The Publisher
*****
Sep 22, 2010, 12:37 PM
Post #1 of 1
(2117 views)
Shortcut
|
|
First 35
|
Log-In to Post/Reply
|
|
By Don Finkle, RCR Yachts:
We started out with an inspection of the F35, which was on the hard, rig up. There aren't any sails for this hull yet so we couldn't sail it, but it will be on display at the Annapolis show in a few weeks. Having owned First 36.7s myself for nine years now, and loving the boat, I was most curious as to how this replacement model would compare. Both after all were designed by Farr. Well, in many respects the First 35 blows the 36.7 away, which I have to say with mixed emotions as the 36.7 is still one of the best in class ever, all considered. I am not about to give up the one design competition we have currently with the 36.7, but if it were not for that I'd change to the F35 in a heartbeat. Being a much newer model, one would expect some improvements, but overall the First 35 appears to be a significant upgrade in a number of areas.
We started with an inspection of the cockpit and deck. The cockpit is just plain awesome. Same as the First 40, open transom, wide with loads of room, traveler on the cockpit sole, comfortable helm seating on either side of the wheel. The wheel is huge and fitted with a trough in the sole, and the backstay and traveler controls are placed where either the helmsman can reach with forward hand, or main trimmer can reach with after hand. The mainsheet is a 2:1 German system that leads to winches P&S, where the helmsman could reach if sailing short-handed. The genoa winches are located forward in the cockpit. All winches are the new Harken models with drums that really grip the line.
I found the deck to be easy to walk around on, and the coachroof is easy to see over. The quality of deck hardware is terrific, mostly Harken with some Spinlock. Everything is there, appears to be properly sized and located. The rig is fractional but with the option of both masthead and fractional spinnakers. Shrouds are outboard on the rail, and the D2's are continuous, meaning you can adjust them from deck level. As a result you are limited in headsail overlap to about 108%. As with other modern designs, the power in the rig comes from longer luff length as opposed to LP (girth). There is no doubt that sailing with a smaller overlap headsail is much easier from a handling and visibility standpoint. So everything on and above deck gets a very high grade in my book.
When I went below I was taken aback. The F35 seems larger than the F36.7 inside, even though they are roughly the same size. This is due to both layout and the way the boat is fitted out. By moving the head aft to Starboard, the forward part of the cabin is all opened up. The head compartment is larger and offers better ventilation. The V-berth is larger also, with double doors that really give the impression of space, light and air when opened up. The main salon is spacious, but includes the key elements: L-shaped galley, nav station with chart table, plenty of stowage in aircraft-style flip-down bins P&S, and a large centerline table that folds down. The table is the only thing I am not sure about. It is significantly larger than that on the 36.7 (which we usually don't keep aboard), and is nicely done, but it is big. The nav table is set up for a laptop computer. I should mention that all of the interior wood is all light oak colored Alpi, and the lighter shade really brightens things up.
We then went down to ground level to check out the hull and foils. The lines of the boat are modern and attractive. The hull shape is very clean with a long run aft that will give good stability. The rudder looks rather normal, no surprises, but amply sized. The keel is a T shaped fin with torpedo bulb. The engine is fitted to a saildrive with geared folding prop. There is nothing in the hull shape or appendages that indicate the boat will be anything but fast.
The overall perception of quality and modern design of the First 35 is there in spades, the boat is a looker too, inside and out. I was surprised by how much I liked it, I expected it would be very nice, but not this nice. There is nothing I came away with that I did not like. This is a boat that is going to make some owners very happy and proud. We only wish we could have gone sailing! -- http://psndealer.com/dealersite/images/rcryachts/racersnews092210.pdf
|
SCUTTLEBUTT
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG IN