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Caribbean 35 Chris Craft
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Chris-Craft (Usa)  ·  First built: 1965
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About the Caribbean 35 Chris Craft

Built during Chris-Craft's ambitious foray into serious sailboat construction, this Sparkman & Stephens-designed cruiser represents a fascinating chapter in American boatbuilding history. Produced from 1965 to 1976 with only 100 hulls completed, the Caribbean 35 emerged during an era when powerboat manufacturers were exploring the growing cruising sailboat market. The design showcases classic S&S proportions with a traditional long keel configuration that prioritizes directional stability and seakindly motion over racing performance. With a substantial displacement of 18,000 pounds and a comfort ratio of 39.21, this masthead sloop was clearly intended for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages rather than weekend racing. The conservative sail area to displacement ratio of 13.49 reflects this cruising orientation, favoring manageable sail handling over outright speed. The long keel design provides excellent tracking and predictable handling characteristics, making it well-suited for shorthanded sailing and long-distance cruising. While the moderate beam and traditional lines may sacrifice some interior volume compared to modern designs, they contribute to the boat's reputation for seaworthiness and classical sailing qualities that Sparkman & Stephens designs are renowned for.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.18 ft / 10.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.50 ft / 8.08 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 4.70 ft / 1.43 m
Displacement 18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Ballast 5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 577.00 ft² / 53.61 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Chris-Craft (USA)
First Built 1965
Last Built 1976
Number Built 100
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 13.49
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 27.78
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 431.8
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 39.21
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.68
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.90 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 0.82
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,041.56 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 13.5
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.00 ft / 13.11 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.87 ft / 3.92 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.25 ft / 4.95 m
SA Fore 276.71 ft² / 25.71 m²
SA Main 300.63 ft² / 27.93 m²
SA Total (100%) 577.34 ft² / 53.64 m²
Est. Forestay Length 44.88 ft / 13.68 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-107
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
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