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Southern Cross 35
Designer: Thomas Gillmer  ·  Builder: C. E. Ryder  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Southern Cross 35

Regarded as a capable and seaworthy offshore cruiser, the Southern Cross 35 has earned a solid reputation among bluewater sailors seeking a sturdy, dependable passage-maker. Designed with serious ocean cruising in mind, this vessel prioritizes safety and structural integrity over racing performance, making it a natural choice for sailors planning extended coastal or offshore voyages. The Southern Cross line, produced by Ericson and later associated with other builders, was conceived as a heavy-displacement design built to handle demanding open-water conditions. The 35 carries on that philosophy with a hull form and construction approach geared toward stability and seakeeping rather than light-air speed. Sailors who have owned and cruised these boats often speak highly of their reassuring motion in rough weather and their confidence-inspiring feel offshore. For the prospective buyer, the Southern Cross 35 appeals most to those prioritizing comfort and safety over spirited performance. It suits the cruiser who values a boat that will look after its crew in deteriorating conditions, making it a rewarding platform for coastal passages and longer bluewater adventures alike.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$39,500 – $39,500
typical asking price
Median $39,500  ·  6 listings used
All listings
$39,500 – $39,500 6
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.25 ft / 10.74 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 11.42 ft / 3.48 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 17,700.00 lb / 8,029 kg
Ballast 5,750.00 lb / 2,608 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 627.00 ft² / 58.25 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG w/airex core
Designer Thomas Gillmer
Builder C. E. Ryder
First Built 1978
Owner Reviews

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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
177
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
14.83
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
35.38
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
1.76
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. 7.09
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
1.21
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 45.3
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 40.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.3
SA Fore 380.52
SA Main 246.0
How It Compares

vs. Endurance 35, Nicholson 35 1, Rustler 36

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Southern Cross 35 ★
35.3 ft
Endurance 35
35.3 ft
Nicholson 35 1
35.3 ft
Rustler 36
35.3 ft
LWL
Southern Cross 35 ★
28.0 ft
Endurance 35
26.6 ft
Nicholson 35 1
26.8 ft
Rustler 36
26.9 ft
Beam
Southern Cross 35 ★
11.4 ft
Endurance 35
11.0 ft
Nicholson 35 1
10.4 ft
Rustler 36
11.0 ft
Displacement
Southern Cross 35 ★
17 lbs
Endurance 35
18 lbs
Nicholson 35 1
15 lbs
Rustler 36
16 lbs
Ballast
Southern Cross 35 ★
5 lbs
Endurance 35
7 lbs
Nicholson 35 1
7 lbs
Rustler 36
7 lbs
Sail Area
Southern Cross 35 ★
627 sq ft
Endurance 35
736 sq ft
Nicholson 35 1
698 sq ft
Rustler 36
693 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Southern Cross 35 ★
177 s/nm
Endurance 35
222 s/nm
Nicholson 35 1
Rustler 36
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Southern Cross 35 ★
14.8
Endurance 35
16.8
Nicholson 35 1
17.9
Rustler 36
17.0
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Southern Cross 35 ★
Endurance 35
Nicholson 35 1
46.9 %
Rustler 36
45.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Southern Cross 35 ★
35.4
Endurance 35
40.4
Nicholson 35 1
36.4
Rustler 36
36.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Southern Cross 35 ★
1.76
Endurance 35
1.66
Nicholson 35 1
1.67
Rustler 36
1.72
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Southern Cross 35 ★
Endurance 35
Nicholson 35 1
365
Rustler 36
384
Hull Speed
Southern Cross 35 ★
7.1 kts
Endurance 35
6.9 kts
Nicholson 35 1
6.9 kts
Rustler 36
7.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Southern Cross 35 ★
1.2
Endurance 35
0.8
Nicholson 35 1
1.1
Rustler 36
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