Excel 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Excel 32 emerged from Excel Yachts of Sweden, a builder with a history stretching back possibly to 1909, known for its focused approach to crafting a select range of fiberglass sailboats. The company's manufacturing ethos during the era of the Excel 32's production emphasized durable and lower-maintenance construction methods, aligning with the industry's broader shift in the latter half of the 20th century. Introduced in 1991, the Excel 32 shares many similarities with its slightly older sibling, the Excel 319, which debuted in 1990, indicating a consistent design philosophy across closely related models. Designed by Jan Becker, the Excel 32 features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, a configuration chosen to enhance both performance and maneuverability. While some sources loosely describe it as a "motorsailer," its sailing characteristics, particularly its generous sail plan and robust stability, suggest a design primarily focused on sailing prowess. No significant production variations, such as MkI or MkII versions, are widely documented for the Excel 32.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Excel 32's design ratios paint a clear picture of a capable and stable performer. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 26.03, the Excel 32 boasts a relatively powerful sail plan, suggesting good performance in light to moderate winds. This allows it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed efficiently. The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 0.458 indicates a high percentage of ballast relative to its overall weight, contributing significantly to its stiffness and ability to stand up to a strong breeze without excessive heeling. This attribute provides a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 196 classifies it as a moderately light displacement vessel for its length, enhancing its responsiveness and overall sailing performance without sacrificing comfort. The boat's hull speed is calculated at 6.87 knots, indicating its theoretical maximum speed potential under sail. Its high capsize screening formula result (2.20) suggests it is well-suited for offshore passages, offering a measure of seaworthiness in challenging conditions. The combination of a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder further contributes to its agility and control.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the detailed interior layout and finish of the Excel 32 is not extensively documented in widely available resources. However, given its length overall of nearly 32 feet and a beam of almost 11 feet, one can infer a practical and functional layout typical of cruisers of its era. Interior accommodations would likely feature a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon area with settees that may convert to berths, and a galley, potentially with a quarter berth aft. Given Excel Yachts' reputation for Swedish craftsmanship and durable fiberglass construction, the interior would likely feature a robust, if not overly luxurious, finish. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout the cabin, designed for efficient use of space on a vessel intended for extended cruising. Specific details on maximum headroom are not readily available in the provided data.

Owner's Perspectives

Comprehensive owner reviews and discussions specific to the Excel 32 are not widely published across common sailing forums or review sites. The limited production numbers of Excel Yachts, including the Excel 32, likely contribute to the scarcity of widespread anecdotal feedback. While general sailing forums exist, specific threads or dedicated owner groups for the Excel 32 are not easily found. Therefore, a synthesized overview of owner perspectives cannot be reliably provided based on current grounded information.