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Thomas 35
Designer: Graham & Schlageter  ·  Builder: Thomas Marine Inc./Tartan Marine (Usa)  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Thomas 35

Designed by the respected team of Graham & Schlageter, this mid-1980s cruiser represents a thoughtful balance between performance and comfort for coastal and offshore sailing. Built by Thomas Marine Inc. and later Tartan Marine, the boat features a modern fin keel with spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling while maintaining the stability needed for extended cruising. The fractional sloop rig provides excellent sail handling characteristics, making it well-suited for both shorthanded cruising and spirited coastal sailing. With a displacement of 9,800 pounds and 4,450 pounds of ballast, this fiberglass construction offers reassuring stability without sacrificing sailing performance. The sail area to displacement ratio of 24.61 indicates a boat that will move well in moderate conditions while remaining manageable in stronger winds. The comfort ratio of 18.31 suggests this design prioritizes sailing performance over ultimate interior volume, typical of boats from this era that emphasized seaworthiness and sailing ability. The capsize screening value of 2.15 falls within acceptable parameters for offshore sailing, while the hull speed of 7.40 knots provides realistic expectations for passage planning. This makes it an excellent choice for sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with occasional offshore potential.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.42 ft / 10.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.50 ft / 9.30 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Displacement 9,800.00 lb / 4,445 kg
Ballast 4,450.00 lb / 2,018 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 702.00 ft² / 65.22 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Graham & Schlageter
Builder Thomas Marine Inc./Tartan Marine (USA)
First Built 1988
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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
 72
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
 24.61
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
 45.41
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
 154.2
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
 18.31
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
 2.15
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. 7.40 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
 4.28
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. 1,253.27 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. 24.61
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 48.00 ft / 14.63 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.25 ft / 4.34 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 48.00 ft / 14.63 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
SA Fore 342.00 ft² / 31.77 m²
SA Main 360.00 ft² / 33.45 m²
SA Total (100%) 702.00 ft² / 65.22 m²
Est. Forestay Length 50.07 ft / 15.26 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 3GM
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 27
Fuel Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
Water Capacity 35 gals / 132 L
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