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- Sailboat Guide
Rival 32 is a 31 ′ 9 ″ / 9.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Peter Brett and built by Marine Construction Ltd. starting in 1971.
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)
All 200 hulls were molded by Marine Construction Ltd., but many were finished by Southern Boatbuilding. The design was a longer counter sterned development of the 1967 designed Rival 31, and later evolved into the better-known Rival 34 - although actually more Rival 32s than 34s were built.
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Practical Boat Owner
- Digital edition
Best 30 foot boats: Seaworthy British cruisers available for under £30k
- Peter Poland
- June 15, 2022
Peter Poland shares his expertise on British-built second-hand yachts costing less than £30,000, which are comfortable and seaworthy...
You might think £30,000 sounds like a lot of money for a ‘starter boat’. But tracking down a comfortable and seaworthy yacht that’s 30 foot long, less than around 40 years old and capable of taking a crew on coastal cruising trips costing less than £30,000 on the second-hand market can be a challenging project.
It’s stating the obvious, but sailors who are happy with smaller yachts have far more to choose from. In the days before the ‘smallest’ new starter boat became a costly 30-plus footer, many builders used to offer popular ranges stretching from 20ft to 32ft.
But if you are looking for the best 30 foot boats within a £30,000 budget, you will have to start delving into the realms of older yachts.
14 of the best 30 foot boats
The Westerly Centaur White Lady
Westerly Centaur
Those looking for smaller GRP starter boats – myself included – often settled on the ground-breaking 26ft Westerly Centaur. Between 1969 and the early 1980s, 2,444 were built; outselling any other British production cruiser.
To a large degree its success stemmed from the exceptional space, headroom and comfort that it offered in its day. Three layout options were available and – more by luck than judgement – I bought the most popular.
It had a twin berth forepeak, enclosed heads compartment, L-shaped saloon settee with drop-down table, linear galley to starboard and twin quarter berths aft. Thanks to designer Laurent Giles’s thorough tank testing, the Centaur’s twin keels also broke new ground.
The Westerly Centaur Viento Seco
These tests showed a substantial loss in efficiency when keels were aligned exactly fore and aft. So the LG team settled on splayed and identical (as opposed to asymmetric) keels with a 2° toe-in.
I bought my second-hand Centaur as a floating cottage from which to follow and photograph the successes of our Hunter Sonata and Impala 28 One Design classes in the late 1970s.
The Centaur did a great job. It sailed adequately, motored well and provided excellent overnight accommodation. And it still will today; especially if you find a tidy example with refurbished headlining panels and a recent engine.
A Nicholson 32 beating through the Sound of Mull, Inner Hebrides. Photo: Genevieve Leaper/Alamy
Nicholson 32
Going back to 1963, the evergreen Nicholson 32 is another candidate for a seaworthy and comfortable cruiser that just keeps going. Peter Nicholson sketched out his ideas for an all GRP Camper & Nicholsons fast cruiser that he hoped would become the new ‘people’s boat’.
He envisaged a quick and seaworthy hull, a distinctive two level coachroof (featuring a raised doghouse aft) and a spacious and nicely fitted out interior.
His father, CE Nicholson, drew the lines and Halmatic was signed up to mould the boat. Peter Nicholson planned the marketing and prepared the brochure: which was probably the first GRP yacht brochure produced in the UK. Jeremy Lines took on the day to day running of the project and the Nicholson 32 hit the sailing scene in 1963.
Success was instant. The Mark 1 version sold at £4,900. This may not sound much, but apply about 60 years worth of inflation and this comes to around £109,000 (+VAT) in today’s money. Which was a lot for a 32-footer.
Article continues below…
Coming of age: the 1970s yacht designs that have stood the test of time
Sailing in the 1970s was characterised by innovation, enthusiasm, mass participation and home boatbuilding. Rupert Holmes reports
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?
Cruising boats of around 30ft can often become a ‘boat for life’. Having graduated from dinghies to small cruisers, many…
But it’s as one would expect for a high quality yacht with a lead keel. Interestingly, the LWL had been fixed at 24ft – the holy grail for offshore racers – because this was the minimum permitted length for RORC events.
The first 32 produced, aptly named Forerunner, did well in Solent racing with Charles and Peter Nicholson on board. Then the young Claire Francis made the headlines by sailing her Nicholson 32 Gulliver single-handed across the Atlantic .
And the success story just ran and ran. Jeremy Lines continued to mastermind sales, control changes and liaise with Halmatic until the final couple of years, when Halmatic took over the whole project with the Mark X and Xl versions.
From 1963 to 1981, the 32 was in continuous production and including a few built under licence in Australia, around 400 were built. Peter Nicholson summed up the 32’s success by saying: “I think the most important thing about the 32 was that owners felt very safe in her in really bad weather.
“We had numerous letters and comments about this from people who had been caught out.”
Nicholson 32 Mark X and Mark XI
Over the years no fewer than eleven new ‘Marks’ of the 32 were introduced, incorporating numerous changes. Many of these related to small details but some were more significant, such as scrapping the pilot berth and pushing the saloon settees further out to make space for an occasional double berth.
The Mark X (introduced in 1972) and Mark Xl featured an all-new deck moulding and raised hull topsides, resulting in major changes and a completely new look. With extra headroom and space provided by the raised topsides, the ‘dog-house’ part of the coachroof became longer and lower.
At the same time the cockpit changed dramatically (it could now accommodate a wheel) and the companionway moved from its unusual but practical offset position to the centreline.
Down below, the galley and chart table changed sides, the chart table changed orientation, the saloon became more spacious and the amidships heads area got a bit bigger. While many liked the new Mark X look, others preferred the more traditional profile of earlier models. You pays your money (usually more for a Mark X or XI) and you takes your choice.
‘The evergreen Nicholson 32 is a seaworthy and comfortable cruiser that just keeps going’
From a personal perspective, I like the Raymond Wall designed deck and coachroof on the Mark X and Xl. But I’ve always admired Wall’s designs, especially such beauties as the Nicholson 35, 43 and 55. And after an enjoyable test aboard a 1969 Mark 8 version, I concluded that: “A ‘classic’ such as a Nicholson 32 will not suit everyone.
But if you want a boat with character, a boat that will look after you, a boat that just feels so good (whether sailing or relaxing down below) and a boat that will turn heads wherever she goes, then take a look. A Nicholson 32 is not just a boat; it is more a love affair and a way of life.”
To give an idea of prices today, I came across a couple of Mk 8 versions (1971 and 1972) asking £9,000 and £9,500 and two Mk Xs (1972 and 1974) asking £12,950 and £24,500.
Prices vary a lot depending on condition, spec and engine age etc, and a professional survey is advisable – as is the case when considering the purchase of any elderly boat. A visit to the Nicholson 32 website and becoming an associate member (£15) also gives access to a prodigious amount of information.
The restored Contessa 32 Bugler of Hor (PBO, December 2018)
Contessa 32
As the 1960s slid into the 70s, a new British-designed and built 32ft contender – the Contessa 32 – hit the market in 1972. And, like the Nicholson, it has become a popular classic.
However, having been launched eight years later, several new design features gave this 32-footer a very different look. The 1970s ushered in a new generation of yacht design.
The most obvious changes are beneath the waterline. Instead of a traditional long keel, the Contessa followed the new trend of fin keel (albeit a long one by modern standards) and separate skeg-hung rudder.
From a performance point of view, drag is reduced and manoeuvrability increases. But the Contessa’s vital statistics are surprisingly similar to the Nicholson’s, with the same LWL (that magical RORC minimum of 24ft again) and 5ft 6in draught. And her beam is only 3in more.
But when it comes to weight, there’s a substantial drop from the Nicholson’s hefty 6,198kg to 4,309kg. Yet the ballast ratio remains around 50%.
The Contessa’s finer ends and reduced underwater body explain the overall reduction in weight and mean that she is smaller down below – and quicker that the Nicholson. The 1972-designed Contessa 32 soon became a top seller with a reputation for seaworthiness, performance and classic good looks.
‘Synonymous with the word “safe”, many Contessa 32s have girdled the globe’
Around 700 Contessa 32s were built and she’s still in demand today. Photo: Carolyn Jenkins/Alamy
Around 700 were built and she’s still in demand today. Prices range from £14,000 (a 1972 example with original engine) to £27,000 (with newer engine) to £36,000 (a later example with newer engine) to ‘six figures’ for a recent boat. Jeremy Rogers Ltd still builds new 32s.
The word ‘safe’ has become synonymous with the Contessa 32. Many have girdled the globe. Others have raced across the Atlantic, a recent example being Amelie of Dart built by Jeremy Rogers’s new company.
Stephen Gratton entered her in the 2005 Amateur Single Handed Transatlantic race and raised over £50,000 for an MS charity. Jeremy Rogers told me: “He took 30 days to do the crossing, which was an extremely rough and testing one.”
But perhaps the most famous Contessa 32 is Willy Ker’s Assent . She shot to fame as the smallest yacht to complete the storm-tossed 1979 Fastnet Race , when many larger yachts had to retire.
Then Ker took to the ice and Assent completed successful cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. Contessa 32s, it seems, can take their crews anywhere.
The Contessa 32’s layout is similar to the earlier Nicholson 32 design, albeit slightly less voluminous. In the saloon, the main U-shaped settee converts into a double berth, thanks to a slide out panel.
The chart table is full sized and forward facing, with a secure quarter berth aft. The galley is a seagoing wrap-around U-shape that provides plenty of work-surface.
Contessa 32 Class racing during Cowes Week in the Solent, off the Isle of Wight. Photo: Peter Titmuss/Alamy
“Cooking and navigating at sea are safe and simple”, one owner told me; “You don’t get thrown around too much if it gets rough. She has a gentle motion at sea. She doesn’t bounce around and catch you off balance.”
Like the Nicholson 32 and other cruisers of this era, the Contessa’s heads compartment is amidships, between the saloon and the forepeak.
This isn’t as palatial as the aft heads compartments on beamy contemporary cruisers but when the heads are forward, valuable saloon space aft at the widest part of the yacht is not sacrificed.
Andrew Gardener’s Rival 32’s comfortable cockpit, wide side decks and moderate width bow and stern. Photo: Andrew Gardener
Rival 32 and Rival 34
At much the same time, the Rival 32 (1971: 200 built) and Rival 34 (1972: 174 built) hit the scene and also made their names as reliable and capable offshore cruisers. Designed By Peter Brett, the Rival 34 was an extended version of the already successful Rival 32, having a slightly deeper afterbody and longer overhangs to give steadiness in a seaway.
There were two basic hull versions, one with a deep keel at 5ft 10in and a shallow one with 4ft 8in draught. The Rival 34’s prowess in offshore sailing was soon put to the test. Four Rivals (a 31, two 32s and the first 34) entered the inaugural AZAB race (Azores and back – around 2,500 miles).
Then Brett lent his own deep keel Rival 34 Wild Rival to a young naval officer, Geoff Hales, to enter the 1976 OSTAR (Observer single-handed transatlantic race). Hales told me that it was one of the roughest OSTARs ever. “Out of 126 entries, only 76 finished. Wild Rival took it all in her stride and we finished 23rd… and we won overall on handicap.”
Rival 34 Wild Rival competing in a Round the Île de Bréhat Race in the Classic Channel Regatta. Photo: Peter Poland
Hales said that the 34 was so well balanced that she often sailed herself (with the Aries self-steering disconnected) and that the high bow proved its worth in the heavy head seas.
The only damage was a split mainsail, caused by a knock down when Wild Rival was hit by a rogue wave during a storm when winds touched 60 knots. “Needless to say,” Hales added, “ Wild Rival was straight back on her feet!” What’s more Wild Rival is still racing today and a regular competitor in The Classic Channel Regatta.
I’ve crewed on a Twister twice in this splendid event and admired Wild Rival racing round the Île de Bréhat … and she’s already entered for 2022. To get a professional opinion on how the Rival 34 has stood the test of time, I contacted Scottish yacht designer and surveyor Ian Nicolson.
When I heard he’d changed his championship winning Sigma 33 for a Rival 34, I was keen to hear his opinions on his latest and less sporty steed.
Ian said: “Restoration of my Rival 34 was a middle of the road job. I worked on her over three and a half winters and now she’s more comfortable, but these boats tend to be basically safe and not a lot was needed structurally. I’m pleased with the new book-case which has a traditional teak grating front!”
‘The most obvious changes of the 1970s’ new era of yacht design are beneath the waterline’
And what about her handling and performance? Ian added: “When I get our Rival into a tight marina berth with half a gale on the beam, I wish she had the short keel of the Sigma 3 for swift, tight turning.
“But when I am out alone and have not linked up the autohelm, the Rival’s steady plod in one predetermined direction is an asset. In squally conditions the Sigma needed firm handling and we won races by keeping the boat on its feet, while others were broaching.
“There is none of this problem with the Rival. If I had a choice for Scotland I would go for the deep draught version.”
Many other Rivals have gone on to cruise long distances. The design has a distinctive sheerline, and the interior, although smaller than some modern 34-footers, is particularly well fitted out for serious seagoing. On the second-hand market, I found 1978 and 1979 32s on offer at £16,000 and £17,500 (with a replacement Beta 25) and a 34 at £29,000.
The more modern Sadler profile is perhaps more functional than the Contessa’s classic look. But the Sadler 32 will be a dryer boat to sail as a result of this. Photo: Tim Woodcock/Alamy
The Sadler 32 is also worth considering. Designed by David Sadler, around 300 were built between 1979 and 1989. It’s interesting to compare dimensions with Sadler’s previous Contessa 32 design. At 31ft 6in overall the Sadler 32 is slightly shorter.
But her LWL is the same: namely the old RORC minimum 24ft for offshore races. Fin keel draught is also the same at 5ft 6in (shoal draught and twin keels were also offered), but beam is a foot broader at 10ft 6in.
Displacement is similar at 4,309kg but the ballast ratio is a slightly lower 44.2%. However the Sadler’s extra beam and form stability compensate for this. The Sadler’s masthead rig is also a similar size to the Contessa’s.
The Sadler 32 is a more spacious boat than the Contessa 32. Photo: Adrian Muttitt/Alamy
So what does this all add up to? Being a more modern design, the Sadler’s increased beam, higher freeboard, cambered side decks and straightened sheer definitely pay dividends down below.
The Sadler is a more spacious boat than the Contessa. Her fin keel is also a bit shorter, so there’s a small saving on wetted surface. This was borne out by early successes on the IOR racing scene.
I recall Cowes Week dices in our Impala 28 against the Sadler 32. We tended to edge ahead when off the wind (especially in a blow) but were hard pressed to hang on to the Sadler beating to windward in a stiff breeze.
Martin Sadler also sailed a 32 in the 1979 Fastnet and came through it with flying colours. Unlike the Contessa 32 Assent that completed the course, Martin decided to rest his crew and retire to Cork after surviving the ferocious front unscathed.
When it comes to looks, you enter the realms of personal taste. The more modern Sadler profile is perhaps marginally more functional than the Contessa’s sweeping and classic look.
But the Sadler 32 will be a dryer boat to sail as a result of this. Typical asking prices vary from £15,000 to £24,000 subject to boat and engine age.
Westerly Longbow and Westerly Renown
In 1972, Westerly asked Laurent Giles for a new 31-footer. And in its various guises, this makes a very popular first cruiser. It started life with a fin keel, as opposed to the ubiquitous and successful twin keels that had helped establish the Westerly brand.
The Westerly Longbow is a powerful performer, especially in a breeze. Photo: SailingScenes.com
So in 1972 the Westerly Longbow hit the scene, to be followed a year later by its ketch rigged centre cockpit sister, the Westerly Renown.
These two models have the Centaur’s signature knuckle in the bow and small ‘step’ in the roof line; but the extra five feet in length gives a generally sleeker appearance. They also took performance to a higher level.
The Longbow in particular is a powerful performer. She can surprise more modern cruisers in club handicap races – especially in a breeze – after which her crew can lie back and relax in traditional Westerly comfort.
The Longbow’s accommodation is spacious, featuring an L-shaped saloon settee arranged around a table to port. Two alternative galley positions were offered; one forward in the saloon and one aft. And a decent sized heads is amidships.
All in all, it’s an extremely practical and pleasing sea-going interior with plenty of wood to enhance the ambience. The centre cockpit, with wheel steering and optional ketch rig, Renown added a separate twin berth stern cabin to the equation.
Of course this is small compared to the palatial pads found in the wide sterns of many of today’s broad beam cruisers, but it is genuinely ‘separate’ and accessed via its own companionway at the back of the cockpit.
The Renown’s saloon is slightly shorter than in the aft cockpit Longbow, but remains a cosy and welcoming lair, with the galley aft to starboard and chart table to port.
Sales of these two fin keel cruisers level pegged, with the Longbow chalking up 265 compared to the Renown’s 273.
The centre-cockpit Westerly Pentland. Photo: SailingScenes.com
Westerly Berwick and Westerly Pentland
But customer demand for twin keels won out in the end, and a couple of years later Westerly launched the Berwick (aft cockpit) and the Pentland (centre cockpit) sisters.
Their efficient twin keels reduced the draught by around a foot – enabling upwardly mobile Centaur owners to retain their drying moorings and to continue creek crawling as they graduated from 26 to 31ft.
And, like their fin keel sisters, the Berwick and Pentland had sensible seagoing interiors. Sales between aft cockpit and central cockpit versions were also similar, with the aft cockpit Berwick winning at 309 to 241.
As sales continued to boom, the interior layouts of these successful 31-footers were occasionally tweaked. And towards the end of the run – as with other Westerly models nearing their sell by date – the fibreglass furniture mouldings gave way to an attractive (and more costly to build) all wood look.
Interestingly, the final total of these 31-footers built is evenly split between fin and twin keelers at around 540 of each. And that’s a lot of 31-footers. Today’s second-hand prices vary between around £10,000 to £18,000; depending on age and condition of boat and engine.
Excellent Westerly build quality as found in the 33ft Discus. Photo:
Westerly 33/Discus
One of the last classic Laurent Giles cruising yachts designed for the Westerly range was the Westerly 33/Discus, produced between 1977 and 1984.
Many regard this 33ft hull – with its well-proportioned keel (giving a 40% ballast ratio), generous displacement (6,848kg), and sensible beam (providing ample comfortable space below) – to be the best of the lot.
As usual, there are choices of keel (fin or twin), rig (sloop or ketch) and cockpit position (central or aft).
But it is the accumulated experience of thousands of Giles-designed Westerlys that makes these 33-footers a cut above the norm – with desirable small details such as backrests that move to become solid lee cloths for sleeping at sea.
Around 300 were built and asking prices vary from around £20,000 to £25,000.
Westerly Fulmar 32
In 1979, perhaps influenced by the success of racier cruisers imported from France, Westerly decided to step up a gear in the performance stakes and go for a new look and a new designer.
Out went Laurent Giles and in came the young Ed Dubois. It was a bold move, but Westerly pushed ahead in 1980 with a replacement for the popular 31ft Longbow family.
Excellent performance and handling qualities in both fin and twin keel formats from the Westerly Fulmar. Photo: SailingScenes.com
The result was one of Westerly’s most popular and enduring models; the Fulmar 32 (1979 to 1992: 437 built). Like her 26ft sister the Griffon Mk I and Mk ll (1979-1989, 329 built), Dubois’s Fulmar 32 enjoys excellent performance and handling qualities in both fin and twin keel formats.
And, being 6ft longer than the Griffon, she has classier and more elegant lines. Westerly gambled that extra performance would not deter its existing customer base, but rather boost existing brand loyalty while attracting new converts to the marque.
With fin or twin keels, the Fulmar took off. She also became a favourite with sailing schools requiring a spacious, seaworthy and stable floating classroom. The Fulmar’s seagoing interior layout, long cockpit and ability to take heavy weather in her stride make her the ideal workhorse.
With a sail area of around 560ft2, beam of 10ft 11in and ballast ratio of around 42% she offers a fine balance between cruising comfort and good performance.
Despite her long cockpit, the Fulmar’s interior volume is extensive. Her traditional layout – with twin berth forepeak, amidships heads, straight-sided saloon settees, big galley, sensible chart table and aft quarter berth – works well at sea.
It is not dissimilar to the Contessa 32’s accommodation, but more spacious. And many reckon that a well-sailed Fulmar will see off a Contessa 32 under sail in many conditions.
An impressive 437 were built and current prices vary between around £21,000 and £35,000 depending on age, condition and whether they have a replacement engine.
A Moody 27 in Plymouth Sound. Photo: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly
Best 30 foot Moody boats
Many Moodys can also fit under the £30,000 ceiling, including earlier Primrose designs (Moody 33, 30, 36, 33S, 29, 333) and early Dixon designs (Moody 27, 31, 28). Most of these were offered with fin or twin keels.
There are far too many to go into detail here, but the excellent Moody Owners Association (moodyowners.org) contains information galore.
Best 30 foot boats: Yacht broker favourites
To get an experienced yacht broker’s view, I asked Andy Cunningham of Michael Schmidt and Partner (based at Hamble Point) for his favourite boats selling at under £30,000.
He listed the Westerly Konsort , Sadler 29 , Vancouver 27, as well as the Hunter Channel 27 and Ranger 245 twin-keelers.
He also mentioned the Victoria 30, Westerly Fulmar and Hunter Channel 32 twin-keeler – with the proviso that the last three can sell for more than £30,000 when in top condition.
Sharing Andy’s bias towards David Thomas twin keel designs, I would also mention the Hunter Horizon 232 twin-keeler as owned by 82-year-old Murdoch McGregor who won the British Yachting Awards 2021 Sailor of the Year accolade for his epic solo round Britain trip.
And its later, larger sister the Ranger 245 found almost unprecedented approval from the testers at PBO. David Harding wrote: ‘There was a lot to like about this spirited little ship back in 1996 when she had just been launched as the Ranger 245.’
Andrew Simpson, PBO’s associate editor at the time and not one to lavish praise on a boat unless it was well earned, concluded his test in 1997 with the words ‘a cracking little winner if ever I saw one’. The choice is far wider when looking for a small yacht priced under £30,000. So it’s impossible to list all the likely candidates.
Buying a 30 foot boat: Top tips
As a rule of thumb, it’s important to seek out a model with the backing of an active owners association. Rallies and social gatherings are fun and of course there’s extensive valuable information available.
A pre-purchase survey is also important; as are any recent invoices for major items such as engine and standing rigging replacement to show insurers.
Regarding standing rigging some insurers stipulate inspections on change of ownership, further inspections thereafter and rectification of faults found. So it’s sensible to check this with your insurer first.
Navigators & General, which has been insuring yachts since 1921, states on its website: ‘We will generally require surveys on boats greater than 23ft which are over 20 years in age. Once satisfactorily completed we will not ask for another for at least five years.’
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The Best Sailboats for the High Seas?
At the St. Petersburg Boat Show month last month, I had the pleasure of seeing delivery skipper and author John Kretschmers presentation on what he called sailboats for a serious ocean. I have reservations about any ideal boat list, but Kretschmer, who reviews boats for Sail Magazine and whose most recent book Sailing a Serious Ocean is available in our online bookstore , has the ideal background for this sort of work, and a list like this is undeniably helpful for wannabe cruisers who need a place to start their search.
I certainly wouldnt limit my search to boats on such a list, but by paying careful attention to the pros and cons of each, you can find something that suits your own aspirations.
Here are the boats Kretschmer suggests: Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorien 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Valiant/Esprit 37, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privelege 39, Freya 39, Passport 40, Caliber 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norseman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49, Amel Maramu 53, and the Sundeer 60/64. For a brief capsule summary of each, be sure to check out his website.
The list is hardly definitive. There are plenty of good boats that arent featured, and some of these would be ill-matched for the wrong sailor-Kretschmer clearly pointed this out during his talk. I like how the list presents a good cross-section of the various shapes and sizes for a boat in this category. For example, Kretschmer includes the Prout Snowgoose and Steve Dashews Sundeer 60, boats that, notwithstanding their successful record at sea, fill an outlying niche.
If I were going to expand the list, one of the heavier-displacement microcruisers like those I blogged about would be a nice addition. Although I would be wary of promoting even the most formidable of this breed as well-suited for a serious ocean, John Neale of Mahina Tiare Expeditions includes one of them, the Dana 24, on his own list of recommend cruising boats . Neales much broader list of boats is accompanied by a very helpful discussion of design elements to consider.
What got me thinking about formidable cruising boats was our series of reports o n sailboat construction , focusing specifically on structural details. Although there are plenty of excellent coastal cruisers on the market, once you start talking about offshore duty, scan’tlings (the dimensions for structural components) take on far more importance.
A few years ago we touched on this subject in our Mailport section, encouraging readers to suggest their own nominees for a list of what we called at the time, tough boats, vessels that were built to take a beating, requiring minimal care and upkeep.
Here are some of the boats that were suggested from our readers: Mariner 36, Cal 34, Morgan 43, Swan 43, Bermuda 40, Island Packet 26, Mariner 47, LeComte Northeast 38, Westsail 32, Dana 24, J/35, and the CSY 44.
Id be interested in hearing of other nominees for this list, or other good resources for sailors looking for a short list of good offshore boats.
For those who are frustrated to find that their own ideal boat isn’t on anybodys list, I wouldnt be too miffed. The best line Ive heard in a while on this topic came from Steve Callahan, the author of the survival classic Adrift , who gave a presentation at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show . When I asked Steve, who has sailed extensively on both multihulls and monohulls, what type of boat he preferred, he said, quite seriously. Well, at the end of the day, the best cruising boat is the one that you are on.
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
On watch: this 60-year-old hinckley pilot 35 is also a working girl.
Interesting list. I am fond of Hylas of which you chose three models. However, I am suspect of their yard and construction techniques and do not have confidence that they are as strong as they are beautiful. Only one Hallberg-Rassy was selected, which is a far more robust and dry sailing boat than the Hylas. Passports make a good boat as does Cape Dory and several others on your list. Didn’t four sailors die on a Beneteau in 2018? Over all it is a decent list.
https://metro.co.uk/2018/04/25/last-pictures-doomed-yacht-cheeki-rafiki-sank-killing-four-british-sailors-7497805/
I believe this is the accident you’re talking about in which a Beneteau and it’s bolted on keel parted company.
Almost all of the sailing clubs in San Diego rent Beneteaus out. They are a decent coastal sailboat. I have a couple friends who have even made the crossing to Maui in them..not me, not ever. I consider them a living room boat. Having said that, I am certainly no expert so its just my opinion. If I am crossing an ocean I want a capable kindly strong boat with redundancy built into critical systems.
Curious to think what people think about the early 70s Swan 43 as a cruising boat for a couple with occasional guests for a round the world trip? I have an S&S 30 which is too small but I do have some bias towards their designs. Add a watermaker and some power generation and off you go… Any thoughts?
Are Motor Sailors like the Nauticats or Fishers ocean worthy ( if their pilot house windows and sliding doors are lifeboatified ? )
Walt Schulz’s Shannon 43 is a beautiful, sea kindly, comfortable and sturdy bluewater boat. Walt had not only the ICW and Bahamas in mind when he designed and built 52 of them. He designed for ocean cruising. He believes his boats should outlive him and still sailing for generations. We sailed the Chesapeake, Bahamas, Caribbean and Pacific to Australia on a Shannon 43 ketch. She took great care of us and is still turning heads.
Great article! John Kretchmer is one of my fave modern day sailors. While there is only one Crealock design on John’s list, and the Dana is added on John Neale’s list, I was surprised not to see a Crealock/ Pacific Seacraft 37 mentioned. But there are so many great serious off shore boats, it’s hard to narrow it down to 10. Here’s a few to think about. Cape George Cutter 36. Biscay 36, tradewind 35, Rustler 36, Nicholson 31 (never talked about) and 32. Seldom seen on top 10 lists, but great boats. Thanks for the article.
Great comment and interesting to note that the first four of your additions are those currently entered in the 2022 Golden Globe Race – kind of the definition of a blue water boat.
Hey! I know this is somewhat off-topic however I needed to ask. Does operating a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work? I am completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!|
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Samsara is a Rival 32, designed by Peter Brett and built in 1973.
She is my second Rival – from 1983 to 1993, I owned Largo and took her twice to the Azores and once across the Atlantic (in the 1988 Singlehanded Transatlantic Race).
They are not the fastest boats – and they’re not at all good in light airs. But they have a wonderfully easy motion in a seaway, good wide sidedecks for getting around and, to my mind, they just look so pretty, like little birds sitting on the water.
Of course, they are not modern boats. If you go to a boatshow these days, you will find huge cockpits with tables and enough room in the saloon to hold a dance.
But boatshows take place in marinas – or even ashore in exhibition halls. Boats at boatshows do not heel over or bounce about – and their crews do not get thrown from one side of those wide cockpits to the other. They do, however, eventually discover that the only way to move around the cabin when the boat is at 35 o is to jump – because there will be no handholds on the way.
Boats designed in the 1960’s – which is when the Rivals started – are rather different. And they were built with one purpose in mind – to go to sea.
And that is why I feel a particular pride of ownership. People walking down the pontoon stop and look at Samsara in the way that people will admire a well-kept vintage car – and invariably they compliment the skipper, which is nice.
And if they turn out to be knowledgeable and recognise a Rival when they see one, they might get invited aboard – because Samsara is no ordinary Rival 32. That is why I fell in love with her in Conwy Marina in the summer of 2017.
First impressions, though, were not so encouraging. Arriving on the evening before I was due to meet the vendor, I checked into the worst B&B in town and took a walk down to the marina to find out what I had come all this way to see. It was not an encouraging excursion. Samsara was nearly 50 years old – and she was showing her age. The hull was covered in scrapes and dents – the worst of them, repaired haphazardly with gelcoat filler which didn’t match. Around the stem it was clear that the anchor – a rusty 35lb CQR – had been allowed to crash against the bow. The anti-fouling was as thick as a navvy’s jam sandwich – and pitted and pockmarked all over.
I borrowed a ladder and found the decks thick with bird droppings – and not just any bird droppings: It seemed the nearest tree bore some deep red berries of some kind – which went straight through the avian digestive system.
The decks had been painted – and the paint was lifting in places and the rail was made of black plastic which had shrunk, leaving three inches of aluminium showing at each end like the bare leg between sock and trouser.
I went out for dinner feeling I had had a wasted journey.
The next morning, the vendor was there well before our agreed time – hurriedly trying to tidy the cabin – and that was where Samsara began to show what she’d got. It turned out that in her 44 years, she had more ocean crossings than I had – and in the winter of 1995-96, her then owners, a West Country doctor and his wife, had decided they were going to take the bull by the horns and get on and make all those improvements they had been thinking about on those long days rolling down the Trades.
I knew exactly how they felt. During my second trip to the Azores, I had ended up becalmed for three days in the middle of nowhere. I occupied myself by writing down the all modifications I would make to Largo if every I had the time and the money.
I would have a hatch in the coachroof, a detachable inner forestay, a bigger water tank… But the thing I really wanted to do – which was clearly impossible without buying a bigger boat…was to have decent berths in the saloon – wide enough to sleep on. Largo’s were OK at sea, when you were squashed up against the side. But in harbour, the only thing to do was empty all the stuff out of the fo’c’sle and sleep up there.
Of course, if I had company, we could turn the dinette into a double – but now I am now 69 years old and don’t think I need to worry about that any more…
And this was why I had made the trek all the way from the East Coast of Southern England to the North-West tip of Wales: According to the photos on the Boats for Sale website, Samsara did not have a dinette.
During the 1995-96 refit, the Doctor and his wife had completely ripped out the cabin – even to the point of removing the mast compression post and replacing it with a massive stainless-steel RSJ. This did mean that in the photos, there was no sign of a saloon table – but anyway, at sea, there is nothing quite so useless as a table – on long trips aboard Largo I used to take up the floorboards and unbolt it. On the other hand, there are occasions when I might invite guests for dinner – and it would be rather embarrassing to have to ask them to eat out of bowls on their laps.
I needn’t have worried. The clever doctor and his wife had thought up a table that slotted into two tubes bonded into the keel. It was even angled slightly to give just enough room to slide round to get to the loo between courses.
Later on, I discovered you could still have a double bed. They had designed it so cleverly, that you now put it up athwartships (although The Old Man is so adamant he is past all that nonsense that he has removed the supports).
There was much else besides – a lot of it becoming apparent only later as I began to get to know the boat… worked out the reefing system, learned to appreciate the sense of space you get if you have storage in open racks instead of having to look at a row of locker doors…wrestled with the vagaries of the charcoal stove…
And there’ll be more to discover as I go along. I’ll let you know…
The Old Man
24 Responses to The Boat
How I envy your courage.. I have a Rival 32 (1972) sail no 52..Based in Brixham. Very original and well found. The only later addition is reefing etc back to the cockpit helps for single handed passages. Also a decent 28hp engine.. Everything you say is true about Rivals. I will send for your book.. We must compare notes. Happy sailing.
Hi John, really enjoyed your interview on Radio 2. Would love to do something like that one day!!
Got to agree, it was a fantastic listen. I couldn’t wait get home to get into the internet 😉
John, I too caught your interview on the BBC. It was during a heavy downpour and strong south-westerley. So had added effect. Have done a bit of Ocean sailing, but not on your scale. Enjoy the next voyage and keep safe,
Hi John, it was great listening to your story today on the JV show. Will look out for you next time we pass through Lake Lothing and out of Lowestoft. Good Luck. Regards Tim
I was on a flight to the Middle East and then on to the Far East in March 1988 when I read your. article in YM about the single handed Atlantic crossing. Very moving. I still remember it as if were yesterday.
I’m in Washington, DC and listening to your interview on the Jeremy Vine Show on the BBC Sounds App. Really enjoying it! Congratulations!
Hi John , Missed the broadcast but sat reading your blog .I’m in France , about to buy a boat , but faced with a choice – Holman 35 or Dufour 4800 – I know it depends on what I have planned but as I don’t know yet !!! Sensible head says Dufour but I like the idea of something more traditional and I think ”Seaworthy”
Oh, those Rivals! I had little funds but yearned for boat ownership so satisfied my saturated mind by buying the hull and as many parts as possible then with the help of a local farmer’s cornfield corner, completed a 27ft Sabre sailing yacht. little in the way of tools meant hand sawing and carving teak for the interior completion then, after five year’s sailing I sold it and used the cash to look for a Rival 34 yacht. After a couple or so months I came across one seated in the owner’s rear garden and which he had failed to progress with, particularly when his wife preferred a bigger, better house! It was transferred to Gosport where after some time I’d done all the necessary and it was launched without a log but otherwise seaworthy and we went to sea where I soon realised the benefit of roller reeling on the genoa at the front of the craft so a change was made which also included a log – cash had at last accumulated sufficiently for such perches. The rest is real pleasure, excitement, and total satisfaction, as well as much more!
I really enjoyed listening to you on the radio today, your story about your travels is fascinating, I wish you many more happy years of sailing. Enjoy your time in Falmouth, pop in to Trago’s while you are there x
Hi John, loved your interview on Jeremy Vine, incredible & inspirational. I’m not a sailor, (although I spend a lot of time bodyboarding in my spare time, LOL) but I guess deep down there must be a pull to the sea, love any documentaries about sailing. I was born in Plymouth & lived their for 30 years & I was lucky enough to have a big connection to the RWYC in Plymouth. I was there & I met Sir Francis Chichester when he came ashore at the steps of the RWYC after his first single handed cicumnavigation back in 1966/67 (was only 8 years old but I remember it vividly) Keep on sailing & keep up the blog. Stay safe.
enjoyed your conversation today on the jv show,very refreshing during difficult days.
I listened to the call you made yesterday and then the interview you gave on radio 2 with Jeremy Vine. Amazing story, I am going to read all the information on this page, perhaps there should be a film made on your adventures. Good to know that there are some positive stories to come out of this corona virus epidemic.
Inspiring story told on Jeremy Vine today, loving reading your blog and all about Samsara, we have a Southerly 100,(Opps… with a huge saloon!) and taking our first overnight sail this weekend since lock down and can’t wait.
I heard you on Jetemy Vine , really enjoyed listening to your travels. Would love to go sailing, only hate sardines!
Hats off to you , many dream about venturing out of the norm but hesitate, due to financial restraints , Hopefully one day I would like to travel the world in a campervan and leave the rat race behind, If anything Covid 19 has taught us ,there is more to life then Money and to appreciate Nature ,Family,Friends and The NHS which we take for granted. Stay safe and good Health …. BP solihull
Brilliant, listening live now on Jeremy Vine, Great story to listen to !
I just listened to you on Radio 2.What a great story and super inspiring!Good for you and good for your encouraging sister!!!
Just heard you on BBC radio 2. Lovely story, and well done for doing what you have done. Ps it’s raining and dull here today!!
Loved your Jv interview, know Woodbridge well. Have fun boy .
If u ever want company I have always wanted to try something like this and learn more about boats and the way of sailing lol
Absolutely wonderful…… Well done……
Hi John I listened to you on the Jeremy Vine show. Very inspirational stuff. Being a Sailor myself, I found your story amazing. So glad I turned on the radio when I did, I caught your slot by chance. Good luck regards Mike
Great interview…loved it we live in a narrowboat and also the isolation… Will look forward to reading your blog.
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Survey Complete: Rival 34
- Add to quote
Excellent!
Nice looking boat! Congrats and best of luck with her.
Good, glad you got that over with Jim. What did the surveyor say about the boat? Did he like it? Any problem areas on the boat? Give us some details. Was the surveyor nice? Explain everything he did to you? When I has my survey done last week, we did the seatrial and survey the same day at the same time. I thought this is how it was done. Is the surveyor going to join in on the sea trial also? I didnt get to go to my boat this weekend because all of the paperwork isnt done with our boat. We sent the check Wednesday but the story I got of why I couldnt use the boat this weekend is......... Well, they realy didnt give me a good reason! It is so agrivating! Glad you had your survey though and I hope you get on your boat soon if you do decide to buy!
Perithead said: When I has my survey done last week, we did the seatrial and survey the same day at the same time. I thought this is how it was done. Is the surveyor going to join in on the sea trial also? Click to expand...
Very pretty lines. The best of luck wih her.
Congratulations.. she looks like a nice boat... As for the tapping, unless your surveyor is tapping a hell of a lot harder than most of the ones I know are, the tapping shouldn't have any affect on the life of the GRP. He shouldn't be tapping hard enough to damage the laminate.
Wow What a salty looking boat! Very nice. Looks like lots of wood down below too. Enjoy. DS
JimH, Nice boat! Sure brings back memories for me. The family resemblance -- right down to the liferaft and grey decks -- with the Rival 38 I cruised aboard is almost uncanny. They were built for the rough North Sea and the Channel, and if she behaves anything like her older sister, I can attest that she won't let you down when things get snotty. I look forward to hearing some trip reports as you get your sea legs with her. Congratulations!
JohnRPollard said: The family resemblance -- right down to the liferaft and grey decks -- with the Rival 38 I cruised aboard is almost uncanny. They were built for the rough North Sea and the Channel, and if she behaves anything like her older sister, I can attest that she won't let you down when things get snotty. I look forward to hearing some trip reports as you get your sea legs with her. Click to expand...
That's great! I've been looking at a Rival 34. Sleeping on it for awhile. Listed on Yachtworld for $44,000. One thing that has caused me hesitation is that the hull has some blisters. Have you noticed this on your boat? It seemed like a nice boat the other day when I went aboard, I hope you'll be happy.
snider said: I've been looking at a Rival 34. Sleeping on it for awhile. Listed on Yachtworld for $44,000. One thing that has caused me hesitation is that the hull has some blisters. Have you noticed this on your boat? It seemed like a nice boat the other day when I went aboard, I hope you'll be happy. Click to expand...
She looks very seaworthy and has a fine entry. Is that a Samson post I see? One thing about British boats: they don't screw around with the deck fittings. They know the value of a good anchor. I think it'll be tight quarters with two kids and two adults aboard (I got the sense you were going to live aboard), but it's been successfully done before.
Valiente said: Is that a Samson post I see? One thing about British boats: they don't screw around with the deck fittings. They know the value of a good anchor. I think it'll be tight quarters with two kids and two adults aboard (I got the sense you were going to live aboard), but it's been successfully done before. Click to expand...
cardiacpaul said: I'd like to try that roller thingy though. Click to expand...
Very nice shear.
A boat ahead of its time for sure, i was looking at a Reviel 31/32 on ebay the 34 is a much better boat. I have light grey decks on my Abbott 36, takes a little getting used to but now i really like them, especially on bright days without sunglasses. They also have a great owners site. Good luck, enjoy, shes a keeper.... p.s. i hope you keep the name, it really fits the boat well.... cheers
Nice to finally see some pictures of your pretty new lady Jim!! May she bring you all much joy.
That's a fine looking boat.
Be careful using stainless shackles on ground tackle systems. If you're anchored out for any extended period of time, they can go bad fairly quickly due to oxygen deprivation... which will happen if they're buried in the mud on the bottom. They also can cause galvanic corrosion issues if used with galvanized chain and anchors. IMHO, you'd be much better off with a proper galvanized steel shackle.
Interesting points. I believe the one on the boat is like this: http://proboat.co.uk/item.asp?dep=1&prod_id=443&cat_id=24 Supposedly, the advantages are less snagging in the bow rollers and a full swivel so that the rode does twist up as easily. The corrosion issues (lack of oxygen and galvanic) are ones to consider. We'll mostly be gunkholing and not leaving it in the mud for long periods, but I'd still keep an eye on how it holds up. I wonder if others have used them? FYI, here's an excellent thread about stainless swivel anchor connectors at ybw.com: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1355312/page/0/fpart/1/vc/1 One of the posters wrote an article about them for Yachting Monthly in the UK. Apparently, there are a few that are a worthy design (most noteworthy are the KONG models). The AISI 316 Stainless is not supposed to react with galvanic metals, but it is noted that such swivels are not to be used for long term anchoring that is going to lead to a no-O2 situation. So, I can check and see if the one on the boat we're considering is a 316 model of the recommended design, or not. Also, we can always swap it out for long-term anchoring in the future.
SO when do you sail her back to portland for us cascadians to see? marty
blt2ski said: SO when do you sail her back to portland for us cascadians to see? Click to expand...
Hey Congrats Jim...sounds like you are an owner! Good luck with her!!
Inventory List Thanks! We just heard that the funds have been received and the bill of sale is complete, and we started our insurance on her today. On Thursday or Friday, we plan to go down and spend the weekend aboard (reading manuals and maybe doing a day sail if the weather permits). As promised, here's the equipment list. I was impressed by the work done by the last two owners: SOUTHERN RIVAL Rival 34 1973 Built by Southern Boat Building Designed by Peter Brett GRP long fin keel Comment Southern Rival was hull number 11 of these renowned cruising boats. Examples have sailed all the oceans and have a deserved reputation for safety and excellent sea keeping qualities. She is comfortable in a seaway and inspires great confidence. New Pre-purchase Survey in September 2007 and all recommendations carried out by Tate & Crewe Ltd. at Eastbourne. Specification LOA 34 ft 10.38m LWL 24ft 10in 7.64m Beam 9ft 8in 2.95m Draft 4ft 8in 1.42m Displacement 11,900lbs Displacement/Length ratio 340 (heavy displacement cruiser) Rig Sloop Engine Volvo Penta MD2030 29 hp new 2000 approx. 350 hours Gearbox Propeller 3 blade with rope cutter new 2006 Cruising speed 6 kts Fuel 70 litres Water 120 litres Berths 6: 2 forward, double + sea cot in saloon, quarter berth. Cabins 2 cabins Heads 1 Electrical The battery electrics and 12 volt system were rewired 2005 2 x 12 volt plugs new 2005 1 x 12 volt starter battery installed new 2005 2 x 12 volt domestic batteries, 1 new 2005 Engine alternator new 2006 Shore power line and battery charger new 2002 240 volt plugs in main cabin new 2005 Engine Full service 2007, new engine mounting, seacock bend and shaft seal. New alternator and mounting bracket, impellor etc. 2006, Spares kit. Rig Sloop rig Kemp aluminium mast Selden Boom, slab reefing gear and Lewmar ST reefing winch all new 2007 Standing rigging all new 2006 Some running rigging replaced 2006 Halyard winches 2 x Lewmar ST 14s new 2005, serviced 2007 Main sail part battened, three reefs, new 2000 approx, washed and serviced. Cruising genoa new 2000 approx, washed and serviced. No. 2 genoa top of the range North Sails new 2006 Spinnaker and sock Storm jib new 2006 unused Try sail unused Sail cover new 2005 Spare Main, Cruising and Number 2 genoa Furlex foresail reefing Deck 2 x Lewmar 40 Genoa winches 1 x Lewmar ST mast reefing winch new 2006 Lofrans Royal manual double acting windlass new 2007 Samson post Guard rails new 2005 Jackstays new 2005 All external teak stripped and oiled 2006, cleaned December 2007 Main cabin deck hatch new 2006 Fore cabin hatch - new dogs fitted December 2007 Non slip gel coat pattern Stainless steel stanchions, push-pit and pull-pit Spray hood new 2006 Dodgers new 2006 Cockpit cover Fenders, warps, lines etc. many new 2006 International Navigation Lights, Steaming Light, Deck Light etc. Hull New Survey September 2007, all recommendations carried out including gelcoat removal and re-epoxied plus 10 year epoxy based Coppercoat anti fouling over the top giving double osmosis protection, all under supervision of the surveyor. Ground tackle 35lb CQR main, 60 metres chain Fortress kedge, 50 metres braided anchor line Navigation Navman VHF/DSC new 2005 and new antenna 2005 Garmin 120 GPS Navtex new 2005 Raymarine SL70 Radar Raymarine ST 4000 autopilot with instrument new 2006 Raymarine wind, depth, log all new 2006 and interfaced where applicable Monitor wind vane self steering with new brackets fitted 2006 Sestral Moore Steering Compass and a hand held compass Safety 4 man valise liferaft serviced 2007 1 x lifebuoy and floating light new 2006 Set of flares new 2006 Tri-lens Radar reflector new 2005 Electric bilge pump new 2006, Float switch new 2007 Manual bilge pump new 2006 1 x automatic engine fire extinguisher new 2005 2 x cabin, 1 x cockpit fire extinguishers new 2005 Galley fire blanket First Aid kit new 2005 Domestic Complete new gas installation to standard 2005, re-certified 2007 Complete water system including tank, hoses and 2 electric pumps new 2006 Galley manual tap new 2006 Head electric tap new 2006 Gas cooker new 2005 Cold box Head redecorated with: Jabsco toilet, hoses and sea-cocks all new 2005 Stereo radio cassette Range of cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and glasses etc. Carpet to cabins Miscellaneous 2.3 metre rubber dinghy nearly new 2.5 hp Mariner outboard
Well done, another satisfied boat owner.
Jim, Thanks for an excellent dialogue on a well found boat. The link to Yachting World and an excellent thread was also highly appreciated. Please keep us updated on developing events as the Rival is less well known over here, which matter we look forward to your correcting.
Beautiful boat Jim, I am envious!
Jim, well done. You have to love the older boats they new how to build them back then.
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Contessa 32, are they really that good?
- Thread starter Gixer
- Start date 21 Dec 2020
- 21 Dec 2020
Well-known member
Went down the yard yesterday to find a Contessa 32 has been plonked next to me. I've seen these boats many times before but never gave them much thought. This one has made me stop and look, the underwater profile is really pretty and looking at these boats in more detail they are very well regarded. Are they as good as people say and do they stand up in the 21st century? Not that I'm planning to sell my boat but never say never....
Praxinoscope
Fabulous lines, sails well if wind is above a low force 3, will take a lot of battering, but accommodation is a bit 'cramped' compared to later 32' boats, still one of my dream boats, but not practical in our drying harbour and they still fetch a good price beyond my budget.
fredrussell
Totally agree on underwater profile. As good looking as the lines above the water, and that’s saying something. I believe they’re the boat for which the phrase, “goes to windward like a submarine” was coined.
I'll be controversial here.....I've sailed one and didn't like it! Cramped and uncomfortable cockpit. Rolled a lot downwind. Cramped accommodation (for the length). Now if I had to go out in a gale, it would be among my top choices.....but for regular cruising, probably not
Charlie Boy
Saw one in Kingswear a few years ago. Brand new apparently! Very pretty but low headroom I think.
For my money I'd go for a Westerly Fulmar which is also 32 ft( I am biased) much more room and slightly faster overall. If you really do want to do a lot of storm force sailing, in which case the track record of the Contessa 32 is gold plated. Big foresail rig is not my cup of tea either.
Where's Tranona when you need him? YM did a comparison 'tween a CO32 and a Bavaria 30(ish) - still had a keel - a couple of years ago and the CO32 came out better. RAW factor is fantastic as is WAF (walk away factor) in the yard. Internal space is nothing like an AWB of the same length but if you want floating caravan then the CO32 is not for you, similarly for holding dinner parties in the cockpit. But if you want a cockpit where you can brace easily with sheets and tiller perfectly to hand and an internal space perfect for a couple with small kids or a spartan crew of 6 with the added advantage of only ever broaching if you're a complete idiot then I heartily recommend the CO32........ but then I'm a tad biased!
I used to race them in the 80s. They are a bit of an acquired taste. Think of them as the equivalent of a small stone-walled cottage with low ceilings, small windows, and a narrow, steep staircase, and with a tiny cramped kitchen with a stone-flagged floor and an Aga. If that kind of place is your idea of a perfect home, then you'll love the CO32. If you're the kind of person who prefers high ceilings, lots of daylight, and a nice modern kitchen, then you probably won't much care for one. They will stand-up to just about anything you want to chuck at them weather-wise, but they are wet as hell going upwind and can be pretty rolly downwind. It's the class racing that really keeps the fleet going. It's a strong fleet in the Solent and has been for decades.
I think they are vastly over-rated. They are slow. They are cramped inside. They have a fugly masthead rig. They are wet to sail. Go back 20 or so years and I'd forgive some of that because they had some interesting OD racing, and some boats in a similar vein to race against but that's gone the way of all things. Most of them are now also very tired. No point having a hull shape with a reputation for seakeeping if all the gear is knackered and things start breaking at the first sniff of a gale.
For some jobs it could be ideal in theory. Would think a solo circumnavigator doesn't need more space below or in the cockpit and wouldn't really want a heavier or bigger boat if he's sensible. I wonder if anyone has ever added a doghouse (at the risk of being shot by purists). But there are similar designs without the premium price. As said some look very tired for the money asked. Might save 10K just by it not being a contessa 32 so in the end it wouldn't be a great choice.
My son had one and I've done Wales to the Scillys and to Ireland. They are a bit cramped and the layout seems very old style - heads next to the forepeak, divided with a curtain, a small galley with a pump to empty the sink. I have a Moody 31 and my son thinks there is not much difference sailing wise (similar handicap) and that the Moody is a much nicer boat to spend time on. The CO32 wins on looks of course.
I like looking at them, very pretty! That's as far as it goes though. 'Cape Horn to Starboard' by John Kretchmer is a good read.
Athomson said: For some jobs it could be ideal in theory. Would think a solo circumnavigator doesn't need more space below or in the cockpit and wouldn't really want a heavier or bigger boat if he's sensible. I wonder if anyone has ever added a doghouse (at the risk of being shot by purists). But there are similar designs without the premium price. As said some look very tired for the money asked. Might save 10K just by it not being a contessa 32 so in the end it wouldn't be a great choice. Click to expand...
fredrussell said: I believe they’re the boat for which the phrase, “goes to windward like a submarine” was coined. Click to expand...
Gary Fox said: Perhaps a Contessa would struggle to carry all the water and stores for a long run, without ruining the performance? Kretchmer did NY to LA, but he's more intrepid than average. Yes, overpriced, like VW Campers, MG's etc. Click to expand...
Gixer said: Are they as good as people say and do they stand up in the 21st century? Click to expand...
As others have said, a Contessa 32 sails beautifully, if slightly dampish going to windward in a blow. Interior tiny by modern standards, heads compartment particularly cramped, but I have sailed with 6 on board. Bear in mind that the Co32 is a 1971 design, and by 1979 the same designer drew the Sadler 32, which was specifically intended to be a better boat, and stretched and tweaked in the early 1980s into the Sadler 34. The Contessa is prettier, personally I believe the Sadlers are overall better. The other fin and skeg contemporary is the Rival 32/34. I've never sailed a Rival 32 but i have sailed both Contessa 32s and a Rival 34 in moderately heavy weather and I prefer the not that much slower Rival 34. We ( Yachts for sale at Yachtsnet - UK sailing yacht brokerage and boat sales ) have sold a couple of very late-built Contessa 32s for serious money over the years, I'm talking 4 to 6 times the "usual" price of an original 1970s one. So there are a few beautiful ones around, and people who value them. The problem with most boats that sail really nicely is that they get sailed a lot and often a long way and get lots of wear and tear.
seumask said: For my money I'd go for a Westerly Fulmar which is also 32 ft( I am biased) much more room and slightly faster overall. If you really do want to do a lot of storm force sailing, in which case the track record of the Contessa 32 is gold plated. Big foresail rig is not my cup of tea either. Click to expand...
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The Rival 32 is a 31.83ft masthead sloop designed by Peter Brett and built in fiberglass by Marine Construction Ltd. (UK) since 1971.
200 units have been built..
The Rival 32 is a heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a very short water supply range.
Rival 32 for sale elsewhere on the web:
Main features
| Model | Rival 32 | ||
| Length | 31.83 ft | ||
| Beam | 9.67 ft | ||
| Draft | 4.58 ft | ||
| Country | United Kingdom (Europe) | ||
| Estimated price | $ 0 | ?? |
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| Sail area / displ. | 12.65 | ||
| Ballast / displ. | 37.85 % | ||
| Displ. / length | 353.65 | ||
| Comfort ratio | 32.83 | ||
| Capsize | 1.71 |
| Hull type | Monohull fin keel with rudder on skeg | ||
| Construction | Fiberglass | ||
| Waterline length | 24.50 ft | ||
| Maximum draft | 4.58 ft | ||
| Displacement | 11650 lbs | ||
| Ballast | 4409 lbs | ||
| Hull speed | 6.63 knots |
We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt
| Rigging | Masthead Sloop | ||
| Sail area (100%) | 405 sq.ft | ||
| Air draft | 0 ft | ?? | |
| Sail area fore | 228 sq.ft | ||
| Sail area main | 183.71 sq.ft | ||
| I | 38 ft | ||
| J | 12 ft | ||
| P | 32.66 ft | ||
| E | 11.25 ft |
| Nb engines | 1 | ||
| Total power | 0 HP | ||
| Fuel capacity | 17 gals |
Accommodations
| Water capacity | 30 gals | ||
| Headroom | 0 ft | ||
| Nb of cabins | 0 | ||
| Nb of berths | 0 | ||
| Nb heads | 0 |
Builder data
| Builder | Marine Construction Ltd. (UK) | ||
| Designer | Peter Brett | ||
| First built | 1971 | ||
| Last built | 0 | ?? | |
| Number built | 200 |
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Visit site. Just bought a Rival 32 myself and moving 'up' in size from a Twister, it's the headroom and space I value and feels generous. Very sturdy boat indeed and though an early seventies model, no w.frame problems or decayed rail for that matter. Just the job for long-distant work.
A Displacement to Length ratio of 353, the number given for the Rival 32, is high in comparison with many boats. But a statement as bland as that is meaningless. Are the boats the Rival is being compared to, to be sailed in the same water, under the same conditions? What are the typical differences in boat behaviour, and in a boat's ability to ...
Notes. All 200 hulls were molded by Marine Construction Ltd., but many were finished by Southern Boatbuilding. The design was a longer counter sterned development of the 1967 designed Rival 31, and later evolved into the better-known Rival 34 - although actually more Rival 32s than 34s were built.
Rival 32 review and test sail Peter Poland explores the background of the Rival 32, then takes one for a sail 2020-12-01 - Association and owner of a Rival 36. She described the launch and history of this illustrious range well, writing: 'At Earls Court International Boat Show in January 1968, there was a little stand tucked away up ...
Both excellent sea boats, the Rival is rather heavier and needs a little more wind to get her going, but also has a little bit more space below. You may find you get more boat for your money buying a Rival 32 as they are slightly less popular than the Contessa and not quite as elegant. 27 Nov 2007. #3. M.
Images: 7. Contessa 32 vs Rival 32 vs Renown 32? I am (still ) looking for a reliable, stable first boat for a family of 4. LOA must be a bit below 10.00m/32.8". The first two above are space kings with aft cabins, etc., but their sailing reputation is in the skies. Latter seems rather spacious with an aft cabin.
Rival 32 Review And Test Sail - Read online for free. As the years trundle by I become increasingly aware of the dilemma facing those who want to buy a 'proper yacht'. In days gone by, would-be buyers of moderately priced 30ft to 35ft sea-going cruising yachts that could leave harbour with little worry
The DL-ratio for Rival 32 is 354 which categorizes this boat among 'heavy cruisers'. Heavy Light 12% 0 50 100. 12% of all similar sailboat designs are categorized as heavier. A heavy displacement combined with smaller water plane area has lower acceleration and is more comfortable.
Rival 32 is a 31′ 9″ / 9.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Peter Brett and built by Marine Construction Ltd. starting in 1971. ... 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. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL ...
Brett later added a foot to the transom, creating the Rival 32, ... Boat Reviews. Four of the best Amel cruising yachts. Rupert Holmes. March 14, 2016. Related Boats for Sale. Oyster 435 DS £85,000. Oyster 435 £112,500. Oyster 435 £87,000. Gib'Sea 402 £65,000. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40.3 £89,950.
Rival 32 and Rival 34 At much the same time, the Rival 32 (1971: 200 built) and Rival 34 (1972: 174 built) hit the scene and also made their names as reliable and capable offshore cruisers. Designed By Peter Brett, the Rival 34 was an extended version of the already successful Rival 32, having a slightly deeper afterbody and longer overhangs to ...
The Rival 34 is essentially a Rival 32 with a longer rear end. As others have stated above, they both are reliable and easily-managed boats in strong weather. As with any elderly sailboat, you should survey the condition of the engine, the standing rigging, and especially the condition of the electrical wiring.
If I remember correctly, the 34 is not just a 32 hull with 2 feet extra added to the stern above the waterline, but the underwater body was redesigned and modified. The ROA site has a good section on the design history of the Rivals. And of course, as the boat heels, and a Rival heels quite soon, the extra length comes into play as well.
Here are some of the boats that were suggested from our readers: Mariner 36, Cal 34, Morgan 43, Swan 43, Bermuda 40, Island Packet 26, Mariner 47, LeComte Northeast 38, Westsail 32, Dana 24, J/35, and the CSY 44. Id be interested in hearing of other nominees for this list, or other good resources for sailors looking for a short list of good ...
I suspect that my Rival 32 will rate somewhere around the 200 mark.Does anybody know for sure. Nothing is listed in the National PHRF book as of 2000. The Rival 34 is listed at 162 and the Rival 36 is shown between 144 and and 174 depending upon area. Your best bet is to conact you local PHRF authority and submit an application.
Samsara is a Rival 32, designed by Peter Brett and built in 1973. She is my second Rival - from 1983 to 1993, I owned Largo and took her twice to the Azores and once across the Atlantic (in the 1988 Singlehanded Transatlantic Race). ... They do, however, eventually discover that the only way to move around the cabin when the boat is at 35 o ...
I've a Rival 38. It tskes care of you in heavy weather. Won't win races around the buoys. I've had her for nigh on 30 years. Rivals have lovely lines. Check out the you tube series "the sailing brothers" they're Welsh brothers sailing a Rival 34. Currently in Tahiti. Their boat has certainly looked after them.
Boat Review Forum. SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications ... One Rival 32 hull looked fine in terms of blisters, and was never epoxy treated. Another Rival 32 looked fine, and had a preventative epoxy treatment. The 34 we had surveyed has had a full epoxy treatment ...
Bear in mind that the Co32 is a 1971 design, and by 1979 the same designer drew the Sadler 32, which was specifically intended to be a better boat, and stretched and tweaked in the early 1980s into the Sadler 34. The Contessa is prettier, personally I believe the Sadlers are overall better. The other fin and skeg contemporary is the Rival 32/34.
The Rival 32 is a 31.83ft masthead sloop designed by Peter Brett and built in fiberglass by Marine Construction Ltd. (UK) since 1971. 200 units have been built. The Rival 32 is a heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat.
A Rival 34 is superb for long-distance passage-making and very steady in heavy seas and strong winds, but in light conditions her performance and manoeuvrability will feel staid compared to modern fin keel yachts. With perfectly set sails, a Rival 34 should feel beautifully balanced.
The Contessa 32 is one of the most successful cruiser racers of the last 30 years - and it's easy to see why. She's a joy to sail on the wind, quick on a reach, and well set up for spinnaker work downwind. With a dry weight of over four tonnes, a deep forefoot leading to a long fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, she's a solid sea-boat ...
Re: Rival 36 , 38 and 41. Very good boats. Rival 36 likely fastest but also softest. 38 and 41 likely slightly better for extended cruising. R41 not to be mistaken with R40 (Bowman). 40k and upwards (at times way upwards, bound only by her condition) in the EU. There are also 32 and 34 models, same style and quality.