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Orion 35
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Orion Yacht-Artimus Corp (Usa)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Orion 35

Designed by the legendary Sparkman & Stephens firm and built by Orion Yacht-Artimus Corp starting in 1978, this 34.5-foot sailboat represents classic American yacht design philosophy from the late 1970s. The masthead sloop rig and fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration delivers reliable handling characteristics that have made it a respected choice among serious sailors for decades. With a displacement of 9,875 pounds and substantial ballast of 4,700 pounds, the Orion 35 offers the stability and seaworthiness expected from a Sparkman & Stephens design. The comfortable 20.97 comfort ratio and conservative 2.02 capsize screening value indicate this boat was built for offshore capability rather than pure racing speed. Her SA/Displacement ratio of 17.86 suggests moderate sailing performance with enough power to move well in light air while remaining manageable in heavy weather. The fiberglass construction and proven hull form make this an excellent choice for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, with the structural integrity for occasional offshore passages. Hull speed calculations show she'll cruise efficiently at around 7 knots, making her ideal for sailors who prioritize comfort and seaworthiness over outright speed.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.50 ft / 10.52 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.75 ft / 8.76 m
Beam 10.83 ft / 3.30 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 9,875.00 lb / 4,479 kg
Ballast 4,700.00 lb / 2,132 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 512.00 ft² / 47.57 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Orion Yacht-Artimus Corp (USA)
First Built 1978
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 150
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
 17.86
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
 47.59
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
 185.51
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
 20.97
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
 2.02
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. 7.18 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
 3
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. 1,112.53 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. 17.91
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.00 ft / 13.41 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.00 ft / 4.27 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 39.42 ft / 12.02 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.43 ft / 3.18 m
SA Fore 308.00 ft² / 28.61 m²
SA Main 205.58 ft² / 19.10 m²
SA Total (100%) 513.58 ft² / 47.71 m²
Est. Forestay Length 46.17 ft / 14.07 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 24
Fuel Capacity 35 gals / 132 L
Water Capacity 65 gals / 246 L
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