Rob and Suzanne, we've owned our 35s5, hull 64 since 1997. Before that
we owned an Alberg 35 Yawl that we fully restored. Selling that boat
was heartbreaking, but we've never looked back. We basically bought the
35s5 to cruise and like you we'd seen enough light air to be done with
full keel and even fin keelers that couldn't get out their own way.
True, when it pipes up the 35s5 is a handful. It can get pretty crazy
when it REALLY picks up. But the truth is that even then it's fun and
those situations are probably 5 days out of our whole season. We didn't
buy a boat for 5 days of conditions! Simply put, the 35s5 sails
beautifully and fast. It's best to reef early on these boats or you'll
be wishing you had. Do it when you think it's too soon and you'll be
fine! As a cruiser the boat has been great. We spent 3 weeks aboard
last summer and most of that was spent sailing. I do wish the stowage
for the galley was a bit bigger, but other stowage makes up for it just
fine. The holding tank is too small. You'll have to address that if you
take her out for more than a weekend. We had one custom fit with a
larger shelf to support it. Like you, we had air conditioning, then
removed it because it was extra weight and hassle. Then we had two of
the worst summers and wished we had it back! Everyone says the 35s5 has
great sailing manners and still we get surprised by her speed and kind
motion in chop. The boat is a knife in the water. If you decide to add
reviews to your site, let me know. I'll send you a more "comprehensive"
review