Clipper Marine 32 Information, Review, Specs

The Clipper Marine 32 began production in 1976, marking the larger end of Clipper Marine's line of innovative fiberglass sailboats. The company, founded in 1971 in Santa Ana, California, exclusively collaborated with William Crealock, whose design philosophy for Clipper Marine focused on practicality, ease of handling, and above all, trailerability. The 32-footer exemplifies this ethos, extending the concept of road-transportable vessels to a size offering significantly more interior volume and comfort. Built entirely from fiberglass, the Clipper Marine 32 benefited from the era's advancements in marine manufacturing, resulting in durable, low-maintenance hulls. It is noted that the Clipper Marine 32 is likely a "stretched" version of earlier designs like the Clipper Marine 30 and Clipper Marine 26, showcasing Crealock's ability to adapt and expand successful concepts. The model was available in both sloop and ketch rigs, with an aft cockpit version also offered, alongside a shoal draft option of 2.67 feet in addition to the standard 3.5-foot fin keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.2, the Clipper Marine 32 is indicative of a sailboat that should perform well in lighter air conditions. Its displacement to length ratio of around 119.37 suggests a relatively light boat for its length, leaning towards a more performance-oriented profile rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. However, its ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.234 indicates a lighter build in terms of stability, suggesting it might not be as stiff or as capable of standing up to heavy winds as more heavily ballasted vessels. The option of a ketch rig, with its divided sail plan, is generally considered to be easier to handle due to smaller individual sails, providing flexibility in varying wind conditions. While opinions on its offshore capabilities vary, some surveyors have advised that the Clipper Marine 32 is better suited for coastal cruising rather than extensive blue-water passages. The hull construction, often described by owners as robust, features a half-inch to inch-thick fiberglass laminate over marine-grade woods.

Accommodations and Layout

The Clipper Marine 32 was designed to maximize interior space for comfortable cruising, a significant achievement for a boat intended to be trailerable. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, owners have praised the "great interior" and some models even feature custom wood floors. Typical layouts would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with convertible seating, and a galley area. A notable feature available on some Clipper Marine 32s was a "rare Captains cabin (aft cabin) with twin births," providing a more private sleeping area, which was uncommon for boats of this size and type. This arrangement, combined with a pull-out couch in the salon, suggests the boat could comfortably accommodate a family or multiple guests. The interior finish generally utilized a combination of fiberglass and marine-grade woods.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Clipper Marine 32 often praise its solid construction and the overall practicality afforded by its trailerable design. Many appreciate the boat's "bullet proof" design and the robust fiberglass hull. The ability to easily transport the vessel by road opened up diverse cruising opportunities and reduced the need for permanent dockage. Owners also frequently commend the ease of use and simplicity of these boats, leading to a loyal following. However, like many boats from its era, the Clipper Marine 32 may be susceptible to common issues such as hull blisters. While cherished for coastal and inland water sailing, some professionals suggest the boat is not optimally suited for extensive offshore or "blue water" voyages.