. power or sail . they are the best

Semi-bunk. We sailed a Cal 40 all over the SoPac; not the ideal cruiser but certainly seaworthy. Most of our class of 2008 were fin keel, and some form of spade rudder. With the exception of the Valiant and the Tayana, most of these clunkers are better suited to the dock.

Our family sailed the East Coast and Caribbean for two years and I loved our Lord Nelson's teak decks. The teak is first to dry after the morning dew. A small leak disappeared as it swelled in the warm humid tropical weather.

To me to "dodge weather" when you are in the mid of an ocean has little meaning, unless you have a really fast boast like those racers who do the Volvo ocean race. If you are short handed a slow boat will give you a better chance to rest during a storm, which is paramount for safety, while the fast one will wear you out.

A massive...and very expensive problem to fix.

Even ocean racers get caught at sea in bad weather and more the a few have capsized and demasted. No sail boat can outrun the weather. Even motor yachts with huge Diesel engines that can motor at 20-30knots get caught at seas in bad weather. And many times sailing away from shore and weathering the storm at sea is safer then trying to enter a harbor once the blow is there. Many inlets are risky when the current and winds create breaking waves that can swamp a small craft or force it on to the rocky shore attempting to enter. There are times going further away from shore is safer then attempting entry into the harbor. Having a boat that will ride out a storm safely is worth losing a few knots on passage.

Great list! Not sure the HC33 meets your $50k criteria though. I have yet to see it under $75k in decent condition.

Hahn - True enough, finding a HC33t for $50k is a difficult proposition. But the boat is s so beautiful and so well made that I had to include it, even if finding a good one may mean spending $25k more.

Yes the Baba 30 would fit the Boat Porn listing ! I'll tell my wife that's what I'm doing as I sit with blurry vision @ 2am ! Looking at Porn !!

Agreed, the Baba 30 is really beauty. The canoe stern is perfectly in proportion with the rest of the boat and makes for a really sweet profile.

Our good friend has a HC33 and we have a W32. Its amazing how close they are in sailing ability. I think the W32 tracks a tad better and the HC33 is just a hint more nimble, but they are very close in our limited experience. We really love the HC33's pullman berth in the center of the boat but at the same time we don't enjoy the forward head nor do we like the table layout on the HC33 which requires a lot of people to get up if the person furthest in the booth needs to get out. Its a toss up between the HC33 and W32 about interior layout overall. We love the little quarter berth "room" in the HC33 but at the same time you sacrifice a lot of space in the engine room. The W32 gives you a lot better access to the motor. If push came to shove, I'd take the HC33's extra berth instead of the berth in the center of the W32 factory layout. The cockpits are very close in size (read:small). The HC33 has a rounded cabin top that makes sitting on the edges of it more of a pain, but the W32 requires drop boards or water will run into the cockpit. The W32 does win in price competition though. No comparison there. Just wanted to add some thoughts to your post.

Great comments, thanks for sharing Tate. It's always good to hear from someone who has hands-on, side-by-side comparison experience. I agree the forward head on the HC33 isn't ideal, but I do like that it has a stall shower. If price isn't an issue, maybe the real way to decide between the W32 and the HC33 is the size of the crew. The W32 might be the choice for 2, while the HC33 might be better for 3-4 based on having two private sleeping quarters.

Downeaster 32' is a clear contender here, and also wins as most beautiful ;-D and very stable. Also possibly the largest interior per length? Great head room.

Agreed, the Downeaster is a real looker and a lot of boat for 32 feet, particularly given their value pricing on the used market.

I owned a Downeast32. Roomy yes,slow?, yes! Very slow. Had 7 people on her for an overnighter. Storage everywhere. Lots of rear deck space.

I wouldn't say the Downeaster 32 is merely a contender, but possibly an outright winner in the category of "Affordable Bluewater Sailboats",.. ,much more so in fact than 10 boats mentioned in this article,.. at least from the prices I've seen. I honestly don't understand why something like HC33 even gets a mention,.. beautiful? definitely!!!,.. but affordable??!!,, hmm,. not so much.

Fair enough. I included the HC33 because it's one of my all time favorites and the definition of "affordable" is subjective. As I've defined it here, ~$50k. Yes, that's a stretch for the HC33, but I've seen a few approaching that price point. As for the DE32, she's a capable beauty too.

No mention of the Nor'Sea 27.... Should be on the list for sure. :)

I didn't include the Nor'Sea 27 here, but it is in my list of favorite pocket cruisers to take you anywhere .

Hello, I appropriate your reviews. Our family own CSY-33. Now a day, sailing is a completely new sport for me and I wasn't sure what to expect but I've definitely got the bug. thanks all, @Nadia Brightman :)

Glad to hear you're enjoying your CSY 33!

My wife is 5'9" and I 6'3". Which of these wonderful boats would have sufficient headroom and a nice sleeping double for a couple like us?

This is a great post. I just restored a little Hunter 25 and plan to sell it to get something bigger. It's nice to dream! I second the comment about the Downeaster. I love double enders and clipper bows. How about a Bayfield!

Thanks Dan. I like Bayfields (and other Ted Gozzard designs) too, but they're outside my top 10. Thanks for reading.

Bluewater Offshore Cruising Sailboat Bluewater Cruiser New French-built cruiser with a distinctly American look. Here’s an interesting design from Group Finot for Beneteau. I find interesting the fact that this design is not especially “Euro” in its styling. In fact, it’s sort of American looking and good looking too. So, let’s examine this profile in detail. The transom is traditionally raked as opposed to reversed. This eliminates the standard swim step we see so often. But Beneteau has countered this with a drop-down platform that extends about a foot beyond the transom. This platform is raised and lowered by block and tackle. A sliding flush-deck hatch covers the steps when they are not in use. This is an elaborate and very well thought out transom detail that will allow you to bring your dinghy up next to the boat without threatening the gelcoat on the transom edge. This traditionally raked transom really drives the look of this boat. It certainly affects the character of the sheer. I would have liked to see a bolder sweep to this sheer, but it’s fine as is. Note how the tip of the transom is at the waterline. This, combined with the short bow overhang, produces a long sailing length. I think the designers have done a good job of blending the deck structures with the hull. The D/L of this design is 183. L/B is 3.38, making this a moderately beamy boat on the lighter side of medium displacement if we choose 200 to be the middle of current D/Ls for cruising boats. The keel is a bulbed fin giving 5 feet, 11 inches of draft. Note the deep forefoot on this design and the straight line to the canoe body profile. All in all this is a handsome and moderate hull. The interior shows a two-head, two-stateroom layout with the galley in the passageway to the aft cabin. The galley is spread out fore and aft, but it looks to me like there is still plenty of working room. The aft cabin has a large double berth and symmetrically arranged lockers and settees. Why settees? Well, they look good and occupy volume that is not much good for anything else due to the shape of the hull. There is a head with shower stall adjoining the aft cabin. The saloon has a dinette, which to my eye looks on the minimal side. I suppose you could seat four for dinner if you had to, but it would be a tight squeeze. The forward stateroom has a double berth with the toe end cut away to make room for the forward head. I’m not sure how this berth would work for a couple. Obviously, the biggest advantage to center-cockpit boats is the separation of the sleeping accommodations. There is space below the cockpit for the engine room. Putting the cockpit in the middle of the boat allows the designer to place the mainsheet traveler at the end of the boom and place the traveler where it will not interfere with the cockpit layout. This rig is well forward and shows swept spreaders with forward lower shrouds. Unfortunately, the sailplan we have is not carefully drafted so it doesn’t do much for the look of the boat. The photos also show a staysail. This is a very nice looking boat. The windshield is fixed and, while obtrusive in the drawing, looks just fine in the photos. I’m not too keen on the wheel position. It is a bulkhead-mounted wheel offset to starboard, much like we see on cruising catamarans. This means you will sit in one position at the wheel without the benefit of being able to turn 90 degrees or change sides. This wheel arrangement does free up the rest of the cockpit and puts the helmsman securely under the dodger. A teak-capped bulwark adds a rich look to the deck. Beneteau’s boats always deserve a close look. The company obviously puts a lot of market research into its new models. In this case the company has given us a well-designed boat with some unusual features. This is one boat I’ll definitely board Beneteau Wave Rider 42CC at Annapolis.

I wonder if the keel will stay attached

I've saled from the Med to Australia on my own Beneteau Oceanis 42cc and plan to continue the circumnavigation via cape Town to the Caribbean in April 2015. We love our Bene layout... Fun to sail . The center cockpit is Ideal. The aft deck spacious and the aft cabin just wonderful. A huge engine room accommodates all our gear.water maker. Genset. Tools....

Hey, I think a strong case could be made for Bayfield 32 cutters, beautiful boats and pretty bullet proof as well. speed is a bit of an issue! great post!

I single-handed a Bruce Roberts 31 (schooner-rigged) across the Atlantic and back . I was 70 yrs.old, the boat did the work. Also, list the Dreadnought 32 (Tahiti ketch in heavy fg).

I'm intrigued by many of the Roberts designs and metal boats in general, but I don't have any experience with either. The Dreadnought is another really cool and unique double-ender with a lot of character...often available for a bargain price. Thanks for sharing.

Yeah how about some feedback on the Alberg's. They seem worthy & affordable too. Please respond, thx. L

My first true-love in sailboats was the Pearson Triton 28, of course designed by Carl Alberg. As my experience and taste evolved, I began to prefer canoe sterns and slightly more modern designs. The biggest fault I can find with Alberg designs is that many seem to have very narrow beams, making them tight for family cruising. The narrow beams can also contribute to a tender boat. However, Alberg did a fine job of making his designs very sexy with swoopy sheerlines and long overhangs. The Triton, 35 and 37 are all capable and proven offshore boats.

The HC33 shown, Sabbatical. is for sale @ $95,000. Ouch.

Agreed, that's a steep price. I've seen 2 33t's that needed a little TLC sell near $50k. In general, the HC 33t probably has the highest average price of any in my list, but its' such a sweet ride!

You forgot the Allied Seawind 32 for $25,000

Good call! The Seawind II (32') is but one of several Gillmer designs worthy of any "best affordable bluewater cruisers" list. Others include the Southern Cross 28/31/35, Weatherly 32, Aries 32 and Roughwater 32. Perhaps it's time I write a sequel to this post to include the many good recommendations from the comments. Note - I did include the Southern Cross 28 in my post called "Bluewater on a Budget: 5 Budget Cruisers for Crossing Oceans."

there is one you may have over looked! tanzer 10.5 pilot house! not the fastest but with it's swing keel it is a fun wide nice sailing boat!! and great for the island's

I like the Tanzer 10.5, but is she bluewater capable? Definitely a unique look, in a good way. And Tanzer has a good reputation for affordable quality and decent sailing performance.

This is almost the identical boat to a Southerly 10.5 which has made many ocean crossings. Definitely bluewater capable. I own hull # 11 built in 1983 and she has sailed completely around the world spending a lot of time in the South Pacific. She has a righting angle of 140 degrees with the lifting keel up. The hull to deck joint is glassed over on the inside during production resulting in a absolutely solid boat with no joint leaks. The amount of storage is phenomenal for those long passages. I have had her out in 50 knots with no issues. The self tending jib makes single handing easy, and with the keel down to 6.5 feet she handles well.

Could an old Irwin 37 MK I be upgraded so she can be blue water capable? If so...HOW?

I suppose anything COULD be upgraded to bluewater capable, but at what cost? The I37 is known for it's roominess and affordability, but not necessarily offshore capability or robust construction. Irwin's can be fine boats (I owned one for 5 years), but they would not be my choice for bluewater. If you're simply considering passage from Florida to the Bahamas, or some island hopping in the Caribbean, then there are plenty of Irwin's with that under their belt, but an ocean crossing or a run to Bermuda in an I37 should be carefully considered. For more info and specifics about the I37, try Jack Horner's review here: http://www.boatus.com/boatreviews/sail/Irwin37.asp

What about the Irwin 42 Ketch? Is it what you would consider blue water worthy?

What, no mention of the Bill Garden designed Fast Passage 39?

Love the Fast Passage 39 and Garden's original s/v Bolero! Thanks for the addition.

Aah there I am trying hard to decide which one to choose........except I couldn't afford even a model version! So I content myself by saying that at nearly 60 and with no experience wòrth talking about I'm way to old to start now. Youtube and some of the wonderful sailing videos help a bit!

Tashiba 31 is heavy duty double ender good for ocean crossings don't you think? I like the cutaway forefoot.

One of Bob Perry's personal favorite designs, or at least he thinks highly of it. It's also one of his last full keel designs. “I think the Tashiba 31 and 36 mark the best boats I ever designed with modified full keels. The boats were fast, close-winded, stiff, and well balanced. I constantly got calls from owners telling me how they had “beat” a local contemporary design.” (from Yacht Design According to Perry).

Why no mention of the Cabo Rico 34?

James - The Cabo Rico 34 is certainly worthy of this list. In fact, so is the Tiburon 36, the first boat built by Cabo Rico and perhaps a bit more affordable than the 34. The Tiburon is a Crealock design and eventually became the CR 38. Thanks for the addition!

Another good boat is the Gulf 32. Solid build, good tankage, though at this age the 75 gal fuel tank needs serious inspection. William Garden feels it is one of his finest, safest designs!

A boat that is not so well known in European and N.American circles is the Oswald Berckemeyer designed Miura 32.Built strong to cope with South African waters it has been said (though I am not sure how true) that more circumnavigations have been carried out in Miura's than any other class of boat.I owned a Corrida which is the 36foot version of the boat (also designed by Berckemeyer) and I took this boat across the Atlantic without a worry. Strong and fast - I loved that boat.

Hi Mike. I am trying to find drawings, specs and photos of the Corrida 36. Very little available online. Can you point me to anything you are aware of? Thanks.

Did any one mention a DownEast 32? They may be fat and slow, but so is the WestSail 32. Any one agree / dissagree?

Hey I did a post at Urban Nomads about your excellent blog. Check it out here: http://urban-nomads.net/great-boat-living-websites. Thanks for the helpful tips!

The Southern Cross 31 / 35 / 39 really should be on this list. Excellent heavy displacement boats that will take you anywhere.

Agreed. I'm a fan of Southern Cross sailboats and Gilmer designs.

What is your position on an Island Packet 320?

I've never sailed a 320, but I do like IP's in general for their salty style, solid construction and seaworthiness. I particularly like the 320's rig - a cutter is nice for having headsail options and the Hoyt staysail boom keeps things simple. IP's tend to command an upper tier price and aren't known for speed, but if you can get beyond those two factors, the 320 looks to be a nice size and layout for a cruiser.

I love your list. Mine would be very similar, but might include the Endeavour 37. It's hard to beat the price!

I sailed our HC 33 from Alaska to New Zealand on a 5-year cruise. We loved how she handled in heavy weather. We are in the 50+knot "club" and our HC did great while other cruisers suffered dearly. While she isn't fast, she tracked well, and behaved at anchor or hove to. Yes, the teak deck is something to consider, but overall, not a deal breaker in the big picture of off-shore cruising. We sold our HC in New Zealand because I had to return to work. I miss her every day. I am plotting to get another bluewater boat. At this point my short list is another HC or perhaps an Island Packet or Pacific Seacraft. If I were rich, it would be a Najad. These choices are based on our years sailing with other cruisers. While boats are so incredibly expensive, the bottom line is safety at sea, getting parts in exotic locations, and the cost of repairs. The better you are equipped before leaving home port, the less likely you are to have life-threatening problems or serious repairs in expensive locations.

You missed Acapulco 40, so likely never read "One Wave at a Time" by Ed Atkin - regards, Matt

Thanks for the kind word for the Fugi 35. Here's one you can have for under $50k. Needs a little work but is a great boat. miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/d/classicblue-water-passage/6479457885.html

I don't see Corbin 39

Thank you for the article it has given me information on my up coming purchase I'm working towards living aboard my own sailboat as I travel the East Coast, Caribbean, South America and West Coast in my retirement years.

I understand this is US based but as a Brit I used to covet the Tradewind 35, a proper long keel, flush decked, cutter rig, blue water cruiser. If money was no object that is the boat for me.

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog, go small and go now 5 pocket cruisers to take you anywhere.

Escape to the Sea: How to get from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

People’s Choice of Best Cruising Sailboats

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: September 20, 2013

shannon-38hps1.jpg

Albin Ballard Albin Vega Alden Dolphin Allied Princess Baba 35 Baba 40 Baltic 37 Beneteau Oceanis 34 Beneteau Oceanis 58 Block Island 40 Bowman 47 Bristol 32 Bristol 35.5 Bristol Channel Cutter C&C 27 C&C 30 MI I Cabo Rico 38 Cal 31 Camper and Nicholson 32 Cape Dory Catalina 27 Catalina 50 Celestial 48 Challenger 40 Cherubini 44 Dickerson 41 Dufour 1800 Endeavour 42 Fastpassage 39 Fuji 45 Halberg Rassy 64 Hans Christian 33 Hans Christian 38 Hardin 44 Voyager Hardin 45 Hunter 37 Hunter 41AC Hunter Passage 42 Hylas 44 Irwin 52 Islander 38C J24 J35 Little Harbor 51 Morgan 32 Morgan 34 MK II Morgan 382 Northwest 38 Rhodes 41 S2 9.2C Sadler 29 San Juan 24 Santa Cruz 50 Santa Cruz 70 Seafarer Meridian Seaward 32 Shannon 38 Shannon 43 Snark Sunflower Sundeer 60 Sundeer 64 Swan 51 Tartan 37c Union 36 Westerly Centaur Westsail 42

• More: Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Balance 442 “Lasai” Set to Debut

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Meet the Bali 5.8

Celebrating a Classic

Kirsten Neuschäfer Receives CCA Blue Water Medal

2024 Regata del Sol al Sol Registration Closing Soon

US Sailing Honors Bob Johnstone

Bitter End Expands Watersports Program

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding