The Express 35 is a Canadian sailboat design first introduced in 1984. The vessel was conceived by naval architect Steve Killing and initially produced by Goman Boat Limited in Midland, Ontario. Following the merger of Goman Boat Limited with Express Yachts—also located in Midland—the same facility continued manufacturing the model.
Design and construction
The Express 35 is a keel‑boat intended for recreational cruising. Its hull is built predominantly of fiberglass with wood trim accents. The layout includes a spacious top cockpit, a transom-hung rudder controlled by an internally mounted wheel, and a fixed keel. Standard specifications are as follows:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 35.00 ft (10.67 m) |
| Length waterline (LWL) | 29.00 ft (8.84 m) |
| Beam | 11.50 ft (3.51 m) |
| Draft (standard keel) | 6.50 ft (1.98 m) |
| Draft (optional shoal‑draft keel) | 5.40 ft (1.65 m) |
| Displacement | 11,500 lb (5,216 kg) |
| Ballast | 5,300 lb (2,404 kg) |
| Hull speed | 7.22 knots (13.37 km/h) |
| Sail area (total) | 656.23 sq ft (60.97 m²) |
| Mast height (tall‑mast version) | ≈1.8 ft (0.55 m) higher than standard |
The rig is a fractional sloop with the following sail dimensions: I = 49.00 ft, J = 14.80 ft, P = 43.50 ft, E = 13.50 ft. A tall‑mast variant was also offered, featuring a slightly longer mast to increase sail area.
Production history
Construction of the Express 35 began in 1984 under Goman Boat Limited. After the merger that formed Express Yachts, production continued at the same Midland plant. The design remained in limited production through the late 1990s; exact cessation dates are not well documented.
Operational use
The boat is marketed as a small cruising keelboat suitable for coastal sailing and club racing. Its moderate displacement, respectable hull speed, and relatively spacious cockpit make it popular among sailors seeking a balance between comfort and performance in a 35‑foot package.
References
- Tavily web‑search results including the Wikipedia entry for “Express 35”.
- Alphapedia (Russian language source) detailing specifications and design history.
