Back to Search
Departure 35
Designer: Charles Whittolz  ·  Builder: Mooney Marine Inc. (Usa  ·  First built: 1979
+ Add to Compare
About the Departure 35

Built by Mooney Marine starting in 1979, this Charles Whittolz-designed 35-footer represents classic American cruising boat philosophy with its robust steel construction and traditional long keel configuration. The single-chine steel hull design offers exceptional durability for serious cruising sailors, though it requires more maintenance vigilance than fiberglass alternatives. With a generous beam of 11 feet and substantial displacement of 16,480 pounds, the Departure 35 provides impressive interior volume and seaworthiness. The cutter rig configuration enhances versatility in varying wind conditions, making it particularly well-suited for offshore passages and extended coastal cruising. A comfort ratio of 33.92 indicates excellent motion characteristics in rough seas, while the capsize screening formula of 1.73 suggests good stability for ocean work. The long keel with transom-hung rudder delivers predictable handling and excellent tracking, though maneuverability in tight quarters may be more challenging than modern fin-keel designs. The 658 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for the boat's displacement, though performance will favor comfort over speed. This design appeals to sailors prioritizing strength, seaworthiness, and traditional sailing characteristics over racing performance or ease of handling.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.00 ft / 10.67 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.00 ft / 8.84 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 16,480.00 lb / 7,475 kg
Ballast 5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 658.00 ft² / 61.13 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction Steel (single chine)
Designer Charles Whittolz
Builder Mooney Marine Inc. (USA
First Built 1979
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
 16.32
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
 30.34
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
 301.66
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
 33.92
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
 1.73
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. 7.22 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. 1,139.82 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD-11D
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 23
Fuel Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
Find a Departure 35 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace