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10 Best Sailboats To Live In

Best Sailboats To Live On | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Living aboard a sailboat is an exciting lifestyle choice, but there are lots of considerations you’ll need to make.

‍ First and foremost, you have to pick a boat to live in. Unless you plan on sleeping under a canvas tarp, it’s essential to find a sailboat with a proper cabin.

Cabin sailboats became common in the United States during the early 20th century, but size and amenities vary widely between boats.

For example, early wooden sailboats generally featured very sparse accommodations below, typically consisting of a pipe berth, oil lamps, a coal-fired stove and a bucket privy—typically without standing headroom.

Fortunately, the majority of cabin sailboats came with a lot more than a bucket to wash with.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the most important considerations to make when choosing a sailboat to live on . After, we’ll give a top-ten list of the best used liveaboard sailboats you can buy today.

Table of contents

Why Live Aboard a Sailboat?

Thousands of people choose to live aboard their sailboats. It’s an alternative lifestyle with a host of benefits for those willing to deal with the added challenges.

Liveaboards can move their entire house on the water, and it’s typically cheaper to live on a boat than in a traditional house.

This is especially true in major waterfront cities, where rent in the same area as the marina can be several times more expensive.

Some people love the marina lifestyle, and others travel the world. All-in-all, living aboard a sailboat can be a rewarding, enriching, and financially-freeing lifestyle choice.

What to Consider when Buying a Liveaboard Sailboat

The most important thing to consider when buying a liveaboard sailboat is what level of accommodation you need.

Some people aren’t bothered by limited amenities; in fact, many traditional sailors prefer a stripped-down and basic sailboat interior. However, many others appreciate useful features such as electric toilets and a full galley.

You can find virtually every creature comfort on board a modern sailboat, so it’s up to you to decide what level of convenience you expect. ‍

For most people, a standard cruising sailboat interior from after 1970 will suffice, as these typically include a usable galley, shower, head, and ventilation.

Offshore VS Coastal Cruising Accommodations

Sailboat interior design is dependent on certain criteria, such as the sailboat’s intended use. Long-distance cruising sailboats have cabins arranged to suit such a journey.

Long-distance sailboats usually remove any unnecessary furniture or extras down below to increase storage, and sleeping options are altered to ensure easy access, which allows the crew to regain control of the boat in a pinch.

Coastal cruisers tend to feature a more luxurious layout, with larger sofas and more complex interior features. Additionally, storage space is generally reduced to allow for the inclusion of other amenities.

Whichever style you choose should reflect both how you plan to use your boat and what level of comfort you need.

What Makes A Great Liveaboard Sailboat?

For this article, we’ve outlined a few requirements which we believe identify an excellent liveaboard sailboat :

Standing headroom (at least 5’10”)

While many people live aboard boats without standing headroom, it’s still a nice feature to have. Months or years spent crawling or crouching can wreak havoc on your back and body, so standing headroom is a necessity in this list.

120V AC availability

Electricity is a definite requirement for our liveaboard list. Boats without 120V AC outlets present major challenges to liveaboards, as there’s no way to charge most computers or cell phones. Some boats feature a 12V outlet, but full-time liveaboard boats should have standard house connections for electricity.

Galley facilities

Unless you plan on eating out every day, a galley is a must for our list. We define an adequate galley as a facility with a sink, ice box or refrigerator, and a stove. An oven is an added bonus, but one can usually be added along with a new stove.

Electric lighting

Electric lighting is a matter of both safety and convenience aboard boats. There’s nothing wrong with kerosene lamps; many sailors adorn their boats with them. However, a long-term liveaboard boat should feature safe and reliable electric lighting.

Toilet with plumbing

Sanitation facilities are vital on board a sailboat, especially if you live on it. Improper human waste storage and disposal will spread awful diseases. Plus, nobody wants to live on a stinky boat or use a porta-potty all year long. We required each of our ten boats to have built-in and properly outfitted toilets, plus safe storage tanks for pumping out later.

Bathing facilities are also a must on most liveaboard sailboats. However, many liveaboards opt not to use their on-board showers in favor of marina or gym facilities. That being said, it is very convenient to have a shower on your boat. Keep in mind, some boat showers drain directly into the bilge. If you use your onboard shower, be sure to keep the bilge pump in working order and remember that anything you put in the drain ends up below your floor.

Separate seating spaces

We think a liveaboard sailboat should have extra sitting spaces on board, apart from the main bed. A place for sitting, eating, working, and navigating is essential when living aboard long-term, and the added convenience of a separate space will make day-to-day activities much more enjoyable.

Ventilation

Last but not least, we believe ventilation is essential for any liveaboard sailboat. This is the simplest of requirements, as a passive solar roof vent or opening porthole should be sufficient. In short, there should be a way to let fresh air in without opening a main hatch.

Top 10 Liveaboard Sailboats

Here’s a list of the top ten liveaboard sailboats that you can purchase used today.

These are in no particular order, but each boat meets or exceeds the requirements of a great liveaboard sailboat.

Remember, the features listed for each of these boats could vary based on age or trim, so be sure to check back to this list when inspecting a boat.

Without further ado, here’s ten of the greatest liveaboard sailboats ever produced.

1. Catalina 30

The Catalina 30 is one of the most common production cruising sailboats ever.

Thousands of these reliable and robust fiberglass boats still sail, despite the fact that they first entered the market in 1972.

This 30-foot boat features a modern and spacious interior, with all the accommodations you’d expect on a boat its size.

Most models feature a large and useful galley, along with running water supplied by electric pumps.

The Catalina 30 also featured a ‘suite’ layout, with a master bedroom V-Berth closed off to the rest of the cabin by a door.

An enclosed shower and head make it a pleasant boat to live on.

The layout of the Catalina 30 also featured a dinette, which serves as an excellent chart table or workspace as well.

2. Islander 36

The Islander 36 is a well-rounded liveaboard sailboat which also has impressive cruising capabilities.

While manufacturing ceased in the 1980s, the I-36 was the company’s best-selling model with nearly a thousand built.

Islander boats are known for some well-adorned cabins, and many featured elegant wooden interior trim.

Like the Catalina 30, the Islander 36 includes an enclosed head with a shower and flush toilet.

The interior layout of the I-36 is spacious and well-designed, featuring a long port and starboard settee which folds out into a double-berth for sleeping.

An enclosed shower and spacious master berth make it a very well-rounded option for cruising and living aboard.

3. Contessa 32

Contessa Yachts produced their venerable 32-foot cruising and racing sailboat from 1970 until 1990, but custom boatbuilders still manufacture the yacht today.

It’s well-known for cruising capabilities, but it has a lot to offer as a liveaboard as well.

The traditional cabin is thoughtfully designed, featuring a fold-up table in the center of the cabin floor.

The spatially conscious design of the Contessa 32 makes it an excellent option for the no-frills and organized sailor.

This vessel features a separate master bedroom, along with a head and shower in the hallway between the compartments.

4. Pearson 34

Pearson produced their excellent 34-foot sailboat during the 1980s. This medium-sized cruising yacht features an extremely spacious interior with plenty of floor space to move around.

The layout is complex, but not overwhelming. The galley nook is functional and features convenient overhead storage for utensils giving it a ‘home-y’ feeling.

The head is enclosed and spacious, including a bathroom sink and mirror.

The separate master bedroom is also enclosed with ample clothing storage throughout.

Out of all the boats listed so far, the Pearson 34 should feel most like a traditional living space to most people.

If the Pearson 34 seems a little too compact, be sure to read on and check out the next two boats on the list.

5. Nordic 40

So far the largest boat on our list, the Nordic 40 is a super-capable offshore cruiser with excellent liveaboard facilities.

This relatively rare boat features an extremely spacious interior, which is more than ample for a couple to live comfortably.

Standing headroom throughout, a spacious master bedroom, along with a nearly full galley allows for superbly comfortable living in any climate or region.

The extra storage aboard makes remote living possible, so owners can anchor out for weeks or months at a time with enough provisions to last.

While this boat isn’t very common, it’s still worth keeping an eye out for it while searching for a liveaboard sailboat .

6. Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 is what’s known as a ‘center-cockpit cruiser,’ featuring a split-cabin both fore and aft.

This spacious interior layout maximizes living space without decreasing sailing capabilities.

The boat features a master bedroom and bathroom, along with another cabin, berth, and head behind the cockpit.

In addition to two bathrooms, it features a full galley, booth dinette, and settee.

All these extras combined with excellent storage make it an excellent liveaboard option.

Pearson is well-renowned for building excellent boats, and their interior quality is above average.

7. Nor’Sea 27

The Nor’Sea 27 is a classic compact sailboat, which is ideal for minimalist or single people living aboard.

The interior is surprisingly spacious for its size, featuring all the amenities you’d expect on a larger boat.

This beautiful little boat likely mimics the comfort of a Catalina 30, and should cost less in slip fees.

The interior features a toilet, shower, and galley.

The forward berth converts into a dinette but features two other bunks underneath the cockpit.

Production of the Nor’Sea 27 began in 1976, and it’s still produced today.

And the best part—you can legally tow it on a trailer. It’s arguably the ultimate compact cruiser/liveaboard available today.

The Cal 34 is very typical of mid-range sailboats of the 1970s. Produced between 1968 and 1975, this basic but comfortable yacht has a lot of potential as a liveaboard.

The interior is simple and spacious, without much luxury or adorning. However, less features make for less maintnence, and everything you’d need is available in the Cal 34.

A master bedroom, shower, and toilet are all standard, along with a well-arranged galley and comfortable sitting area.

The boat features ample storage for clothes, food, and gear.

All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems aboard are easy to maintain, plus the cabin is well-designed.

9. Catalina 38

Another classic Catalina sailboat makes the list, with a well-thought-out interior that’s spacious enough for a couple to live comfortably.

Catalina produced their 38-foot sloop between 1977 and 1990, and it came standard with many excellent liveaboard features such as electrical outlets throughout the cabin.

Also, the head is spacious and includes a sink, which is always very convenient.

With plenty of places to sleep, there’s no need to fold away the galley table to get some rest.

The Catalina 38 is another fantastic mid-sized sailboat for living aboard, especially if you aren’t quite comfortable inside a Catalina 30.

10. Hunter 33

The last boat on our list is also one of the longest-lived in its category. Hunter produced their 33-foot sailboat starting in 1977, and it’s still in production today.

This handy mid-sized boat features excellent interior accommodations, with plenty of sitting and sleeping areas to choose from.

In addition to a full dinette, it features a toilet and shower aft away from the master bedroom. Such an arrangement is a great option for sailors, as it allows the use of the head without moving too far away from the controls.

Standing headroom throughout the long cabin makes for a very comfortable long-term living arrangement.

The galley has plenty of storage space and the L-shaped layout allows for easy and efficient use.

At the end of the day, you’ll get to choose the liveaboard sailboat that works best for you. Check out some of the boats we mentioned and get an idea of what they offer.

Use this list to help identify features that you need, and perhaps avoid features that you don’t want.

When it comes to living aboard, there’s a lot more to consider than just your boat. As long as the boat you choose is in good condition, you’ll likely end up falling in love with it.

Either way, consider these top-ten liveaboard sailboats when you’re on the hunt for your boat.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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13 Dirt-Cheap Liveaboard Sailboats (That Are Actually Good)

When it comes to selecting a dirt-cheap liveaboard sailboat, you don't have to compromise on quality. There are many classic models and a few hidden gems that provide comfort, space, and sailing capabilities at a very affordable price. In this article, you'll find a list of classic liveaboard sailboats, as well as a few original finds that can fit your budget.

Liveaboard sailboats that are cheap but actually good include Westsail 32, Alberg 30, Tayana 37, Catalina 30, Ericson 35, Albin Vega 27, Bristol 32, Morgan 323, Contessa 32, Pearson 365, Hunter 31, Cal 34, and Tartan 30. The prices of these boats range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.

Living aboard a sailboat on a budget doesn't mean you have to settle for less. These affordable boats can still provide the comfort and performance you're looking for. We've included some models that you can find on Craigslist.

These budget-friendly liveaboard sailboats offer a great combination of affordability, performance, and comfort, making them ideal choices for living the sailing dream.
Some classic models that provide you with enough room to move around and store your belongings include the Alberg 30 and the Tayana 37.
Classic models such as the Westsail 32, Alberg 30, Tayana 37, Catalina 30, Ericson 35, and Albin Vega 27 are known for their seaworthiness and versatility.
The cheaper the boat, the more likely you'll need to invest in repairs and spare parts over the years. This is where some more obscure finds can surprise you, such as the Contessa 32 and the Cal 34, which offer easy maintenance and relatively cheap spare parts.

Sailing performance : Even if you plan to live aboard primarily , sailing performance should still be a priority. Consider its ability to handle light winds, heavy winds, and everything in between. Your boat should be able to handle various sea conditions and be easily maneuvered. It should be versatile enough for various wind conditions and sea states.

Hull design : The hull design of your sailboat will affect its stability and performance in the water. Look for a design that offers a good balance between comfort, safety, and speed. A full-keel or modified full-keel design provides stability and tracking in rough seas, while a fin keel offers better maneuverability in tight spaces like harbors and marinas.

Maintenance and construction : Pay attention to the boat's construction materials and quality. Fiberglass and aluminum are popular choices due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Wooden boats tend to be more affordable but may require more maintenance and care.

In this section, we will discuss some classic liveaboard sailboat models that are known for their affordability, functionality, and reliability. These boats have stood the test of time and are excellent choices, especially for novices.

Westsail 32 is known as "the cruiser that launched the cruising boom"

The Westsail 32 is a sturdy, reliable, and comfortable liveaboard option for those seeking a classic, bluewater cruising boat. Designed by William Crealock, it boasts heavy construction, a full keel, a roomy interior, and seaworthy capabilities. With many of these boats available on the market, you can find a Westsail 32 in good condition at affordable prices.

Alberg 30 is a classic full-keel cruiser known for its seaworthy design

The Alberg 30 is a classic design from the 1960s, created by Carl Alberg, and built by Whitby Boat Works in Canada. This boat is known for being easy to sail and is a perfect choice for new liveaboards. The Alberg 30 has a simple layout, adequate living space, and enough storage to make it a suitable option for long-term living, all while keeping to a budget.

Tayana 37 is known for its seaworthiness and durability

Designed by Robert Perry and built in Taiwan, the Tayana 37 is a popular and capable bluewater cruiser. This well-built classic boat is known for its comfort, safety, and ease of handling when sailing long distances. The Tayana 37 offers plenty of space and storage, making it a delightfully practical liveaboard choice, even for small families or couples.

Catalina 30 is one of the most popular sailboats of all time

The Catalina 30 is one of the most popular sailboats in its size range and has a reputation for being an incredibly spacious boat, given its 30-foot length. Designed by Frank Butler, the Catalina 30 is known for its roomy interior and user-friendly layout, making it a fantastic option for liveaboard enthusiasts. The affordability and availability of the Catalina 30 also make it a top choice among sailors. It’s a tried-and-true option for liveaboard enthusiasts.

Ericson 35 has solid build quality

For those looking for a slightly larger liveaboard sailboat, the Ericson 35 is an excellent option. Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts, it is praised for its solid build quality and comfortable accommodations. The practical layout and generous storage space make the boat a desirable choice for those looking to live aboard on a budget .

Albin Vega 27 is a proven ocean cruiser

The Albin Vega 27 is a smaller liveaboard option for those who prioritize simplicity and affordability. Designed by Per Brohäll and built in Sweden, the Albin Vega 27 is a proven ocean cruiser with a surprising amount of space for a boat of its size. If you're looking for an affordable liveaboard sailboat with a compact yet functional layout, the Albin Vega 27 might be the perfect fit for you.

In your quest for a dirt-cheap liveaboard sailboat that's actually good, there are some finds worth considering. Let's dive into these affordable gems that were built for liveaboard life and sailing.

Bristol 32 is known for its classic design and solid construction

The Bristol 32 is a classic liveaboard sailboat with a solid reputation for its sturdy construction and excellent sailing performance. Designed by Ted Hood, this boat is known for its comfortable living spaces and adequate storage. A used Bristol 32 can be found at a reasonable price, making it perfect for those with a tight budget.

Morgan 323 provides stability and safety

Next is the Morgan 323, which offers a great deal of interior space for a 32-foot sailboat. The well-designed layout ensures you have all the necessary amenities for living aboard while maintaining high sailing performance. Equipped with a full keel and skeg-hung rudder, the Morgan 323 provides stability and safety while underway.

Contessa 32 has a solid reputation for being safe, seaworthy, and comfortable

A British classic, the Contessa 32 is a small yet capable liveaboard sailboat , perfect for a couple or solo sailor. With its sleek lines, excellent performance, and well-built hull, the Contessa 32 is a go-to choice for many budget-conscious sailors. It's a rugged, seaworthy vessel that can handle various weather conditions with ease.

Pearson 365 is suitable for long-term and weekend cruises

The Pearson 365 is another popular liveaboard sailboat, known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and reasonable price. With a roomy cockpit, plenty of storage, and a versatile sail plan, the Pearson 365 is well-suited for both long-term liveaboards and weekend cruisers.

Hunter 31 is well-rounded and spacious

Affordable and easy to find, the Hunter 31 is a popular choice for budget-conscious sailors searching for a suitable liveaboard. With its beamy hull, the Hunter 31 boasts a spacious and functional interior. While not a traditional bluewater cruiser, the Hunter 31 can hold its own in coastal and nearshore environments.

Cal 34 offers solid sailing performance

Another solid liveaboard option is the Cal 34. This well-designed sailboat has earned a reputation for its quality construction and comfortable living spaces. The Cal 34 strikes a suitable balance between performance and affordability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious sailors.

Tartan 30 has enough space for living aboard

Last but not least is the Tartan 30. This sturdy sailboat is known for its seakeeping abilities and high-quality construction. The Tartan 30 provides adequate space for living aboard while maintaining its performance capabilities. Finding a used Tartan 30 at a great price is an excellent opportunity to secure an affordable, comfortable liveaboard.

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Nicholson 32: an ocean-going pedigree that lasts

Duncan Kent
March 8, 2021

Built entirely out of GRP, the Nicholson 32’s ocean-going pedigree remains desirable to this day, says Duncan Kent

Nicholson 32 'Beduin' running past Ventisquero Italia of Cordillera Darwin, Brazo Noroeste of Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

A long keel and heavy displacement makes the Nicholson 32 ideal for coastal and offshore cruising. Credit: Genevieve Leaper

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

The primary design considerations for the Nicholson 32 were to produce an easily handled yacht of moderate dimensions, capable of a sea-kindly sailing performance in all conditions.

She was to have the classic looks of a traditional wooden yacht but was in fact one of the first offshore cruisers to be built entirely out of GRP, to a high specification and enviable build quality.

A little history of the Nicholson 32

The Nicholson 32 was a development of the successful South Coast One Design (SCOD) and other proven Charles Nicholson designs like the nine-tonner, Jolina .

Charles’ son, Peter, believed demand for custom yachts was dwindling and glass-fibre production yachts were the future.

The Nicholson 32 had to meet three criteria.

It had to be about 32ft (9.7m) long, easy to build and cost less than £5,000 at the time.

The hulls were moulded by Halmatic in Portsmouth and mainly fitted out by Camper & Nicholson.

For maximum strength and integrity, the hull, deck, ballast, bulkheads and furniture were all bonded together.

Most have suffered from osmosis over the years and many will have been peeled, dried and re-gelled.

The Nicholson 32 was one of the first yachts designed for GRP production. Credit: Simon Braunholtz

Make sure the cost of any osmosis remedial work is reflected in the price.

The marque went through 11 model upgrades, including some quite major redesigns.

The 1963 Mk I models (1-6) had mahogany joinery and individually built furniture.

A few changes were made for the Mk II (7-10), most importantly aluminium spars.

A good many more additions were made to the Mk III (11-40) and the Mk IV yachts (41-87), including a cockpit sole engine hatch, U-bolt chainplates, aluminium framed windows and a teak interior.

By 1966, the Mk V boat (88-111) was in production with numerous enhancements to the engine compartment and a stainless-steel fuel tank.

Further refurbishments to the interior, including replacing the pilot berth with a pull-out double, denoted the Mk VI (112-147) and Mk VII (148-190) yachts, while the Mk VIII (191-236) models had new windows and hatches.

There was no Mk IX but the Mk X (237-329) underwent major modernisation and restyling.

The freeboard was raised 3in/75mm, enabling the coachroof to be lowered and the windows redesigned.

Her cockpit was enlarged by removing the afterdeck, increasing her length to 10m/33ft, and the offset companionway was moved to the centreline.

Myriad other modifications were incorporated, including new scuppers, bow roller, locker drains and handrails, a better 12-volt electrical system and the interior was again updated.

In 1977, Halmatic built another 40 Mk XI models, after modifications to make it cheaper to build.

They introduced GRP furniture modules, a restyled galley, a quarterberth behind a forward-facing chart table and optional wheel steering.

Down below on the Nicholson 32

Early models had a basic layout.

The positioning of the water and fuel tanks above the keel left plenty of stowage beneath the bunks.

She had comfortable twin berths in the forepeak and two 1.93m/6ft 4in straight settees in the saloon, plus a pilot berth above the port settee.

From the Mk IV the latter was removed and replaced by a double, formed by sliding a board out from under the settee.

It wasn’t until the Mk X model that she gained a quarterberth.

The heads were forward of the saloon, with a sink opposite.

Sliding both forecabin and saloon doors closed gave privacy and plenty of room for washing.

The galley on older models is basic with a single sink. Credit: Bob Aylott

The original galley was pretty rudimentary, with a non-gimballing Primus stove and a single sink with hand-pumped cold water.

Stowage was reasonable, though, and most will have been upgraded by owners.

Headroom is 1.83m/6ft throughout the saloon/galley area.

The chart table was originally a longitudinal, stand-at affair, but was later (Mk X+) moved to port, turned sideways and used the settee as a seat.

That allowed the galley to be enlarged to take a gimballed cooker. On deck Her cockpit is roomy and high coamings keep the spray out and crew in.

Stepping out onto the side decks is safe as they are wide and uncluttered.

The coachroof-mounted handrails are well within reach as far as the shrouds and her raised, teak-capped gunwales provide good foot bracing.

There were originally difficulties with moulded-in stanchion sockets, causing the decks to craze if any substantial sideways pressure was put on them.

The MK IV has a teak interior. Credit: Bob Aylott

Separate metal bases were used in later models.

The foredeck is roomy thanks to her broad shoulders and pre-1972 models have a moulded recess to accommodate a Danforth anchor.

This intruded into the forecabin quite noticeably, along with the chain pipe taking the rode down to a chain locker beneath the bunk.

The recess was finally removed in the Mk XI and replaced with a self-stowing, stemhead anchor roller for a CQR.

Her running rigging is simple, with long genoa tracks atop the bulwarks leading to large primary winches aside the helm.

Pre-Mk X models had the mainsheet track along the afterdeck, which was later moved to just abaft the rudder stock.

Rig & sails

All models were masthead rigged with a relatively short mast and a full set of stout shrouds.

Silver anodised masts from Proctors were installed from the Mk II model onwards and had a single set of straight spreaders.

'Beduin' heavy weather in Canal Cockburn, Patagonia, Chile

Every model is masthead rigged. Credit: Genevieve Leaper

She came with several hanked-on headsails at first, but a furling genoa was later provided as standard instead.

Some had an optional inner forestay (often removeable) for rigging a storm jib.

Her well-balanced seakeeping qualities and comfortable motion were accomplished by giving her a heavy displacement, long overhangs, a full keel and a 50% ballast ratio.

A 24ft waterline, broad shoulders and high wetted surface area means she isn’t particularly quick in modern terms, especially in light airs, but that said she is stiff, stands up well to full sail, is relatively light on the helm and exhibits very little leeway.

Her bluff bows and relatively broad shoulders can make her baulk sailing close-hauled in heavy seas, but usually freeing her off a few degrees cures the problem.

The stepped coachroof on the Mk IV gives extra headroom. Credit: Bob Aylott

Her buoyant bow sections can produce a tendency to yaw downwind, so many advise adding some ballast up forward.

The combination of her short mast, hefty lead ballast, full keel and buoyant hull means she rarely heels beyond a comfortable ‘lean’.

Her barn door-style rudder can induce a little weather helm when pushed, but in mitigation the rudder never loses its bite, meaning she’s unlikely to broach in big seas.

Under power

Originally a 29hp diesel Watermota Sea Panther provided the power.

Like all long-keelers the Nicholson 32 was awful going astern under power.

The trick was to build up a little speed some way off where you wanted to end up and then knock it out of gear using the speed through the water to steer.

Too much speed, though, and the tiller would be ripped out of your hands!

Owners’ experiences

S/Y Fals Cappa (Mk VII, HN 171, LD 1969)

Alan Thorne, 63, has owned the five berth Mk VII model for 10 years and says she’s a delight to sail.

Under his ownership he has carried out numerous improvements, including upgrading the headsail winches to self-tailing, adding spinnaker winches and Aries wind vane steering, plus many of the usual upgrades to modernise the electronics.

He has also removed the furling headsail in favour of hank-on sails.

Fals Cappa has hank-on sails. Credit: Alan Thorne

Fals Cappa had already had her engine replaced when he purchased her.

‘I have found no faults in the design or construction,’ he notes.

Now widowed, he sails singlehanded along the East and South Coast, as well as to France, Belgium and Holland.

Asked how she sails, Alan says: ‘Wonderful! She sails like a dinghy, beautifully balanced, secure and reassuring in all sea conditions that I’ve encountered. Cuts through waves while other yachts are slamming or rounding up.

‘With an autopilot and wind vane a Nicholson 32 is a delight to sail single-handed. During the past couple of years, I have raced her single-handed too and thoroughly enjoyed it, although changing hank-on headsails mid-race is a tad exciting on short legs!’

S/Y Ballyhoo (Mk VIII, HN 203, LD 1970)

Sandy, 76 and Josephine, 72 Tyndale-Biscoe have owned Ballyhoo since 1999, and now keep her in Falmouth.

The couple both learned to sail dinghies as children.

Sandy also sailed the RNE Manadon college’s Morgan Giles 43 yachts when he was in the Royal Navy.

‘We were given an Albacore after we married, but found that small children and large, high-performance dinghies do not really mix. So, after some years canalling in a narrowboat, we bought Vin Rosé , a British Folkboat with a doghouse,’ says Sandy.

The couple have also owned a Fisher 25 Freeward before buying Ballyhoo at the Lymington Used Boat Show.

The Nicholson 32 had 11 model upgrades. Credit: Sandy & Josephine Tyndale-Biscoe

‘She is, I think, unique in having a deck-stepped mast. We replaced her engine with a 24hp Beta Marine in 2014. Otherwise,’ Sandy says, ‘she is original. We have found no faults beyond the usual wear and tear common in any boat of her age.

‘ Ballyhoo has plenty of sail for the conditions where we sail. I generally use the Nº1 jib and take a reef above 12kts true wind. Once, during a Channel crossing in a westerly Force 6, the jib furler jammed, so we dropped the main and proceeded under genoa alone.

‘Unable to cross the Chichester Bar for three hours forced us to beat up the Solent for shelter. Discovering that Ballyhoo would sail to windward under genoa alone in such conditions gave us enormous confidence. I like the security of knowing that she is able to stand up to practically anything the weather can throw at her.’

S/Y Hy-Brasail (Mk IV, HN 85, LD 1965)

Simon Braunholtz, 62, has owned Hy-Brasail for eight years, in which time he has fitted a removable inner forestay and a diesel heater.

Before crossing the Atlantic, her previous owner led all lines into the cockpit to simplify reefing.

‘When I bought her there were leaky deck fittings and windows, which we fixed. Hy-Brasail has the pilot berth behind the port settee, which Simon says, ‘is an excellent berth for off-watch crew and extremely useful for stowing bags on passage.’

A flexible water tank in the forepeak feeds a foot-pump at the galley and the previous owner fitted a fridge.

She has a wind generator to keep the batteries topped up.’

For several years Simon kept Hy-Brasail in Scotland before moving her to Falmouth and finally Devon.

All lines on Hy-Brasail lead into the cockpit to simplify reefing. Credit: Simon Braunholtz

‘The Nicholson 32 is a lovely boat to sail. Her deep long hull with over three tonnes of lead ballast takes her through seas without bouncing around or slapping the water, although her low freeboard means the toe-rails sometimes get wet. She is comfortable for two, although comfort is a relative term. She was built at a time when people wanted adventure on the water, rather than a chilled Chardonnay tied to a pontoon.

‘The Bukh 24 engine has proven reliable, with regular maintenance. Motoring backwards is “interesting”, but I’ve become accustomed to it.’

Simon also owns a 1970 Mk VIII model, Splashdown (HN 212), moored on the west coast of Scotland.

‘The main difference is she has no pilot berth so the settee is set further back. The additional space makes her more comfortable than Hy-Brasail and the cabin table is larger.

‘She is equipped with radar, AIS, a chartplotter, wind generator and an Aries wind vane, which I have rebuilt. Being previously kept in the Mediterranean, she also has a hatch in the main cabin to improve airflow.’

What the experts say about the Nicholson 32

Nick Vass, Marine Surveyor B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS

www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk

A proper-looking yacht with more freeboard (and therefore dryer) than other Folkboat-inspired yachts such as the Contessa 32 and Twister.

A handsome boat with grown up gunwales and a proper long keel.

Joinery was made to a very high standard and these up-market yachts were equipped with good quality seacocks and deck furniture.

The Nicholson 32 enjoyed a very long production run and evolved through many models and updates.

The defect that I discover most frequently on them is osmosis.

Full-blown, proper inter-laminate osmosis and not the ‘almost osmosis’ that you find between the laminate and layers of gelcoat on a Westerly, for instance. I commonly find osmosis with other Halmatic boats, such as Nelson motor cruisers and pilot boats.

It could be that Halmatic used the same resins as Westerly at the time, which also suffer.

Continues below…

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Another theory is that, whilst obsessed with attaining and keeping Lloyds A1 Scantling Certification, Halmatic tended to over-consolidate the resins into the chopped strand glass-fibre matting and cloth, leaving them a little dry.

Saying that, just about all Nicholsons and Halmatic yachts that have suffered from blistering will have been treated by now.

If buying one, look out for blistering as epoxy treatment only tends to last around 10 years.

The last Nicholson 32 I surveyed still had its original Watermota Sea Panther 30hp engine.

It wouldn’t start so the broker called a young marine engineer to get it going.

He looked at me in disbelief when I told him it was a Ford Consul/Cortina petrol engine with a diesel cylinder head!

He thought that I was messing with him when I further explained that the starter motor was not powerful enough to get a diesel going so there was a special switch to join the batteries in series so they whacked out 24 volts.

Although Watermota engines are actually very good (the company is still making engines in Devon), most of these will have been replaced by now.

Deck joints and stem head fittings have been known to part on some models, but most are likely to have been rectified already.

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA)

Ben Sutcliffe- Davies has been in the marine industry for over 40 years as a long- time boat builder, has been surveying craft for over 20 years and is a Full Member of the YDSA.

www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

I’ve had the pleasure of surveying many of these well-built yachts.

The issues of moisture are common in all of them although the ones I’ve dealt with haven’t been particularly deep, as most of the boats built by Halmatic had clear resins that generally don’t absorb moisture in the same way as pigmented resin.

As they are predominantly laminated from chop strand, any moisture will be held longer due to the short glass filament strands.

I’ve had no issues with the encapsulated fin keel and ballast incorporated within its lower forward production.

The GRP rudder was hung from the end of her keel moulding and suitably supported.

But I have had a few loose bronze cast shoes, and fastenings should be checked for moisture ingress.

Lastly, be aware that some older boats I’ve surveyed have had a gas locker that drains below the waterline, which will need a rethink.

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A Better Breed of Boat

If you are ready for a change to a better breed of boat, one that offers greater dependability, more peace and quiet, more comfort at anchor and underway, come aboard the new legacy 32., performance & engineering.

Despite her beauty at anchor, the Legacy 32 is made to move and designed to perform.

Interior Amenities

Discover a luxurious and embracing interior with brilliant accommodations below deck on the Legacy 32.

Schedule a Test Drive!

There's nothing like getting a Legacy out on the water. Go ahead and schedule your test sail today!

Interior Gallery

Exterior gallery, specifications.

Despite her beauty at anchor, the Legacy is made to perform. With a deep v and wide chine flats, the Legacy is able to plane at comfortable cruising speeds. A ride aboard a Legacy is smoother, quieter, and more stable – and the Legacy is able to do all of this with an energy savings.

For complete specifications on the Legacy 32, please download this PDF .

Technical Specs

Legacy white iso-npg gelcoat
Epoxy Modified Vinylester backup resin
Epoxy Modified Vinylester Resin Infused hull w/ PVC foam core sandwich
Epoxy Modified Vinylester Resin Infused foam core stringer system
Modified deep vee/wide chine hull design
LP (PPG) boot top
Full Skeg protects prop and rudder
Epoxy Modified Vinlyester Resin infused w/ PVC core sandwich structure
Mooring cleats forward, aft and spring line cleats
Stainless steel Chocks bow and spring line cleats
Anchor locker w/ground tackle storage
Running Lights
Custom stainless steel mooring line hawse pipes
Custom 1-1/4” 316L stainless steel perimeter rail
SS handrails on hard top, port and starboard
Compressed air horn on hardtop
(6) stainless steel opening Port lights w/ insect screens
Port & starboard molded steps leading to side & fore deck
Molded cockpit seating w/ storage, forward facing
Transom Door on centerline
Swim platform w/ SS mount swim ladder
Hot and cold cockpit shower
Self draining cockpit
Epoxy sealed and gloss LP varnished Sapelle toe rails and exterior trim
Cummins QSB 380hp electronic engine and marine gear
Cummins Smartcraft display
2” Aquamet shaft
4 Blade 5 axis CNC precision machined NiBrA1 propeller
PYI Dripless shaft log
Binnacle mount electronic single lever engine control
Engine sea water strainer
(2) 103 Gallon fuel tanks w/ 2” fill and 1 ½” valved crossover
Racor Fuel Filter
6” Exhaust w/ two stage muffler underwater exhaust
Electric actuated trim tabs port and starboard w helm controller
Hydraulic steering w/ tilt helm
Bow thruster w/ joy stick control
Hot and Cold pressurized water
11 gallon hot water heater w/ heat exchanger
Marelon sea valves on underwater thru hulls
Automatic fire extinguisher system w/ manual back-up
(1) 8D Engine start battery with emergency parallel to house
AC and DC control panels with polarity indicator
Remote battery switches
DC breakers for electronics
Emergency cross over remote switch
30 VAC amp shorepower w/ 50 foot cord set
AC shorepower system ELCI protected
Galvanic isolator
GFI protected 110V circuits
Combi Inverter/Battery Charger
(2) 8D AGM house batteries
Electric two burner cook-top with cover
SS Drawer style AC/DC fridge compartment
Large SS Gallery sink w/ single level faucet
Solid surface countertop
Built-in microwave
Large cabinet outboard
Legacy pull out storage compartment
Built in coffee maker
Head w/ separate shower stall
Seat in shower stall w/ storage outboard
Built-in vanity w/ sink and storage
Stainless Steel hatch w/ Ocean Aire Screen
Stainless steel opening ports (2) w/ insert screen & shade
Cherry framed mirror
Single lever faucet
Shower drain sump pump system
Fresh water electric MSD w/ holding tank
Waste tank monitor
Macerator for holding tank overboard discharge as permitted
Holding tank pump out fitting on deck
Overhead lighting and vanity lighting
LP Finished anodized aluminum windows w/ opening windows port, starboard and center
(3) windshield wipers w/ fresh washer system
Stainless steel hatches w/ Ocean Air Skyscreens
Compass, illuminated
Stainless steel steering wheel
Electrically adjustable Helm and Nav seating
Engine hatch opens by gas spring linear actuator
Settees convert to berths
Storage beneath settee benches
Large off set drop leaf table
Helmdeck trimmed with varnished Sapelle
Helm console and nav table, varnished Sapelle
Varnished cherry interior
Island double berth w/ dovetail drawers and storage below
Shelves above berth
Hanging lockers to starboard and port
Shelf lockers to port and starboard
Cherry hull sides
Overhead lighting
AM/FM/CD stereo
Interior/Helm Deck speakers
Solid Sapelle varnished cabin sole
Solid stock cherry raised panel cabinet and passage doors

Dufour 32, The Sporty Small Sailboat With An Inflatable Bathing Platform

dufour 32 sailboat top 15 French sailboats

The new Dufour 32, designed by Umberto Felci, has been developed in the same spirit as all the latest models in the Dufour range , to be a sporty, innovative yacht that is easy to handle, both with a crew and single-handed.

All the spaces have been completely redesigned to create a multitude of playful and intelligent uses.

For the first time on a 32-foot sailboat , you can now enjoy an aft sunbathing area … sheltered by a fabric shade that can be adjusted in moments. The inflatable and removable aft door of the cockpit folds down to complete this large friendly space.

With a mast raked and set aft, she has a large foretriangle to set a large overlapping genoa paired with a square-topped mainsail for those wanting sporty performance, though you can have a standard main and a self-tacking jib, and with tiller steering, she’ll be engaging to sail.

Remarkable sporty performance

On the Performance version of this French model, enjoy a movable mainsheet: either from the cockpit sole or up on the coachroof, depending on the type of sailing you’re doing. On the standard version, to guarantee comfortable sailing , all sailing manoeuvres and the mainsheet traveller are on the coachroof.

Down below, the Dufour 32 is very spacious and has large deck windows that guarantee a pleasant living area. Unfold the central table and you create a large sleeping area, not to mention the two independent cabins.

For cruising, she has 90 litres of fuel tankage for the 19hp Volvo inboard, and 160L of water, giving reasonable range if cruising two up, or enough for a few nights at anchor.

Dufour 32 specs

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Sailboat Guide

Westsail 32

Westsail 32 is a 39 ′ 11 ″ / 12.2 m monohull sailboat designed by William Atkin, William Crealock, and Colin Archer and built by Westsail Corporation between 1971 and 1981.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
LOA: Length overall in feet
Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

The Westsail 32 goes down in history as the boat that launched a thousand dreams. She’s generally credited for starting the cruising boom of the 1970s which brought “the cruising life” out of the fringes and into the mainstream. Designed by Bill Crealock as a heavy displacement double ender for long distance cruising, this boat is the epitome of seaworthiness; built strong and heavy with huge interior volume. The trade off is in nimbleness; she is slow through the tacks and slow to accelerate. In the early years, often sailed by beginners on badly setup rigs, boat speed was often lacking and she was ridiculed as the “Wet-snail 32” among the bluewater sailing fraternity, however some of this reputation has been shrugged off in recent years. When sailed well the Westsail 32 can surprise.

The Westsail 32 started out life as a flush-deck Kendall 32 when Larry Kendall approached Crealock to design a heavy displacement offshore sailboat along the lines of William Aitken’s famous 32 foot double enders Eric and Thistle . It’s said when asked how big the market for such a boat, Crealock estimated 10-12 boats. The Kendall 32 was introduced in 1969 and production exceeded Crealock’s estimates with a run of 30 boats.

It wasn’t until 1971 when a young electrical engineer turned boatbuilder by the name of Snyder Vick who bought the molds did sales begin to take off. He had Crealock redesign the deck layout, adding a cabin house and a revised interior. The new company became Westsail Corporation and the new boat was dubbed the Westsail 32. “Westsail the world” was the advertising mantra, oozing adventure in far away places. So successful was the marketing campaign that by June of 1973 Time Magazine featured a four page spread on “the cruising life” including a large image of a Westsail 32 in a suitably exotic location. It caught the imagination of the American public. The boat sold in incredible numbers, and along the way set in stone the shape and style of American bluewater cruising boats for nearly two decades.

In total 830 boats were produced by Westsail. To keep up with demand around 400 of these boats were sold as hull and deck kits; requiring interior finishing by their respective purchasers. Kits were sold in various stages of completion; Hull and Deck, Sail-Away, and a complete boat. With kits owners could add any option they felt they wanted including ballast, bulkheads, rigging, etc.

Although the Westsail 32 was a runaway marketing success, the company did not enjoy financial success. The petroleum crunch of the 1970’s hit the company hard. Their sales process involved taking orders for boats at fixed prices and selling them out in the order in which they received them. This meant that the company was selling boats up to eighteen months later at prices that were considerably outdated. The company ceased operations in 1981. The molds got sold to P&M Worldwide and another 15 boats were sold in kit form before production finally ceased.

Configuration & Layout

The Westsail 32 follows a long line of traditional double-enders dating back to Colin Archer’s famous 19th century Norwegian pilot boat Regis Voyager which itself was influenced by Archer’s earlier work with designing lifeboats.

A cutter rig sits on top with a bowsprit forward and on some boats a boomkin astern. Below the waterline is a very full keel drawing 5 feet.

The deck arrangement has offshore work in mind. The lifelines are high and the high bulwark combine to provide a sense of security on the foredeck. The cockpit is suitably tiny as was the thinking for blue water sailboats, but it gets crowded quickly with more than two people.

Down below, there’s an enormous interior volume, definitely one of the largest and most livable interiors for 32 feet. There is a huge V-berth forward followed by the head, a port side dinette and starboard settee and a U-shaped galley to port and a starboard navigation station and quarter berth aft. An optional interior featured opposing settees and a centerline table. Later mods included a change in the head configuration and a sit down chart table.

The joinery was aimed more for function than all out beauty and the factory finish varied through the years. Many of the kit boats were finished by their owners superbly, however some are in serious need of TLC.

Construction

The hull is heavily built from hand-laid fiberglass in 12 layers with polyester resin resulting in a hull that ranges from 3/4 inch near the topsides to 1 1/8 inches at the turn of the bilge. The 3/4″ bulkheads are marine plywood and tabbed to the hull with fiberglass.

Ballast varied between boats, but always with at least 7,000 pounds. Some had 2,000 pounds of lead and 5,000 pounds of steel punchings. From 1974, cast lead was used in the keel cavity in three sections. One can easily tell the lead ballast because the keel sump is much deeper under the engine pan.

The deck and cabin trunk is fiberglass cored with two layers of half inch plywood, with an extra two inch plywood base to reinforce below the mast step. Many boats had teak decks at an unbelievably thick (and heavy) 13/16 inches. There were three versions of the deck molds. The first mold had a forward hatch and large heavy sliding companionway with a lazarette hatch that sat up above the deck. The second mold added a center skylight hatch, and the last mold added a cockpit locker, flush lazarette hatch and tapered black anodized aluminum stanchions with aluminum built into the mold for easy on off removal.

Later hulls had fiberglass gudgeons, earlier hulls had stainless steel gudgeons with a bronze pintal.

The hull to deck join with its substantial bulwark is strong, though not impervious to leaking.

The Westsail 32 has a reputation for getting cruisers where they want to go, though not very quickly. According to most owners this is falsely deserved. Motion through the water is comfortable, but the ride has been criticized by some as being relatively wet. Often this is a result of owners overloading their boats. While the boat can easily carry all she needs for comfortable cruising, she will be affected by loading her below her water line. Some owners report the wetness comes from the cockpit seats being flush with the side decks, so any water channeling down the side deck is likely to wet your bottom (some custom boats have this problem solved with a cockpit coaming). Further; later models had a 3″ hawse pipe added midships that eliminated much of water entering the cockpit.

As with many boats with full keels, the boat tracks well but trades this off for maneuverability; both under power and while under canvas. Acceleration is sluggish due to its large wetted area and light weather performance (without the correct sail combination) is nothing to brag about; 10 knots or more is needed before the boats starts moving nicely. The best point of sail is a beam to broad reach between 90 to 120 degrees off the wind with an optimal heal angle of 20 degrees, with good trade winds owners report the boat is capable of 7 knots which is its hull speed.

In the early days the boat had a terrible reputation under sail, perhaps not entirely deserved. Many owners were new to sailing and didn’t have the experience to make a heavy displacement boat perform well. The early rigs weren’t optimal, the mainsails were too big and the headsails too small. The boat gained a reputation for weather helm.

In more recent years the Westsail 32 has turned its slow reputation upside down. In 1988 David King skippered his personally modified** Westsail 32 Saraband to a Trans-Pacific Cup victory, a remarkable feat given the light wind conditions that year. Additionally we hear reports of owners logging week-long consecutive runs of 140 to 160 mile days during trade-wind sailing. Record runs aside, most owners can expect to average around 110 miles per day in the trades.

** David King has documented his modifications for other members of the Westsail Owners Association. The tweaks include subtle modifications to the keel and a revised rig with a smaller mainsail

Buyers Notes

The Westsail 32 has suffered few if any structural problems over the years. It has a solid hull and osmotic blisters that appear on older boats are not an issue with the Westsail.

It’s worth checking out the fuel tanks, especially if they are of black iron. Other areas worth a check are the bottom fittings on the boomkin and the bobstay. Look for signs of rot in the plywood cored decking and signs of fiberglass compression at the mast step. As with any older boat, if the standing rigging is original consider replacing them.

Look for a boat that has 35 hp or more, the original 25hp Volvo MD2B is often reported as insufficient for a distance motoring into adverse weather.

There’s an active owners association at Westsail.org , it’s recommended interested buyers contact them for advice. Additionally, Bud Taplin is an known expert on Westsail boats, he was the first general manager at Westsail, and is now active in providing advice and surveying services for prospective buyers.

As at 2014 the asking price of Westsail 32s are in the range of $30k-$55k USD. Realistically these boats sell 10%-20% below asking price with most trading hands between $30k-$45k USD.

Links, References and Further Reading

» Westsail Owners Association at Westsail.org » Used Boat Notebook by John Kretschmer , an in depth look at the Westsail 32 (p73-p76) » Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere by John Vigor , (Ch20, p125) an in depth look at the Westsail 32. ISBN:978-0939837328 » Boat US, Jack Horner’s review of the Westsail 32 » Wikipedia’s entry on the Westsail 32 » Westsail the World Documentary trailer on YouTube

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10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet

By Cruising World Staff
Updated: November 3, 2020

It wasn’t so long ago that 30- to 35-foot cruising sailboats were likely to be the largest yachts found in many a harbor. And while 40-something and even 50-something footers are all the rage at boat shows today, there’s a lot to be said for setting sail on a boat big enough to carry family and friends, but still small enough to be easily maintained and handled alone from time to time. Small cruising sailboats are simple to dock or tie up to a mooring, and finding long-term marina space is easier as well.

Choosing a cruising sailboat, no matter the size, is a big decision. And it helps to have a trusted list of boats to get started. Here, then, is a look at 10 of the best daysailers , weekenders and coastal cruising sailboats under 35 feet that are all in production and can be purchased new.

Alerion Sport 30

A quarter-century ago, Garry Hoyt launched what would come to be known as the daysailer genre with the introduction of the Alerion Express 28, a boat designed by the late Carl Schumacher that featured a minimal interior and a large cockpit where an owner and guests could enjoy the simple joy of sailing. Traditional and lovely looking—but with a quite modern underbody and a powerful sail plan—Hoyt, ever the marketer, proclaimed the boat to be “the prettiest girl at the dance.”

Since then, a number of siblings ranging from 20 to 41 feet have been added to the Alerion family, including the Alerion Sport 30, which retains the graceful sheer line, oval ports and stylish overhangs of the original Schumacher design. Yet with input from naval architect Langan Design Partners, it also embraces a solid measure of performance-oriented DNA.

Bavaria Cruiser 34

In every Boat of the Year contest, it seems, a boat rises up after sea trials to make a lasting impression on the judges. For 2018, that boat was the Bavaria Cruiser 34.

Says Boat of the Year Judge Tim Murphy, “The Bavaria was a lovely boat to sail. It has a single rudder, and she answered her helm just beautifully in the conditions we had today. We started off with around 10 knots of breeze that built to 13 to 15 knots. As a sailboat, it was just a pleasurable sailing experience, among the best we had during our judging. It was among the boats that felt like a really happy sailing experience.

Read more about the Bavaria Cruiser 34 »

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Sailed as part of the 2020 Boat of the Year sea trials, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec’d out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don’t let her cozy interior accommodations fool you; this is also one peppy little vessel.

Read more about the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 »

The 2017 Boat of the Year (BOTY) contest featured a stellar crop of crossover cruiser/racers; however, when all the testing was said and done, our independent panel of judges was sold on the Dehler 34, naming it the year’s Best Performance Cruiser. Designed by the highly regarded Judel/Vrolijk naval-architecture consortium, whose reputation was fostered by longtime success in international yacht-racing circles, the 34-footer combined contemporary good looks and a sweet turn of speed with better-than-average comfort and accommodations below. It didn’t hurt that the boat, nicely equipped at $215,000, was the least-expensive entry in the entire 2017 fleet. All in all, it proved to be a winning formula.

Dufour Grand Large 360

Dufour Yachts introduced its new 360 Grand Large model to CW’s Boat of the Year team in 2018 as a coastal cruiser intended for a couple or perhaps a small family. With that in mind, judge Alvah Simon found numerous clever elements to praise within the boat’s 35-foot-2-inch hull—a relatively modest LOA compared to the many 40-, 50- and 60-footers on display at the U.S. Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland.

Read more about the Dufour Grand Large 360 »

After a roughly 10-year hiatus from the U.S. marketplace, the Slovenian builder Elan is back in a big way. For the 2017 Boat of the Year contest, the company launched a pair of new boats in the States, including the Elan E4, a 34-foot-9-inch performance cruiser with an emphasis on performing, designed by renowned British naval architect Rob Humphreys. The brand has been in business for seven decades and lately is perhaps even better known in America for its skis. Not surprisingly, given its complementary product lines—lots of sailors are fine skiers—its boats are as sleek and sporty as its boards.

Grand Soleil 34

Way back in the 1970s, when the well-known Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was just getting started, its first model was a Finot-designed 34-footer. With over 300 units sold, it was an instant success, and launched the company on an upward trajectory that spanned the intervening decades, mostly with an ongoing series of much larger, more complex racer/cruisers. For 2020, the builder decided to return to its roots with a completely revamped Grand Soleil 34, and it’s a terrific boat.

Italia 9.98

Of the performance cruisers that made their North American debut in 2020, in terms of sheer appearance, the futuristic 34-foot Italia 9.98 was easily the most distinctive. There are actually two versions of the boat: the 34 Club—which is the cruising alternative, the primary features of which are its twin wheels—and the 34 Fuoriserie—the racing model, and the one we tested, with its tiller steering being the identifying characteristic.

Sailboat Preview: Dufour 44

New to the fleet: pegasus yachts 50, balance 442 “lasai” set to debut, sailboat review: tartan 455, winds of change, how to protect your spars from corrosion, sailing totem refit series: the forward head makeover, fatty goodlander: dealing with chafe while cruising.

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Sailboat Reviews

Both the 1969 and 1985 versions of this Southern California cruiser/racer were designed by Bruce King, and may represent good values, though the early model had a lot more problems.

“Ericson Yachts,” we wrote back in a 1986 review of the Ericson 27, “was somewhat of the archetypal production boatbuilder: trendy, performance oriented, colorfully advertised, and, for the most part, successful.”

The company was formed in 1964 by Don and Gene Kohlman, two San Francisco Bay area sailors who moved south to Irvine, California to set up shop. Their first boats were what Don called “an eclectic line,” meaning they grabbed what they could—a modified Carl Alberg design, a 26-footer by W.B. Crealock and a 32′ 5.5 Meter keel boat similar to the Columbia Sabre of that same time.

The first boats were introduced in 1965. In 1971, the CML Group bought Ericson Yachts and ran it until 1984 when Gene Kohlman bought it back. He and Don managed things until 1990, when they were forced to shut down. Pacific Seacraft bought the molds for the Ericson 34 and 38 and resumed production of these two models (the former as the Ericson 35 and the latter as the Ericson 380—see PS, January 15,1998) in 1991.

During this time Ericson built three 32s, the 1965 keel boat mentioned above, and in 1969, the Bruce King-designed CCA-type 32. That model stayed in production until 1978, with well over 500 built. In 1985, Bruce King designed a new 32, which lasted four years with more than 700 built. We’ll refer to King’s two designs as the ‘69 and ‘84. (Just to confuse matters, the PHRF Handicap book published by US Sailing lists a number of permutations, such as the 32-2 and 32-3 and 32-200, most of which refer to the type of keel and whether it had the optional tall rig.)

Ericson was indeed an “archetypal production builder,” competing with Pearson, Cal, Columbia, Islander and the like, all but Pearson being neighbors in Southern California. Greater Los Angeles, specifically Costa Mesa, was the epicenter of production fiberglass sailboat building during the late 1960s and 1970s. Costa “Mecca” evaporated faster than styrene, the result of stringent air pollution laws that made manufacturing too costly, and as a result of a downturn in sailboat sales, one of many in this cyclical business that every 10 years or less beheads those with their necks still stuck out. 1990, if you recall, was the year of the Gulf War against Iraq, and imposition of the luxury tax.

The Designs A close look at the ‘69 and ‘85 Ericson 32s makes for an interesting comparison. It would be fun to cut out sail plans of a bunch of 32s, designed every few years between 1965 and 2000, and stack them like cards. Flipping them quickly, one would see the overhangs come and go; keels break away from the rudders, get skinnier and deeper; and mast locations move back and forth along with aspect ratios.

The early Ericson 32 was influenced by the CCA (Cruising Club of America) rating rule, of which designer Robert Perry once wrote, “Like all good rating rules it was a development type rule and not a handicap type rule.” Among other traits, CCA-type boats tend to have long overhangs (because waterline length was penalized) and low aspect ratio sail plans with short masts and long booms. To emphasize the point, the ‘69 32’s E dimension (mainsail foot) is 13′ and the ‘85 32’s 11.5′; the P dimension (luff) increased from 31.5′ to 36′. Both have double-spreader masthead sloop rigs.

The ‘85 32 has a slightly longer waterline and retains some of the ‘69 model’s bustle just forward of the rudder—a trick to increase sailing length.

More noticeable are the changes King made to the underwater appendages. The ‘69 32 has a swept back rudder and keel, influenced probably by the latest thinking (then) in Twelve Meter design. On the ‘85 32, the appendages are vertical, with the trailing edge of the keel raked forward. In a Sailing magazine review of the very similar Ericson 35, Perry theorized this change “…may help to make the maximum thickness line more vertical and improve the general performance of the keel.” Nowadays, with so many designers concentrating ballast in bulbs at the bottom of very thin blades with narrow roots, you have almost the inverse of King’s mid-80’s V-shaped keels.

King increased all of the principal dimension in the ‘85 model. Beam jumped from 9′ 8″ to 10′ 10″. The ‘85 32 is a bigger boat all around, with more LOA, LWL, displacement, and sail area as well. But displacement/length (D/L) and sail area/displacement (SA/D) ratios didn’t change that much—284 to 253, and 16.9 to 17.3 respectively. The later model, with a lower D/L and more horsepower, will be the faster boat.

Both old and new 32s are attractive for their time.

Construction Ericson Yachts, like other production builders of its day, didn’t do anything fancy in laying up and finishing its boats. Yet they are regarded as adequately strong. Hulls are solid fiberglass. Decks are cored with end-grain balsa, and, at least in the case of the ‘85 32, plywood was inserted in place of balsa in “high stress areas.” This is fine for handling compression loads, but does not ease the worry about delamination. In our opinion, no plywood should ever be used on a boat without the end grain sealed with epoxy resin or suitable substitute. Few builders, however, have then or do this now.

With the ‘85 32, Ericson stiffened the hull with a complex inner liner called a Tri-axial Force Grid (TAFG). This molded fiberglass unit incorporates many interior structures previously made from plywood and solid wood, from the anchor locker forward, to the floors and stringers under the cabin sole, to the ice box and engine beds. It’s a much less costly way to build a boat than using individual pieces of wood. The TAFG is bonded to the hull before the deck goes on, and one hopes it is never jarred loose. Where many builders incorporate berth foundations in their liners, however, Ericson built these up from plywood, anchoring them in the TAFG.

The hull/deck joint of the ‘85 model is glassed over with four layers of 3-oz. mat and 7-1/2-oz. cloth.

A few owners of both boats noted oilcanning in the hull; this most often occurs in the large, unsupported areas forward above the V-berth. An owner of a 1987 model said, “Heavy seas caused hull to flex, popping off starboard shelf trim.” An owner of an 1973 model said, “Hull distorts in heavy weather.”

Others noted the not uncommon problem of thin glass where there are sharp turns in the mold. And quite a few owners of both models complained about gelcoat flaws. Rubber rubrails deteriorate over time but can be replaced…if you can locate a supplier of the molding.

On the ‘69 32s, several owners complained also about mast compression cracking the deck (there is no compression post for the deck-stepped mast; the ‘85 32 has a keel-stepped mast), rudder bearings, wooden hatch leaks, cracked lifeline stanchion welds, and chainplate leaks rotting the bulkheads to which they are attached.

Ballast on both models is lead, much preferable to iron. In the ‘69 32, it is encapsulated in the hull mold. In the later model, it is external, with keel bolts through the TAFG.

Interior finishing is California style with lots of teak veneer, carpeting (early model) and brightly themed cushions.

Hardware quality is generally good though some items, like winches, may have to be updated. Ericson used Barlows on the early boats, Barients on the later models. Both companies are out of business now. If upgrading, self-tailers would be a big improvement.

Accommodations The interior plans are workable and straightforward, with a V-berth forward, enclosed head and hanging locker just aft of it, dinette and settee amidships, corner galley to starboard with quarter berth (6′ 6″ in the ‘85 32) and nav table to port. Obviously, there’s more space all round in the later model.

Ventilation for the ‘85 32 includes deck hatches, a Dorade and several opening portlights in the forward cabin and head. In the saloon are two long and narrow fixed portlights—Ericson’s distinctive shape with forward and aft sides slanted. One owner complained that the hanging locker is too small, and that the starboard settee is “severely angled to bow end—narrow.”

The ‘69 32s did not have good ventilation. One owner said, “opening ports would improve ventilation.” (There are, however, two small opening ports.) “Another just called it, “terrible.” Others said the berths are too narrow and the head too small. But one exclaimed, “Interior layout excellent! Good compromise for a boat this size.”

Headroom in both models is 6′ 2″.

The ‘85 32 has a 32-gal. freshwater tank located amidships with an optional 20-gal. tank under the V-berth. Holding tank is 17y-gals.

Some like the ‘69 32’s T-shaped cockpit, some don’t. Water collects at the helm because the scuppers are forward but the boat trims stern down. And a number of owners criticized the cockpit lockers for not being adequately waterproofed.

The ‘85 32 has a bridge, which opens up room at the galley; the ‘69 32 does not.

Performance Owners report that the ‘69 32 is only an average performer. Given its hull shape, it heels quickly to 20° or so, then settles in. Several owners said the boat stops “tilting” at 30°. This is typical of CCA-type boats, in order to immerse the ends and increase sailing length. “It likes to heel but remains stable,” said the owner of a 1975 model. The boat’s relatively short rig is cited as a liability in light winds. Most rate upwind performance better than off the wind. “Only boat I’ve sailed that beats faster than it reaches,” said the owner of a 1974 model. He figures 6 knots in 12 knots of breeze, sailing upwind. But then the owner of a 1973 boat said, “Goes to weather fair; off wind very fast.” Go figure.

An owner in Virginia said no one could ever get his boat to point to his satisfaction, adding that it tacks through 110°.

The boat has no significant weather helm problems and balances pretty well. A number of owners said they’d been through gales of 40-60 knots and the boat acquitted itself well.

Auxiliary power for the ‘69 32 was first a 27-hp. Palmer M60 or Atomic 4 gas engine. But readers listed a number of other power plants, including a Volvo MDIIC, 12-hp. Farymann. Access is poor. One owner modified the access “hole” from the quarter berth. The ‘85 32 came with a 21-hp. 3-cylinder Universal diesel and 22-gal. aluminum fuel tank.

Not surprisingly, owners of the ‘85 32 are much more positive about their boats’ performance. A tall rig was available, which helps in light air regions, such as the Chesapeake Bay. Similarly, the deep keel model outperforms the shoal and wing keels. “Unbelievable upwind and light air ability,” said the owner of a 1986 model.

The first reef is taken somewhat early, around 18 knots. And the fin keel requires some attention to the helm. “Wanders upwind,” said the owner of a 1987 boat. “Big rudder, easy to steer,” said one who owns a 1984 model.

The best performing 32 is the 32-200, with PHRF ratings around 150 and up. Earlier models generally rate in the 160s and 170s, with the ‘69 32 slowest at around 198 seconds per mile.

Conclusion It is clear from owner comments that considerable improvements were made to the 1985 model, solving problems with leaks, mast compression, rudder, and other niggling items. It would certainly be our choice of the two.

The early 32 seems to have an inordinate number of construction shortcomings, not the least of which is the mast cracking the deck, and gate valves on through-hulls that should be replaced with positive action seacocks.

Owner Comments “Engine is almost impossible to work on. Must remove wall from lazarette to get to clutch. Changing oil almost impossible.” —owner of 1974 model in Plymouth, Michigan

“Aft lower shrouds should have been attached to chainplates bonded to hull or inner bulkhead. Stanchions have no lateral support, some not backed, some can’t be reached from inside. Bilge should be deeper. Preventer crimped original boom on an accidental gybe in heavy air/seas. Especially good light air performer with 150% genoa or drifter/MPS. Boat is sensitive to proper sail selection and set. Very comfortable cruising for two to four. Plenty of stowage. I highly recommend the boat for excellent overall quality and ability.” — owner of 1974 model in Virginia Beach, Virginia

“Rudder is a spade type. I once bent the shaft crashing off a steep wave in gale conditions. Boat sailed fairly under jury steering. Wood frames for main hatch and companionway leak, allowing water to get to balsa core. Needs compression post for serious offshore work.” —owner of a 1972 model in Foster City, California

“Great cockpit. Don’t particularly like recessed companionway. Makes for high and ineffective dodger.” —owner of a 1989 model in San Diego, California

“Great boat! Big deep anchor locker a pleasure. Lots of ventilation. Good nav station with AC and DC panels and access to batteries and engine. Deep sink.” —owner of a 1983 model in Southern California

“Extremely happy with my boat re: quality, performance and appearance. Excellent engine. Opted for shoal draft which restricts pointing ability though she turns easily.” —Owner of a 1987 model in Hilton Head, South Carolina

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32.00 ft / 9.75 m: LWL: ... Like the LWL, it will vary with the weights of fuel, water, stores and equipment. A boat's actual draft is usually somewhat more than the original designed or advertised draft. For boats with adjustable keels (centerboards, daggerboards, lifting and swing keels), Draft (max) is with the board down. ...
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BAYFIELD 30/32
32.00 ft / 9.75 m: LWL: ... 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted ...
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