1990 Bruce Roberts 35 Boat in Bristol, RI 02809 US
Built in 1990
35
1 Engine (Vetus)
34.1 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
For the sailor seeking a rugged, comfortable, well-built, heavy displacement vessel like the Tayana, Southern Cross or Westsail, the Bruce Roberts 35 (341) is a solid competitor. Custom built by Canadian builder Wolfgang Dzimbowski, Bumble Bee was constructed from a design by Grahame Shannon as he worked for the Bruce Roberts Yacht Design company. Dzimbowski has been described as a meticulous builder whose' technical expertise was legendary.' He was known for his expertise in the practical aspects of proper glass laminating, and may have been the first manufacturing manager to properly use fiberglass and core materials in heavy-displacement boat construction.
Her deck and hull are 1" thick construction, with ¼" fiberglass on either side of balsa and foam cores. She has a well-overbuilt hull and deck that are structurally bonded (no leaks!), and her deck sports ½" solid fiberglass bulwarks that are 11" tall, improving safety for crew, family and pets. The stanchions and lifelines are atop the bulwarks for even greater height/safety. Her deck and hull are structurally bonded and dry. She is fully cored, sails fast and handles beautifully.
Below, varnished ash, mahogany and teak create a light, warm interior, which is spacious with ample headroom for 6-foot people, and berths measure 6'6" for comfortable sleeping.
Her current owner completely rebuilt the original Vetus diesel engine in 2008, and she has logged just 200 engine hours since. Her owners have spared no expense or attention in their maintenance, updates and improvements since purchasing her in 2005, and their attention to detail is impressive. Bumble Bee has a new Quantum headsail from Thurston Sails, newer canvas and other updates. she has spent new New England winters under a custom canvas over an aluminum frame, with impressive headroom for moving about. Her mast is removed annually for maintenance as well. While her instruments are older, they are operational for their intended purpose
Bumble Bee brings her solid history of caretaking to her next owner and adventures, and she is on a mooring in RI, fully rigged and ready for visitors.
Recent Updates By Current Owners Since 2005
- Rebuilt Vetus Diesel (2008); under 200 hours logged since.
- New Genoa (2026)
- Mainsail cover2026
- Rudder re-fiberglassed and sealed (2023)
- New fresh water pump (2019)
- New cutlass bearing, under 200 hours.
- Dripless PSS replaced original stuffing box
- New raw water pump (2011) with recent rebuild and new seals; original raw water pump was rebuilt and is available as a spare.
- Heat exchanger (2016)
- New electric winch installed aft of cockpit in (2011)
Additional maintenance notes
- Mast unstepped annually for easy maintenance and to reduce hull/keel stress while on the hard during winter, and to reduce wear and tear on the rigging
- Bottom sanded and re-painted annually
- Brightwork sanded/varnished annually.
- Custom canvas cover and aluminum frame installed each winter
Accommodations
- Two private 2-person berths (private V-berth and aft berth), each 6'6" long
- Salon table converts to additional double berth
- Head: 1
- Hand-held shower
GALLEY:
- Refrigeration: Large, well insulated 12V refrigeration unit (can also accommodate 25 lb block of ice)
- Plumbing: Hot and cold pressure water in galley and head
- Heater: Espar diesel hot air heating system with thermostat
- Galley: Double stainless steel sink, propane stove with oven, ample storage
MECHANICAL
- Engine: Vetus M4.14 Diesel (1990, rebuilt 2008)
- Hours: <200 since rebuild
- Propeller: 2-blade bronze fixed prop, with 30mm stainless shaft and flex coupling to transmission
- Drive Type: Vee drive transmission
- Service: Annual maintenance of engine and transmission
TANKS
- Fresh Water Tanks: 2 x 30 gallon polypropylene tanks
- Fuel Tanks: 18 gallon primary tank, 22 gallon secondary tank; both fiberglass
- Holding: 40 gallon fiberglass tank
RIGGING
- Standing Rigging: Original 5/!6 Stainless; 1X19 standing rigging with Norseman turnbuckles (like new)
- Running Rigging: (2026); 600 ft ½” STA SET X
- Rigging inspected annually
- Furler: Heavy Duty Goit Aluminum Furler
- Winches: 2 Lewmar #46 self-tailing, 2 speed winches; 2 Lewmar self-tailing #40, Z speed winches, 1 electric winch
- Additional: Isomat mast/boom sailing system; double reefing for main, gear inside boom; internal halyards inside mast.
SAILS & CANVAS
- Full-batten main, 2 sets of reef points (original)
- Genoa: NEW 2026 120% Quantum Sails from Thurston
- Additional: Yankee, Staysail
- Mainsail cover, New 2026
- Dutchman flaking system
- Dodger: 2005
- Binnacle Cover
- Bimini: Custom sunshade over boom
Outside Equipment
- Wheel: Handsome wood wheel on Whitlock Cobra binnacle steering system
- Anchor: 45LB CQR type anchor, Danforth anchor
- Rode: 250’ 8mm chain; 150’ ⅝” nylon twist rode
- Windlass: Ursus manual windlass (by Vetus)
- Motor Hoist: Stern outboard motor mount.
- Cockpit Cushions: Four seat cushions plush raised helmsman seat and cushion
- Cockpit Table: Varnished teak
- Swimming Ladder: Custom varnished teak w/ stainless steel hardware, folding, with stainless steel mount on stern
- Cockpit Shower: Sunshower
- Grill: Magma propane BBQ
ELECTRONICS
- Compass: Ritchie, binnacle mount
- GPS: handheld
- VHF: Uniden VHF
- Radar: Furuno 1700 radar
- Depthsounder: NAV 5
- Speedometer: NAV 5
- Additional: NAV 5 wind speed and direction, with depth and knot log, binnacle mounted
- Stereo: AM/FM, with repeater in nav station.
ELECTRICAL
- Batteries: 4 12V deep cycle house batteries
Circuit breaker
Polarity indicator
Volt meter
Battery Charger
Inverter
Shore Power: 110V shore power with shore power cord
Safety Equipment:
OTHER
Dinghy and outboard (for separate consideration, not included in price):
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7/15/26 | Initial price | $44,900 |
Overview from around the web 1990 Bruce Roberts 35
Customers have praised the 1990 Bruce Roberts 35 for its sturdy construction and reliable performance on the water
Many appreciate its classic design and versatile sailing capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of conditions. Users have noted the spacious interior layout, which provides comfort for extended trips, and the practicality of its storage solutions, making it ideal for cruising. The robust hull design has garnered positive feedback for its seaworthiness, with owners citing its ability to handle rough waters with ease. A number of reviews highlight the simplicity of maintenance due to its functional design, which can be advantageous for both seasoned sailors and those new to sailing. Additionally, the sense of community among Bruce Roberts owners is often mentioned, with many sharing tips and experiences that enhance the ownership experience. Overall, customers find the 1990 Bruce Roberts 35 to be a reliable and enjoyable vessel for both leisurely sailing and more adventurous maritime journeys.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
1990 Bruce Roberts 35 – Pros and Cons
Pros
Sturdy Construction: Built with robust materials, the Bruce Roberts 35 is known for its exceptional durability, making it suitable for long voyages and offshore sailing.
Spacious Interior: The design features an efficient layout with enough space for comfortable living aboard, including multiple sleeping areas and essential amenities.
Versatile Design: This boat can be adapted for various uses, whether for cruising, living aboard, or even as a racing vessel, giving it versatility for different sailing enthusiasts.
Affordable Entry Point: Compared to other yachts in its class, the Bruce Roberts 35 often comes at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Strong Community and Support: There is a supportive network of Bruce Roberts owners and builders, providing resources for maintenance and improvement as well as shared experiences.
Seaworthiness: Designed for ocean capabilities, the Bruce Roberts 35 handles rough seas well, offering peace of mind when sailing in challenging conditions.
Cons
Aging Materials: Being a 1990 model, some components may show wear and may require updates or replacements, especially in electrical systems or fittings.
Performance Limitations: While suitable for cruising, the performance may not match some modern performance-oriented designs, making it less competitive for racing enthusiasts.
Weight Considerations: The solid build, while durable, can also mean added weight, which might affect speed and responsiveness in certain conditions.
Less Modern Amenities: Compared to more recent models, some features may be outdated, and buyers might find themselves needing to invest in upgrades for comfort and convenience.
Maintenance Requirements: Older boats may require more upkeep and regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition, potentially leading to higher long-term costs.
Niche Market: The unique style and design philosophy may not appeal to everyone, limiting the resale market compared to more mainstream vessels.
Made For
The 1990 Bruce Roberts 35 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of practicality and performance in a compact cruising vessel. This boat is ideal for both newcomers and seasoned sailors, offering stability and ease of handling. It caters to individuals or families looking for a reliable and comfortable platform for weekend getaways or extended voyages. With its sturdy construction and seaworthy design, the Bruce Roberts 35 accommodates those who enjoy exploring coastal waters or venturing further afield. Its spacious interior provides a welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for social gatherings or relaxing after a day of sailing. Whether you're a solo adventurer or part of a crew, this model is well-suited for anyone seeking to experience the joys of sailing while enjoying the freedom of the open water.
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 1990 Bruce Roberts 35 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,900 | $44,900 | $45,000 | $45,000 | $49,900 | $34,500 |
| Bristol | Barrington | Newport | Newport | North Kingstown | Warwick |
| 34' | 38' | 38' | 38' | 30' | 34' |
| 12' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Vetus | - | Yanmar | - | Universal | Yanmar |
| - | 33 hp | 40 hp | 40 hp | 30 hp | 27 hp |
| 74 | 94 | 401 | 63 | 290 | 240 |
Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact The Cruising Yacht Brokerage, LLC about 1990 Bruce Roberts 35
101 Narragansett Ave, Barrington, RI, 02806
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