Attalia 32 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Attalia 32 lies within a transformative period for Jeanneau. Emerging in 1982, the model followed the company's successful foray into mass sailboat production, notably with the Sangria in the 1970s. During this era (1970-1990), Jeanneau briefly operated under the ownership of United States-based Bangor Punta, a time when the shipyard was known for embracing new manufacturing techniques and producing fiberglass hulls at scale. The Attalia 32, with its fiberglass balsa core hull and deck, exemplifies Jeanneau's commitment to modern construction methods of the period.

The design by Joubert-Nivelt aimed to maximize interior comfort while delivering a responsive sailing experience. While the standard model featured a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a swing keel version was also available, offering versatility for shallower cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Attalia 32, with a length overall of 30.54 feet and a waterline length of 25.92 feet, is characterized by a design that leans towards performance for a cruiser of its size. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 192.4 suggests a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented hull compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers. This translates to an easily driven boat.

With a total calculated sail area of 410.35 square feet and a displacement of 7,496 pounds, the Attalia 32 boasts a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 17.14. This indicates a good balance between sail power and hull resistance, suggesting decent performance in lighter airs without being overly sensitive in stronger winds. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.389, with 2,920 pounds of iron ballast, provides reasonable stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze. Owners have noted that the Attalia can be "a bit tender" and performs optimally when sailed on her lines, avoiding excessive heeling. Despite this, she is generally regarded as "close-winded and easily driven." The fin keel combined with a skeg-hung rudder contributes to responsive handling and good directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 30-foot length, the Jeanneau Attalia 32 is often praised for an interior layout that provides a surprising amount of living space, frequently described as comparable to larger yachts of its time. This sense of spaciousness is attributed to a clever design that incorporates high freeboard and a beamy hull carried well aft.

The typical interior arrangement features three cabins and can comfortably accommodate up to six berths. Below deck, the layout usually includes a V-berth forward, a functional galley, a dedicated head, and a comfortable salon area. Owners have generally commented on the "nicely finished" interior and efficient use of space. Ample storage is a notable feature, with generous compartments found beneath the double berths. The boat carries a water capacity of 24 gallons, supporting extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Attalia 32 generally speak highly of its build quality and longevity. Many consistently praise the "Attalia's construction," noting that "the boat has aged well" over the years. The boat is also frequently described as a "very comfortable boat" for cruising.

However, common issues identified by owners typically revolve around maintenance items rather than structural integrity. Recurring problems include leaks around the original portlights, often necessitating re-bedding. A "poorly insulated icebox" has also been noted as a frequent complaint. Additionally, while not unique to the Attalia 32, rudder replacement can be a concern for older Jeanneau models, an issue that "seems to be more common on Jeanneau installations" of that era. Some observations suggest that mid-sized Jeanneaus of this period were "a bit on the lightly built side" compared to other brands, though they have generally proven durable with many still sailing today.