1985 Niagara Encore

The 1985 Niagara Encore is a full-displacement offshore cruiser designed by Mark Ellis and built by George Hinterhoeller. This 35-foot fiberglass sloop combines a shoal-draft fin keel and spade rudder with a single-spreader rig, delivering stable performance in a range of conditions. A defining feature is the premium Navtec stainless-steel rod rigging—an uncommon and valuable upgrade that significantly enhances strength and offshore capability. The boat carries new 2025 mainsail and genoa sails with Harken roller-furling and Lazy-Jack system on the main.

The Encore layout prioritizes comfort and practicality with warm teak joinery throughout, a teak-and-holly sole, and sleeping accommodations for five. The forward cabin features a V-berth with abundant storage and private head access. The head includes a separate shower stall, stainless sink with pressurized hot and cold water, and a Jabsco manual head with Y-valve for tank or overboard discharge. Water systems include two 40-gallon tanks with 12V pressure pump and in-line filtration, plus a 2024 on-demand propane heater. The main salon has opposing settees with storage and a centerline dining table. The aft galley to port is equipped with a double stainless sink (new faucet 2025), Adler/Barbour refrigeration, and a three-burner gimbal stove with oven. A navigation desk to starboard is paired with a quarter berth.

Recent upgrades include a 2024 four-bank AGM battery system, 2024 propane water heater, and 2019 additions of a dodger, mainsail cover, and handrails. The engine is a Westerbeke diesel. The hull is finished in Aristo Blue Awlgrip with a fiberglass sandwich deck. Rigging includes dual Barient self-tailing primary winches, spare genoas, an asymmetrical spinnaker with pole, and optimized line routing to the cockpit. Navigation and electrical systems feature a Raymarine autopilot, Garmin chartplotter, Icom VHF, Raytheon radar, and both 12V and 110V power with shore-power connection. Deck equipment includes a Simpson Lawrence electric windlass, dual anchors with chain and rode, raw-water washdown, and double lifelines with stainless rails throughout.