Calyber Boatworks 35 Express

Illustration: Bruce AldersonCalyber Boatworks 35 ExpressThe biggest news about this petite sportfisherman is not her size, layout, or design, but rather her propulsion system. She’s one of the first sportfishing yachts designed expressly to utilize Volvo Penta’s innovative IPS 500. With its

By Mike Smith

April 1, 2007

Illustration: Bruce Alderson

Calyber Boatworks 35 Express

The biggest news about this petite sportfisherman is not her size, layout, or design, but rather her propulsion system. She’s one of the first sportfishing yachts designed expressly to utilize Volvo Penta’s innovative IPS 500. With its forward facing, contra-rotating propellers, Volvo Penta claims a 20 percent increase in efficiency compared to standard angled-shaft inboard drives. In the Calyber 35, powered by twin 370-hp D6 diesel engines, the IPS drive delivers a top speed of 39 knots (45 mph) and a range of 450 nautical miles at 35 knots (40 mph) on her modest 350-gallon fuel capacity. Conventional angled shaft inboard drives would need about 500 hp to match those speeds but would guzzle proportionally more fuel. In addition to more speed on less fuel, Calyber offers the 35 with optional IPS joystick controls for enhanced maneuverability.

In an offshore battlewagon, seakeeping is every bit as important. And the Calyber 35 should more than hold her own. Her Carolina-style bow has a fine entry with a razor-sharp, 60-degree deadrise to soften the ride, while her towering freeboard and radical flare above the waterline promise to keep her decks dry. Twenty degrees of deadrise amidships should assure a soft landing after flying off the crests in heavy seas.

Her bottom is solid fiberglass laminate, while her hull sides and superstructure are cored with PVC foam. Optional custom teak is available to dress up her decks, cockpit sole, covering boards, and toerails. Her raised helm station should offer 360-degree visibility while underway and an unobstructed view of the cockpit when the action heats up. A teak helm pod with single-lever controls is standard, while outriggers, a hardtop, and a half tower are optional.
Engines are in the customary location, beneath the bridge deck, for good fore and aft balance; jack shafts connect them to the IPS drive units, just forward of the transom. Space on the lower deck is limited but adequate; the standard layout offers a double berth forward, a settee to port, with a head and compact galley to starboard. But being a custom builder, Calyber will configure the space to suit each owner’s requirements.

Calyber Boatworks
(252) 482-0775