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The moment I stepped into the 35's cockpit, I could see Herndon hadn't forgotten about fishing. I immediately noticed the standard 30-gallon in-deck livewell to port and 46-gallon in-deck fishbox to starboard, right behind the transom door. As a result, you need only drag your catch about a foot to stow it out of the way. There are also five rod holders (standard) and ample rod stowage to port and starboard, with benchseating on top of the engine covers and tackle drawers to either side. Optional amenities included a half tower, Lee 19-foot, double-box outriggers, and rocket launchers across the flying-bridge rail.

Herndon even took fishing into account in redesigning the saloon. While the sole is carpeted, the flooring beneath it has the same fiberglass nonskid as the cockpit. So if you don't want to mess up your interior, just pull up the carpet and leave it at home. As someone who is admittedly not always neat when the game is aboard, I particularly like this idea.

Yet although this is a fishing boat, you could cruise her. The saloon offers a table with two benchseats to port that can be converted into a double berth, while the L-shape seating to starboard pulls out to form a bunk. There is more rod stowage behind the L-shape seating, so you'll have room for all your gear aboard the 35. The saloon offers comfortable 6'5" headroom and is well lit from the cabin side windows. The entertainment center's TV, VCR, DVD, and stereo/

CD player sit conveniently high on the starboard side, with TV viewing equally good from port or starboard.

If you're overnighting or canyon fishing and don't feel like sacking out in the saloon, you'll like the forward stateroom's queen-size island berth. A Bomar hatch overhead offers plenty of natural light, and cedar-lined closets to either side provide good stowage. There is also dry stowage under the berth. Below that lift another hatch for semidry stowage. The head with shower to starboard is well lit and comfortably sized with dry stowage for towels in the shower. (The shower head is aimed away from this molded-in stowage area, which has a waterproof door sealed with a gasket.)

The galley is just as cozy as the sleeping arrangements, thanks to a teak and holly sole, cabinets with teak inlays, and ample overhead lighting above the cooking area and counters. There's also plenty of room to cook and prepare meals, given the two-burner stove and microwave, deep stainless steel sink, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Corian countertops, plenty of cabinets and drawers, and an optional icemaker.

And finally, it's nice to know that Herndon paid attention to the 35's engine room. Access is uncomplicated and comfortable, with entrances from the cockpit and the saloon, the latter available by just pulling back the carpet and removing a two-foot-square hatch. Inside I had no problem making my way around the optional twin 420-hp Yanmar diesels. Although primary access is through the cockpit engine covers/seats, you can access your salt- and freshwater washdown pumps, alternator, belts, and the like through here. The area is well lit with three 12-volt fluorescent lights.

But seeing all of Herndon's changes was one thing; feeling them was another. I took the 35 into 10- to 15-mph northwestlies and a two-foot swell, so I can't attest to her big-water capability. With her fuel and water tanks full and three aboard, she made almost 36 mph. I was impressed with her handling, as she turned easily, rode solid, and took what swells there were like a champ. The Hynautic steering was smooth, as were the Panish controls. I liked the optional Glendinning engine synchronizer, which made moving through rpms a snap. The helm console was clean, even though Phoenix eliminated the overhead electronics box and put everything there. Our boat wasn't short on electronics either, with a Northstar 952XD, Furuno Color Sounder FCV5821, Furuno Radar 1932, Datamarine depth 3001, Simrad autopilot, and Icom VHF. Sightlines were clean over the bow, whether I was seated in the helm chair or standing. There is seating for about six in front of the helm.

The Phoenix 35 Flybridge Convertible is sleek, fast, and was clearly designed to fish the blue water, although she can be cruised, too. Her dimensions make her easily handled by a couple. I only wish I had time on her in more challenging seas to better judge her handling.

The 35 is certainly proof that this Phoenix has risen from the ashes, and while no one can say if the company will exist for 500 years, right now its future is burning bright.

Jupiter Marine/Phoenix (954) 525-6314. Fax: (954) 523-9390. www.jupitermarine.com.

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