Symphonie 32 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Symphonie 32 commenced in 1979 and continued until 1983, with some sources indicating production through 1984. During this era, Jeanneau, under the initial vision of Henri Jeanneau, was solidifying its reputation for embracing new technologies and efficient production techniques, particularly in fiberglass boat building, a material they adopted extensively since the late 1950s. The builder's ethos at the time emphasized innovation, quality, and a passion for creating "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort. The collaboration with designers like Philippe Briand, who joined Jeanneau in 1977, was instrumental in shaping models that reflected these values.

The Symphonie 32 was directly based on an IOR 3/4 ton prototype, a class popular in offshore racing from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s. The IOR rule encouraged designs that could perform well in a competitive environment, often resulting in boats with relatively wide beams and powerful rigs for their length, optimized for upwind performance. While the standard Symphonie 32 featured a fin keel with a maximum draft of 6.16 feet, Jeanneau also offered variations including a shallow keel (drafting around 5.9 feet) and a keel/centerboard version, providing options for diverse sailing grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Symphonie 32 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that delivers reasonably good performance, coupled with excellent stability and stiffness. With a total calculated sail area of 478.5 square feet and a displacement of 9,800 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.73 suggests a boat capable of respectable speeds in moderate to stronger winds, though perhaps not optimized for extreme light-air conditions.

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.45 is notably high, indicating a very stiff and stable hull form. This substantial ballast, combined with its fiberglass hull and deck, allows the Symphonie 32 to stand up to a strong breeze, providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 228.5 places it firmly in the moderate displacement category, aligning with its cruiser-racer intentions and its IOR heritage, which aimed for a balance of speed and seaworthiness. The theoretical hull speed for the Symphonie 32 is calculated at 6.93 knots. Owners generally find the boat to be well-balanced and capable, providing a solid and reassuring feel at the helm.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Symphonie 32 are not extensively documented in the provided data, reviews and owner accounts suggest a comfortable and reliable cruising experience for a vessel of its size. Typical for sailboats of its era designed for cruising, the interior likely features a conventional layout optimizing space for a crew or family. This generally includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment.

The Symphonie 32 is equipped with a water capacity of 30 gallons, providing a reasonable supply for coastal cruising. Jeanneau's design philosophy during this period emphasized "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities, indicating that while the interior might prioritize functionality, it would still offer a welcoming environment. Construction materials would typically include a combination of fiberglass moldings and wood trim, common for the time, providing both durability and a classic nautical aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Symphonie 32 generally hold a positive view of their boats, often highlighting their robust construction and seaworthy characteristics. Many appreciate its capabilities as a capable cruising vessel that can also offer a satisfying sailing experience for those with a penchant for performance. The boat's strong stability is a frequently praised attribute, contributing to a comfortable ride in varied conditions. Its reliable Yanmar engine, often found as the original power plant, is also noted for its dependability. While specific recurring issues are not widely documented, the general consensus points to a durable and enjoyable boat that has stood the test of time, reflecting Jeanneau's commitment to quality from its earliest fiberglass models.