A Boat Owner’s Insights – Baba 35 Double Ended Cutter
In this segment of “A Boat Owner’s Insights,” we feature a 1979 Baba 35 Double Ended Cutter.
This A Boat Owner’s Insights – Baba 35 Offshore Cutter is listed for sale on our Waterline Boats / Boatshed Seattle websites (direct link below).
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Discover Your Own Special Spots Sailing this Baba 35 Double Ended Cutter
Time aboard the USCGC Eagle, a U.S. Coast Guard operated 295-foot tall ship, is intended to train Coast Guard cadets in seamanship and knowledge of the seas. For the owner of this boat, a former Coast Guard officer, time aboard USCGC Eagle did not only that but also stoked a passion for sailing that eventually resulted in the purchase of this Baba 35 Double Ended Cutter Offshore Cutter Blue Water Vessel.
With a strong mariner background like his, it’s no wonder that this owner chose such a capable and proven vessel. Quite a rarity that the boat has stayed with a single owner since it’s construction in 1979, his careful attention and care has kept the vessel in first-class condition. Currently listed with Waterline Boats, this Baba 35 Double Ended Cutter is prepared and ready for new owners to discover their own special sailing spots!
For this edition of a Boat Owner’s Insight we asked the owner some questions about this fine sailing yacht, and had the chance to learn first-hand about the design and particulars.
Why did you originally buy this boat?
I purchased her in 1979, at age 29. I moved to Seattle in the mid-1970s, after serving as an officer, teaching marine science for a few years in the US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. During my Coast Guard service, I had the opportunity to sail on the USCGC Eagle, a square-rig sailing ship used for cadet training. I gained a considerable sailing and seamanship experience, and a keen interest in yacht cruising.
The Baba-35 met my criteria: a sturdy cruising yacht designed by a highly regarded naval architect, classic lines, and ample space for a live-aboard, including headroom for someone 6’3”! My vessel is hull #003 of this design. Construction started in 1978 and she was delivered to Seattle January 1979.
What have you most enjoyed about this sailing yacht?
The original sail plan was a simple cutter rig, and she was delightful to sail. Several years later I converted the headsail rigging to a roller-furling jib. That first year, I met a lovely woman, and our first date was a weekend on the boat. She loved the roomy interior and stowage space, and we both adored being out on the water. The rest is history – we got married the following year and the boat was a major part of our lives since, cruising every summer as our two kids were growing up.
Now, after more than 40 years and many adventures together, we have reluctantly decided to let her go to new owners, whom we assume will adore and care for her as much as we have, as our focus changes to retirement, travel and visiting family overseas.
What notable destinations have you sailed to?
We live in central Puget Sound, and usually cruised north to Port Townsend, Juan de Fuca Strait, San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands, Victoria, BC, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Desolation Sound, and north along the BC coast inside of Vancouver Island.
We discovered many favorite stops along the way: marinas, resorts, anchorages in protected coves and bays, beach walks, and island hiking trails.
Can you list what has most impressed you about its performance?
• The boat is quite stable and sails well close-hauled to windward.
• For downwind sailing we have a whisker pole.
• The engine is quite efficient (35hp Yanmar diesel), and with about 55-gal fuel capacity, we could usually manage a 2-3-week cruise to the north with just one or two fuel stops.
• Cruising speed is typically about 6 to 6.5 knots.
• With a ¾ keel, it is quite maneuverable.
• The turning radius is about one boat-length.
• She rides easily with a side-swell; gentle surge rather than roll.
Did you make any additions to your boat that are unique or notable?
At the outset, I installed a Dickinson Pacific diesel stove. This was to provide for dry cabin heat in the winter as well as for cooking. The stove has an oven, which has provided many a hot meal, fresh baked biscuits, pies, etc. I also went on to make the following additions:
• Hot water coils added to the stove generate hot water piped to a separate tank, to supply the galley, head and shower.
• The spruce mast was originally varnished, but later it was refinished with white polyurethane paint for much easier maintenance.
• As noted earlier, the headsail rig was converted to roller furling.
• The boat has a complete Sunbrella cover for winter protection.
Why are you listing with Waterline Boats?
Waterline Boats was recommended by the marina owner where I moved the boat when we decided to put it on the market. There were other Waterline listings moored at that dock.
Where to Learn More
For complete listing details on this stable and accomplished sailing vessel, including over 100 large format photos as well as videos and 360 Virtual Tours, visit our Boatshed presentation: Baba 35 Double Ended Cutter Offshore Cutter Blue Water Vessel
Our “A Boat Owner’s Insights” series serves to share useful and noteworthy information about the boats we currently have for sale, as relayed by their owners. This is a unique opportunity to learn intimate details and stories about the boats in our inventory from the owners themselves, and is another method by which Waterline Boats / Boatshed makes the process of buying a boat a more informative and enjoyable one. Waterline Boats – Boats For Sale Inventory
