Rival 32 Information, Review, Specs

Hulls for all 200 Rival 32s were molded by Marine Construction Ltd. (Marcon) in the UK, with many vessels subsequently completed by Southern Boatbuilding. Marcon, founded by Eric White in 1964, was known for pioneering fiberglass boat production and emphasizing solidly built, traditionally styled small yachts designed for seaworthiness and practicality, a philosophy clearly embodied in the Rival 32.

The Rival 32 was introduced in 1971, marking a significant development in the lineage of Peter Brett's designs. It emerged as a longer, counter-sterned evolution of the earlier Rival 31, aiming to refine the successful characteristics of its predecessor while offering an updated design. The design ethos behind the Rival 32 focused on creating a vessel that was inherently stable and capable of standing up to challenging sea conditions, a hallmark of Brett's work and the reputation Marcon cultivated.

Marine Construction Ltd., the primary builder of the Rival 32 hulls, operated from Woolston, Southampton, from 1964 to 1979. During the early 1970s, when the Rival 32 entered production, Marcon was still benefiting from Eric White's foundational principles of accessible yachting, even after White sold a majority stake in 1970. The company was noted for its solid fiberglass construction, and in some cases, offered mouldings for home completion, though the Rival 32's notes suggest a more finished approach with Southern Boatbuilding handling many completions 1, 7, Builder Article. The hull itself featured an unusual construction method, being molded in two halves (port and starboard) and subsequently joined. Later in its production run, in 1979, the Rival 32 saw modifications and a new interior layout, resulting in the "Mark III" variant. The design later paved the way for the well-known Rival 34, although more Rival 32s were ultimately built.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rival 32, with its design focused on seaworthiness, exhibits handling characteristics typical of a robust cruiser. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 353 indicates a heavy displacement vessel for its waterline length, suggesting a powerful and stable motion through the water, particularly in a seaway. This heavy displacement contributes to a comfortable ride, albeit at the expense of outright speed in lighter conditions.

The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of about 12.8 points to a sail plan that is moderate in comparison to the boat's mass. This means the Rival 32 is unlikely to be a light-air speedster but will perform well and feel well-balanced as the wind increases, standing up to its canvas rather than being easily overpowered. With a ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 37.8%, she possesses good initial stability, allowing her to carry sail effectively and resist heeling, contributing to her reputation as a very stable and seaworthy boat. Her semi S-shaped bilge further enhances her suitability for longer trips and heavy weather. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and powerful sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Rival 32 is known for its warm wooden finishes, reflecting the traditional boatbuilding aesthetics prevalent during its production era. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the general layout is designed for comfortable cruising. Owner reviews and descriptions typically indicate a conventional interior arrangement for a vessel of its size, often featuring a V-berth forward, a main saloon with opposing settees that can double as berths, and a galley area. A dedicated head compartment is standard. Storage is generally considered ample for extended cruising, and while specific details on ventilation are not universally documented, many owners have likely upgraded original systems over time. The "Mark III" variant notably introduced a new interior layout, suggesting some improvements and refinements were made during the production run.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Rival 32 consistently praise its strong construction, reliable sailing characteristics, and ability to handle heavy weather with confidence. The vessel's robust build quality is a frequently cited strength, affirming its status as a capable cruiser. Many owners appreciate its seaworthiness and the secure feeling it provides when offshore.

However, some common issues have been noted over the years, typical for boats of this vintage. A recurring concern mentioned by owners relates to the original window frames, with reports of them disintegrating over time, often requiring replacement or extensive maintenance. Additionally, while not a widespread structural issue for the entire Rival range, some owners have discussed the potential for hull cracks, particularly around areas subject to stress, which would necessitate careful inspection during pre-purchase surveys. Despite these potential maintenance items, the dedicated community of Rival owners often shares solutions and historical information through forums, underscoring the enduring appeal and support for this classic yacht.