Cherokee 32 (Chris-Craft) Information, Review, Specs

The Chris-Craft Cherokee 32 entered production in 1966, marking a significant period for Chris-Craft as the company transitioned its boatbuilding focus to fiberglass construction. All Chris-Craft sailboats, including the Cherokee 32, were manufactured from fiberglass at their Algonac, Michigan facility during their relatively brief venture into the sailboat market between 1962 and 1976. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens for all its sailboat designs underscored Chris-Craft's commitment to quality and performance, ensuring a solid pedigree for models like the Cherokee 32. The design ethos behind Chris-Craft's sailboats, including the Cherokee 32, emphasized reliable performance and robust construction, aligning with Sparkman & Stephens' reputation for creating well-engineered and seaworthy yachts. A total of 40 units of the Cherokee 32 were built.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chris-Craft Cherokee 32 is characterized by its fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for offering a good balance of maneuverability and directional stability. Its sailing performance ratios provide insight into its characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At 16.51, the Cherokee 32 possesses a moderate sail area relative to its displacement. This suggests it is not designed as a light-air speedster but will perform adequately in a range of conditions, favoring steady progress over quick acceleration.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 38.51%, the Cherokee 32 exhibits good inherent stability. This high ratio contributes to the boat's stiffness, allowing it to stand up to more wind and maintain a more comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners have noted its seaworthiness, appreciating its ability to handle strong weather over sheer speed.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: A D/L ratio of 340.90 places the Cherokee 32 firmly in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser. This substantial displacement contributes to its robust feel and comfortable motion, especially in choppy conditions, reinforcing its reputation as a stable and stiff vessel with excellent righting capability.

With a theoretical hull speed of 6.36 knots, the Cherokee 32 is designed for comfortable cruising rather than high-performance racing. Owners generally praise its ability to handle strong weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing safety and stability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed floor plans are not readily available, the interior of the Chris-Craft Cherokee 32 is arranged to provide comfortable cruising accommodations, typical of vessels of its era. The main salon features seating that often converts into berths, with two storage drawers located under the berth and shelving for additional stowage. An overhead opening hatch in the salon provides essential ventilation. The general interior finish would likely reflect Chris-Craft's commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship, consistent with their overall brand identity, albeit in a more utilitarian style than their powerboat counterparts. The boat is equipped with a 30-gallon water capacity, supporting extended time aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chris-Craft Cherokee 32 generally appreciate its solid construction and seaworthiness. Many value the boat for its ability to handle challenging weather conditions, making it a trusted vessel for cruising. The design by Sparkman & Stephens is frequently cited as a strong point, lending the boat a reputable pedigree. However, as with any sailboat of its age, potential buyers and current owners note that maintenance is a consideration. A specific concern mentioned by one prospective owner was regarding issues with the keel bolts, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections on older vessels. Despite these considerations, the Cherokee 32 is regarded as a dependable and comfortable cruiser for those seeking a stable and capable platform on the water.