Looking at a Niagara 35 built by HINTERHOELLER YACHTS. The hull is cored with balsa wood. Anyone with knowledge of this construction or boat care to comment? Thanks.
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Cored hull
I though Niagara used balsa only above the waterline??? You might want to make sure as these boats all had balsa above the waterline and solid glass below. Just went through the same mental exercise with my son who just bought a cored hull BELOW the waterline. Generally it's not the preferred design but in my son's case, it is a racing boat of minimal weight (MUMM36) for it's intended purpose so it makes some sense as long as you get a qualified surveyor to thoroughly check the hull for moisture and it passes. I had a long conversation with his surveyor who specializes in racing hulls and his opinion, which I considered authoritative, is that if it's relatively free of moisture, properly epoxied and properly prepared, go for it. They are well-built boats which are cruised extensively.
I though Niagara used balsa only above the waterline??? You might want to make sure as these boats all had balsa above the waterline and solid glass below. Just went through the same mental exercise with my son who just bought a cored hull BELOW the waterline. Generally it's not the preferred design but in my son's case, it is a racing boat of minimal weight (MUMM36) for it's intended purpose so it makes some sense as long as you get a qualified surveyor to thoroughly check the hull for moisture and it passes. I had a long conversation with his surveyor who specializes in racing hulls and his opinion, which I considered authoritative, is that if it's relatively free of moisture, properly epoxied and properly prepared, go for it. They are well-built boats which are cruised extensively.
Cored hull
My Pearson 34 - 1985 is balsa cored below the waterline, which is something that I was most definitely NOT going to buy when I bought her 2 years ago. Everything else about the boat was just about exactly what I wanted. I had also looked at a Niagara 35 which was a beautiful boat, but a fair amount +$$. They are known for being a little pokey (full keel) I wanted to move along a little quicker, hence the fin keel "racer/cruiser" P-34. Niagara has an excellent reputation.
My Pearson 34 - 1985 is balsa cored below the waterline, which is something that I was most definitely NOT going to buy when I bought her 2 years ago. Everything else about the boat was just about exactly what I wanted. I had also looked at a Niagara 35 which was a beautiful boat, but a fair amount +$$. They are known for being a little pokey (full keel) I wanted to move along a little quicker, hence the fin keel "racer/cruiser" P-34. Niagara has an excellent reputation.
Been there
Shorty, just a note. I visited Mt. Desert Ntl park and the Bar Harbor area. beautiful. Nice sailing. BTW, I like solid hull and have a Catalina 30. Regards
Shorty, just a note. I visited Mt. Desert Ntl park and the Bar Harbor area. beautiful. Nice sailing. BTW, I like solid hull and have a Catalina 30. Regards
Great Cruiser
Niagra 35 is a great cruiser, and if sailed well isn't so slow as to worry. Just don't plan on racing it
Huge space below due to the small J size. The couple I've come across are well built. I'd say it's a winner with a good survey and sea trial Let us know how it goes, curious to hear your impressions/decision. Best, B
Niagra 35 is a great cruiser, and if sailed well isn't so slow as to worry. Just don't plan on racing it
Huge space below due to the small J size. The couple I've come across are well built. I'd say it's a winner with a good survey and sea trial Let us know how it goes, curious to hear your impressions/decision. Best, BBoat/US
I'm pretty sure that one of the recent Boat/US Newsletters did a review of the Niagra 35. For 5 years I was in a marina in Newport next to one. During that time the owner sailed in 2 or 3 Newport to Bermuda races. He never won, but he always made it back.
I'm pretty sure that one of the recent Boat/US Newsletters did a review of the Niagra 35. For 5 years I was in a marina in Newport next to one. During that time the owner sailed in 2 or 3 Newport to Bermuda races. He never won, but he always made it back.
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