Attalia 32 Swing Keel (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Attalia 32 Swing Keel emerged during a period of significant growth and innovation for Jeanneau, which had by then become a global force in yacht building, transitioning from wooden boats to mass production of fiberglass vessels since the 1960s. The builder's ethos, shaped by a commitment to quality and innovation, aimed to create "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort. The Attalia 32 was a testament to this philosophy, designed to offer an "imaginative deck layout on a performance hull" and provide both "speed and stiffness of sailing".

The Attalia 32 was introduced in 1983 and was built in substantial numbers, indicating its success in the market. A notable variation of the standard fin-keel Attalia 32, this specific model features a swing keel, offering a variable draft from a shallow 3.62 feet to a deeper 6.54 feet. This design choice provides increased flexibility for accessing shallower anchorages and cruising grounds, while still allowing for enhanced upwind performance when the keel is fully deployed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Attalia 32 Swing Keel is characterized by a design that blends performance with stability. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 16.98, she presents a moderate performance profile, suggesting capability in a range of wind conditions, neither exceptionally light-air focused nor a heavy-weather slug. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.40 indicates good stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling and contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 192.46 classifies her as a moderate displacement boat, leaning towards the lighter, more agile end of the cruising spectrum for a vessel of her size.

The Joubert-Nivelt design is known for its "performance hull", which, combined with the swing keel, offers a balance of speed and directional stability. Owners often describe the boat as comfortable, and its handling characteristics are generally praised, with many finding it a manageable vessel to sail. The swing keel mechanism is a key feature, allowing sailors to optimize performance by adjusting the draft for varied conditions, from deep-water cruising to exploring shallow inlets.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Attalia 32 is often noted for being surprisingly spacious for a boat of its length, a result of clever design elements such as high freeboard and a beam carried well aft. The layout is generally considered functional and well-executed, with a "nicely finished" interior. While the does not specify maximum headroom, the design maximizes usable volume.

Typically, the Attalia 32 features a conventional cruising layout. This usually includes a V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settees that can often convert into additional berths. A galley is usually situated to one side, equipped for basic meal preparation, while a navigation station or chart table might be opposite. A head compartment with marine toilet and sink is standard. Aft, one or two quarter berths or an aft cabin provide further sleeping accommodation. Storage is ample throughout the boat, with lockers and shelves often found beneath berths and along hull sides.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Attalia 32 frequently commend its "solid construction" and overall longevity, with many reports indicating that the boats have "aged well" over time. The comfort of the boat, both at sea and at anchor, is a recurring theme in owner discussions. The good interior layout and finish are also points of appreciation among the community.

While generally well-regarded, like any vessel, some common points of consideration for prospective owners might include the original engine, which some sources noted as being considered "underpowered by some engines of the time," though the 7 horsepower Volvo Penta engine is typical for a boat of this size and era. Owners frequently engage in online forums and social media groups dedicated to Jeanneau boats, particularly on platforms like Jeanneau-owners.com and Facebook, to share information and offer support, highlighting an active and passionate community around this model.