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Davidson 35
Designer: Laurie Davidson  ·  Builder: D. Blundell / Export Yachts Ltd. (Nz)  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Davidson 35

Built during the 1980s racing boom, this Laurie Davidson design represents New Zealand's expertise in creating fast, seaworthy sailing yachts. With only 40 hulls produced by D. Blundell/Export Yachts Ltd. between 1981 and 1989, the Davidson 35 has earned a reputation as a capable offshore performer that balances racing potential with cruising comfort. The yacht's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a favorable sail area to displacement ratio of 19.55, delivers impressive performance both upwind and on reaching angles. At 34.97 feet overall with a 29.99-foot waterline, the hull form generates a respectable 7.34-knot hull speed while maintaining excellent directional stability. The substantial 4,310-pound ballast provides solid stability, contributing to the boat's confident offshore capabilities. Davidson's design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness without sacrificing speed, evident in the boat's moderate displacement of 10,421 pounds and well-balanced proportions. The masthead sloop rig with 581 square feet of sail area offers versatility for both competitive sailing and extended cruising. With a comfort ratio of 21.34 and capsize screening value of 1.99, this yacht suits experienced sailors seeking a responsive platform for coastal racing, club competitions, or serious offshore passages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.97 ft / 10.66 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.99 ft / 9.14 m
Beam 10.86 ft / 3.31 m
Max Draft 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
Displacement 10,421.00 lb / 4,727 kg
Ballast 4,310.00 lb / 1,955 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 581.00 ft² / 53.98 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Laurie Davidson
Builder D. Blundell / Export Yachts Ltd. (NZ)
First Built 1981
Last Built 1989
Number Built 40
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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
 19.55
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
 41.36
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
 172.48
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
 21.34
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
 1.99
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. 7.34 kn
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. 1,163.73 pounds/inch
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