Kettenburg 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Kettenburg 32 came at a transitional period for Kettenburg Boats, a builder deeply rooted in San Diego's maritime heritage and famous for its wooden sailing yachts. As fiberglass technology gained prominence in the marine market, Kettenburg strategically adapted its operations. For the Kettenburg 32, the company sourced hulls from Columbia Yachts, which were essentially the same as those used for the Columbia 9.6 model. Kettenburg then undertook the completion of these vessels, often incorporating their own interior layouts and finishing touches, thus marrying a proven hull design with Kettenburg's craftsmanship.

The design itself hails from the esteemed hand of Alan Payne, an Australian naval architect recognized for his "meter" class sailboats, including America's Cup challengers. Payne's philosophy for the Columbia 9.6, and by extension the Kettenburg 32, was to create a boat offering good performance, even being described as "fast" relative to its rating, and importantly, suitable for offshore sailing. This focus on seaworthiness and performance formed the core of the Kettenburg 32's design during its relatively short production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kettenburg 32's specifications point to a solid and dependable sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.30, she is considered a heavy sailboat that may be slightly underpowered in very light air. However, this is balanced by an impressive ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.436 (43.6%), indicating a highly stable and stiff vessel with excellent righting capability, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her displacement to length ratio, calculated at approximately 350.6, firmly places her in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing her robust build over light-displacement speed.

Anecdotal reports align with these figures, describing the Kettenburg 32 as a very stable and stiff boat. The basic structure, shared with the Columbia 9.6, is noted for its strength, making the boat well-suited for offshore sailing. While not a blistering racer, her Alan Payne-designed hull provides a respectable turn of speed for her class, making her a capable performer for cruising in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Kettenburg 32 shared its hull with the Columbia 9.6, Kettenburg Boats often implemented its own distinctive interior layouts. Owners consistently describe the hull as having a "spacy" design, contributing to a comfortable living area below deck. Generally, the interior arrangement is practical and functional, often featuring a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon with seating and a table, and a galley.

Though specific headroom figures are not universally available, the overall volume suggested by the "spacy hull" design would likely offer comfortable standing room for most. Kettenburg's finishing, while shifting from the wooden boat ethos, would have maintained a quality standard. Owners have noted making upgrades to their vessels, including new 12V interior lighting, and replacing portholes and hatches in the head, suggesting ample opportunity for personalization and modernization. The boat typically carries a water capacity of 30 gallons, suitable for coastal cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kettenburg 32 generally appreciate its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in choppy conditions, a characteristic often praised in its Columbia 9.6 sibling. The fiberglass hull provides durability and ease of maintenance compared to the wooden boats Kettenburg was primarily known for. Some owners note that the appeal of the Kettenburg 32 lies more in its practical cruising capabilities rather than the traditional elegance or raw sailing performance associated with earlier Kettenburg wooden designs, reflecting its shift towards modern fiberglass construction.

Common owner activities include repowering with modern engines, such as Yanmar diesels, to enhance reliability and performance, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining these durable vessels for continued enjoyment. While specific common weaknesses are not broadly highlighted, general maintenance points for boats of this era, such as ensuring original deck fittings remain watertight, are considerations for any owner. The robust design and comfortable attributes ensure the Kettenburg 32 remains a cherished vessel for those seeking a stable and capable fiberglass cruiser.