Designing a 35 footer must be one of the biggest challenges that faces a powerboat designer. In larger sizes there is a lot more freedom to fit all the necessities of a luxury life into the hull but as you come down in size, trying to accommodate all the requirements can become quite acute. Perhaps this explains why many of the major yards start their ranges at 40 feet but Italian builder Gobbi has not only met this challenge but has succeeded with a design that exceeds all expectations. The 35 may be a starter boat in the Atlantis range but it is one of the best powerboats I have tested.
This boat is a 35 footer that thinks it is a 45 footer. Not only is this a comfortable design that is easy on the eye, but also the level of luxury that Gobbi has achieved goes way beyond the normal expectations of the owner of a 35 footer. Here you have everything for a comfortable life afloat and this is combined with taut, precise performance that makes the Atlantis 35 one of the best boats in its class.
The 35 appeals as soon as you set eyes on it. This has to be one of the cleanest, most unfussy designs on the market, replying on classic styling rather than adornment to make its impact. There is no arch mast to spoil the lines, just a simple wrap-around windscreen that is in perfect proportion to the sleek hull. The topsides are deep to allow spacious accommodation but this has been achieved without spoiling the sporty lines.
Many designers would consider the arch mast essential to support a Bimini or cockpit cover but Gobbi has come up with an elegant solution that uses hydraulic power to lift the Bimini up from its hidden stowage. Once erected it provides good sun protection in the cockpit but side screens can be added to create a weather protecting top or a fully enclosed cockpit. Even this looks elegant so you have the best of all worlds with this design.
The windscreen is deep to offer good protection but the top of the frame comes just at eye level when you are standing at the helm, which I found
irritating. Sit down at the helm and you have to look through the tinted glass where reflections can be a problem. The helm seat is a cozy double and
it faces a dashboard that favors the engine monitoring instruments rather than the navigation display. The controls are well laid out with the throttles
alongside the angled wheel. Everything comes readily to hand but as always the flap and power trim controls are small and less than easy to operate.
