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Defender 35
Designer: Eva M. Hollman  ·  Builder: F Dekker & Son (Nl)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Defender 35

Built during an era when sailboat design emphasized seaworthiness over speed, the Defender 35 represents classic cruising yacht principles that prioritized safety and comfort for extended passages. This moderate-displacement cruiser gained recognition among sailors seeking a reliable platform for coastal and offshore adventures. The Defender 35's design philosophy centers around traditional sailing characteristics, featuring a full keel configuration that provides excellent tracking and stability in challenging conditions. Her sturdy construction and conservative sail plan make her particularly well-suited for cruising couples or small families who value predictable handling over racing performance. Notable for her spacious cockpit and well-protected helm position, the Defender 35 offers the kind of secure feeling that builds confidence during longer passages or when weather conditions deteriorate. The interior layout typically maximizes living space while maintaining the structural integrity needed for serious cruising. While not breaking any speed records, this yacht has earned respect among the cruising community for her ability to handle varied conditions with grace. Her reputation rests on delivering dependable performance whether exploring coastal waters or undertaking extended offshore voyages, making her an appealing choice for sailors who prioritize seaworthiness and comfort over pure sailing performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.27 ft / 10.75 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.10 ft / 8.87 m
Beam 10.76 ft / 3.28 m
Max Draft 5.51 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 8,999.00 lb / 4,082 kg
Ballast 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Eva M. Hollman
Builder F Dekker & Son (NL)
First Built 1978
Last Built 1985
Number Built 9
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
46.67
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
163.03
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. 6.71 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.37
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.27 ft / 4.35 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 495.00 ft² / 45.99 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Volvo Penta
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 26 gals / 98 L
Water Capacity 26 gals / 98 L
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