Starlight 35

[Twister_Ken]

Anyone had any experience of them? Here or PM if you prefer.

Cheers, TK

PS I know about the problems that struck some of the Bowman built ones.

 

[Seven Spades]

I have a 39 which is very similar, what do you want to know?

 

[mikebirch]

I have had a Starlight 35 for about 5 years I think it is now 15 years old. I really like the boat. It is reasonably fast although certainly not a racer, dry, comfortable to sail and look sfater you.

The only 'known' problem I am aware of is that several have suffered from water ingress from the anchor locker that then goes down a channel either side of the boat and comes out usually in the rear cabin or around the chart table.

I am not quite sure which years suffered with this so it is worth checking any boat for sale.

That aside I know only four other S35 owners but they are all very happy with their boats.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Mike,

Thanks for your reply.

Couple of questions if I may.

What speed do you use for passage planning?

When beating, at what apparent wind speed do you pull down the first reef?

 

[Seven Spades]

I would agree with the above the yacht is very safe, it's not a racer but no slouch either she carries her speed well. I have the winged keel 39 and it has a dampening effect that allows it to make good way when punching. I use 7knts for planning a cross channel trip. This year I did Haslar to Cherbourg, slipping the lines to stepping onto the pontoon in just under 11 hours, which is 84 miles by the rhumb line, about 15 knots on the beam. I don't need to reef until 20knts , but I would reef at 18knts of steady wind unless sailing downwind.

 

[mikebirch]

6kt - I usually put a reef in at the top end of a F4 - others may go higher but my wife doesnty like toe rail in water sailing

 

[Sans Bateau]

It might be of interest to know if your S35 is a wing or deep fin keel. I cant say I know if it would make any difference though.

 

[mikebirch]

I should have added - you could also try posting on the discussion forum at mikelucasyachting

This is a Sadler / Starlight discussion forum run by Mike Lucas who was part of Sadler

The only other comments on reflection is I have the wing keel which is supposed to have a damping effect - as I have not sailed a 35 without wing I cant compare but I am careful not to take the ground other in very soft mud. I would hate to have it stand up and then fall and I also think the degree of heel on its side would be very bad

 

[Seven Spades]

I have not dried out either, however I have met several owners who have including one went along side in Ryde! Of those I have spoken to about this all say that it is not a problem.

 

[Twister_Ken]

One I'm looking at is a fin, so no nonsense with wings.

 

[Seven Spades]

I have to say I am really pleased with mine. The only downer is the cockpit is a bit short. The boat has a huge locker at the stern and with the mainsheet track running across the cockpit it makes the cockpit a little cramped, a Maxi 1100 has a much nicer cockpit even though the layout is similar. If you buy one of these you will struggle to think of what your next boat might be if you see what I mean. If you can get a mark II (The ones with all wood interior) the older ones had some plastic at the nav table and around the galley.