Trade-A-Boat – April 2018

SeaTrials

Full fuel (calculations based on 10 per cent reserve)

RPM SPEED (KTS) FUEL BURN (LT/H) RANGE (NM)

600 4 1.2 2100

900 5 3 1050

1850 (planing) 12.5 30 315

2000 15 36 262

2200 16 41 245

2400 18 54 210

2600 22 60 231

2750 24 74 204

*Sea-trial data supplied by the author.

Along with the signature sheer line and

flared bow, the semi-displacement and

single-engine heritage survive. But

the level of luxury and sophisticated

underwater design shake off direct

links to the past, and that mightn’t be

such a bad thing.

THE PROCESS

The deep bow entry runs back in a

variable deadrise profile to a moderate

16 degrees at the transom, combining

with reversed chines and running

strakes to boost ride and performance

and also aid stability at rest. In

comparison, the old round bilged

lobster fishers might not pass muster

in a sloppy anchorage, and much of the

32’s appeal is setting up in a quiet back

cove somewhere, watching the sun

go down in peace. Meanwhile, along

the keel line, a prop tunnel protects

the shaft and flattens its angle for

optimum drive.

Styling might remind us of days past,

but its construction is purely modern

technology on a first-rate production

line by a skilled workforce of more

than 100 employees. Mouldings have

a vinylester outer surface for better

osmosis protection and are resin

infused for a stronger, lighter build,

with the hull and stringer system

fabricated from a Nida-Core sandwich

and lighter balsa core on the topsides.

Bowsprit and boarding platform

take the length overall to 37ft (11.28m).

But even the 32ft9in (9.98m) hull

measurement is understated and gives

validity to the impression the boat is

roomy for its stated length.

It’s a step up from the aft platform,

though a central door, to the cockpit,

where L-shaped lounges wraparound

the rear quarters making an excellent

outside entertaining zone that can be

extended by an infill at the door. A pair

of elliptical high-gloss cherry tables

fit into slots in the floor on sturdy

supports that neither rattle nor wobble

when underway. Finish is superb and

the timberwork combines with blue

upholstery to impart a traditional

nautical ambience. An extendable

SureShade awning covers the entire

cockpit and folds neatly out of the

HIGHS

• Stunning looks


• High-quality finish


• Respected yard


• High resale value


• Simple single-diesel shaftdrive


• Economy

LOWS

• Limited refrigeration

FAR LEFT The roof overhangs the cabin,
but doesn’t restrict reaching for the top-
mounted grabrails. LEFT The stateroom
blends smart moulded liners with rich
cherry panelling and furniture. ABOVE
RIGHT Electric hatch accesses the
saloon’s under-sole engineroom.

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Back Cove 32