Nearly every owner we spoke to about their Alberg 35 had small gripes about the boats performance, cosmetic defects, and outdated equipment. Nevertheless, it was clear that each had great confidence in the hull design and construction, and took pride in the boats enduring classic aesthetics.
Deck Delamination
New, lighter hulls are clearly faster, but this is an excellent sea boat. Delamination has required considerable re-coring of deck. Gelcoat was seriously pitted when I bought her. Be prepared, until the wind gets up to 15 knots, to see all newer designs leave you far behind. – 1962 model in Maine
Spartan interior, beautiful lines
Spartan interior, inconvenient galley, cockpit too big for offshore. Berth size adequate, very plain interior, uncomfortable sitting, inconvenient table, no good navigation area. Good storage. Forefoot of keel easily damaged during dry storage. I bought this boat for beautiful lines, full keel, stability and price. – 1962 model in Connecticut
Dependable in the Atlantic
Leaks at stanchions can rot balsa core. Solid fiberglass hull looks good, cabin trunk shows small craze lines at curves. Because of the age of this boat, which Ive owned for over 20 years, Ive replaced items subject to wear or failure such as sails, halyards, sheaves, spreaders, turnbuckles, engine, lights, pumps, and electronics. The boat has performed well in the Atlantic and has been incredibly dependable. – 1962 model in Maryland
Solid sailer, manageable defects
The boat has poor initial stability due to narrow beam, good ultimate stability. Original joinery and trim are primitive, but solid. Glass work is simple, fair, solid. Forward cabin is roomier than needed. My water and fuel tanks failed, causing major surgery. Wooden rudder was rebuilt and sheathed in polypropylene. An Alberg 35 is a pretty, solid, inexpensive, able sailer. The deficiencies are manageable. – 1962 model in Massachusetts
Hawaii to Tahiti in 23 days
Did Honolulu to Tahiti nonstop in 23 days. Boat is very seakindly. I took this boat on an 8,000-mile cruise through the Pacific. It is an excellent vessel for cruising. I added a pilothouse and heavier rigging, converted to diesel, added radar, an Aires steering vane, and a galley freezer. – 1962 model in Hawaii
No reverse, highly recommended
Reverse under power is a disaster-control is always in question. The boat is 25 years old and needs a lot of cosmetic work. It is solid, a good sailer, has handled our stupidities, and in general
is a joy to own. Its not the fastest boat on the block. Its easy to sail, a little old-fashioned, but Id recommend it without qualification. – 1963 model in Massachusetts
Rig modifications
New rig with bowsprit allows me to balance helm and walk away from the wheel for 30 minutes at a time. Boat seems almost indestructible. – 1965 model in New Jersey
Excellent compromise
Interiors nowadays are better designed, but in all other respects, the Alberg 35 is an excellent compromise of essential qualities: speed, seaworthiness, looks, comfort, and cost. – 1967 model in Indiana
