Advertisement

Boat Review: Luhrs 35 Convertible

This 35 offers the safety, comfort and maneuverability that Luhrs is known for
11luhrs

11luhrs

The first named storm of the 2007 hurricane season sat 100 miles east of St. Augustine, Florida, on the day I wanted to run the new Luhrs 35. Not far outside the inlet, seas topped 20 feet. Everyone on board knew the old saying concerning discretion and valor, so we didn’t venture forth. Besides, the seas in the wind-against-tide inlet proved more than adequate for testing the abilities of this 35 convertible.

Performance
The 35 Luhrs sipped 0.6 gph at idle, moving along at 5.5 knots. Bumped up slightly to 1,000 rpms and 6 knots, it uses a mere 0.8 gph. Cruising at 26 knots she uses only 28.8 gph.

Drifting in fairly substantial beam seas proved comfortable. Although the 35 exhibited a long roll moment, she provided gentle transitions.

Advertisement

With no exaggeration, I honestly don’t remember any 35-foot boat that turns as well as this one. At top speed, I cranked the wheel hard over, and the Luhrs reversed course in its own length without passengers having the need to hold on for dear life.

Cockpit
Opening the port cockpit module reveals a StarBoard cutting surface for rigging baits. The cutting board serves as the inner top to a deep freeze. Rig your baits, leave them on the cutting board and close the hatch. The freezer keeps the cutting board cold enough to maintain your natural baits without water or ice.

Luhrs supplies a fishing kit with each boat, allowing the dealer to place the rod holders (three each side) where the owner wants them. Five more rocket launchers line the back of the flybridge rail.

Advertisement

Luhrs places a livewell under the stairway to the flybridge. That’s right – no ladder, just real steps. Two molded steps serve as the lid for the baitwell.

Luhrs supplies storage for six 6-foot rod-and-reel combos in the brow on the bridge. Looking at how people bring food and drinks aboard inspired Luhrs to design portable cloth cooler bags with built-in cold plates that you can plug into a 12-volt power source in your car on the trip to the boat. Fill it at home, carry it aboard and put it in the designated space on the flybridge and plug it into the awaiting power outlet.

**Interior
**I’d classify storage capacity on this 35-footer as monumental. The forward cabin sports an island double berth with lots of storage beneath, making linen duties much easier. A second stateroom also has a full-sized twin berth. The portside straight settee in the salon hides storage, though I’d rather see the seat and back lift together on a hinge at the top of the back rather than removing just the seat to access storage.

Advertisement

You’ll find all maintenance points on centerline with no space to get outboard of the engines at all. With that said, this 35 offers a remarkable amount of space in the middle of the engine compartment. For their horsepower rating, the 480-hp Yanmar 6LY3A-ETP electronic diesels provide a relatively small footprint. Mounting the transmission and oil change system on the aft bulkhead makes maintenance easy and spill-free.

One thing Luhrs does better than most companies is providing safe and secure movement around the boat. You’ll find an excellent handhold everywhere you need a good grip, allowing easy negotiation of the walkways to the bow when you have a rod in one hand.

LOA……38’10”
**BEAM……
14’6”
DRAFT……3′
WEIGHT……23,500 pounds
FUEL……400 gallons
WATER……100 gallons
POWER……T 480 hp Yanmars
PRICE……$416,000**

Advertisement

Luhrs Boats / St. Augustine, Florida / 904-829-0500 / www.luhrs.com

Advertisement

Free Email Newsletters

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

Advertisement