Engine instruments are conveniently paired
for easy reference and framed in yet more
stainless steel, as is the neat run of switchesditched the watersports area
altogether, putting a traditional
sunpad over the engines instead.
A walkway along its starboard side
makes access from the bathing
platform an elegant stroll rather than
a scramble, with two shallow steps
leading into the sociable cockpit.
Comfortable settees grace three
sides, the backrest of the aft one
sliding silently back across the
sunpad at the push of a button to
extend the length of the sunbathing
area. A highly polished table is
stored beneath the port settee
to complement the small wet bar
opposite the helm. Liferaft storage
beneath the starboard settee is a
typical Windy detail, as is the plush
navy blue Sunbrella material and
teak-laid cockpit sole, although the
latter was an optional extra. In fact,there was also an option of Ivory
White Luxury Vinyl upholstery,
although most boats have the navy
Sunbrella. That feeling of quality is
enhanced further by the stainless-steel
deck fittings, the grabrail encircling
the inside of the windscreen frame
and, if you venture right to the bow
via the narrow but perfectly useable
side decks, details like the tiny gas
strut that props up the bow locker lid
when open and the concealed horns.THE FINEST FINISHINGS
Check out the helm too, with its
twin lift bolster seats, their blue
upholstery set off by twin runs of
white stitching. Engine instruments
are conveniently paired for easy
reference and framed in yet more
stainless steel, as is the neat run of
switches. Stood here, it feels everyThe older Windys, such as this model, rely on old-school
hand layup and bulkhead tabbing methods unlike
the modern equivalent which is now built using
more advanced production techniques in Poland.
Both have their advantages but the 32 Grand Tornado offers a high-
quality build with full length, multiple sprayrails delivering a soft, dry ride
and usually return good survey results with few concerns about osmosis
or stress cracking. However, the blue gelcoat options can suffer from
fading, the acrylic canvas cockpit upholstery is prone to wear and tear as
well as water staining, while the lightweight Helly Hansen hood and cover
material isn’t as tough as some. On the plus side, they’re easily replaced.
Of more concern are the Volvo D4 engine installations, which can throw
up issues such as intercooler/heat exchanger corrosion and electrolysis
problems on the DPH outdrives and propellers. Although these standard
power packages offer good power to weight and performance, they
demand careful maintenance and regular servicing, so a full service
history is a must.
Windy boats command premium prices both new and secondhand so
you need to carefully consider the advantages of this high-quality brand
in the hopes you will recover the extra outlay when the time comes to sell.
Tony McGrail, Yacht Surveyor
Tel: +44 (0)7711 329314. Web: http://www.superyachtsurveys.comTOPSIDES
The blue hull band, like most
coloured hulls of this era, is prone
to fading around the stern quarters
where the hull is angled upwardsENGINES
Volvo Penta D4-260 engines are
extremely good units but make
absolutely sure that the raw water
strainer has been changed for the
latest type as it can leak sea water
into the boat at high revs. Also check
the cooling system for leaks and efficacyTEAK BATHING PLATFORM
Can degrade with time so at this
age, it’s worth checking carefullySURVEYOR SAYS
USEDBOAT BOAT MASTER