Bayfield 30/32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bayfield 30/32 entered production in 1973, reflecting founder Ted Gozzard's vision for a cruising yacht that blended classic aesthetics with practical liveability. Gozzard, influenced by designers like L. Francis Herreshoff, consciously aimed for more freeboard and interior volume than contemporary designs, prioritizing comfort at sea. Bayfield Boat Yard Ltd. was renowned for building boats with a distinctive, traditional look, characterized by long keels, clipper bows, and bowsprits, all while utilizing the advantages of modern fiberglass construction. The company focused on optimizing their vessels for cruising, a hallmark that the 30/32 exemplifies.

Throughout its production run, which saw over 300 hulls built, the Bayfield 30/32 primarily featured a cutter rig. However, a small number of ketches were also produced, and five hulls were notably built as "tall-rig sloops," designated as the Bayfield 32C, boasting a significantly increased sail area of 662 sq ft. These tall-rig versions were praised by Gozzard himself for their beautiful performance in light air.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bayfield 30/32 is a heavy displacement vessel, designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright speed. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 340.9, she falls firmly into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, suggesting a stable and comfortable motion in a seaway. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of about 15.35 indicates that while she is not a light-air flyer, she is adequately powered for her intended cruising purpose. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.416 is notably high, contributing significantly to her inherent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a blow.

Equipped with a long keel, the Bayfield 30/32 is known for excellent directional stability, making her well-suited for extended passages and single-handed sailing. While some owners have noted the "cut forefoot" in the keel arrangement as a design point to consider, the overall consensus points to a seaworthy vessel. Ted Gozzard's design philosophy ensured that the 30/32 would offer a comfortable ride, even if not the fastest boat on the racecourse.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bayfield 30/32 is celebrated for its surprising volume and the quality of its construction, often described as "very well put together." Consistent with Bayfield's design philosophy, the boat offers generous headroom below decks, a significant advantage for cruisers. The typical layout features a traditional V-berth forward, providing comfortable sleeping quarters. The main cabin commonly includes convertible settees, offering flexible seating and additional berths. While specific details on finishes vary between individual boats and years, Bayfield was known for attention to detail and traditional styling, suggesting a thoughtful use of materials characteristic of the era, such as wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Bayfield boats, including the 30/32, generally command a strong following among their owners. Owners frequently praise the boat's solid construction, seaworthiness, and the comfortable motion she exhibits in varying sea states. The spacious interior volume is consistently highlighted as a key strength, making her a popular choice for cruising couples or families seeking a blend of classic charm and practical liveability.

However, common maintenance points noted by some owners include the potential for corrosion in the original fuel and water tanks, which may require inspection or replacement on older models. Despite these minor considerations, the Bayfield 30/32 has largely held up well over time, reinforcing its reputation as a robust and enduring cruising sailboat.