M32 (Marstrom 32) Information, Review, Specs

The M32 catamaran was first designed in 2011 by the accomplished Swedish sailor Göran Marström, in collaboration with Kåre Ljung. Marstrom Composite AB, the builder, has a storied history rooted in competitive sailing, with founder Göran Marstrom's ambition to build superior catamarans driving the company's initial focus on improving boats like the Tornado. This ethos of relentless pursuit of performance and lightweight strength through advanced composite technology, particularly carbon fiber, is deeply embedded in the M32's creation. While originally conceived with short-handed distance events in mind, the M32 quickly evolved to suit broader high-performance sailing applications, becoming a staple in professional racing circuits. In 2013, Marstrom sold the design and production rights for the M32 to Aston Harald, though the boat retains its Marstrom heritage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Marstrom M32 is engineered purely for high-speed performance and agile handling, distinguishing itself as a truly exhilarating sailing experience. With an overall length of just under 32 feet and an expansive beam of over 18 feet (extending to 27.42 feet including hiking racks/side wings), its design is optimized for rapid acceleration and impressive top speeds. While traditional sail area-to-displacement or ballast-to-displacement ratios are not applicable to such a performance-focused catamaran, the M32's lightweight displacement of 1058 lbs combined with a reported sail area of 576 square feet underscores its power-to-weight advantage. It features a cat rig with a rotating mast and hiking racks, which are crucial for performance sailing, allowing crew to maximize leverage and optimize sail trim.

The M32 is lauded for its ease of handling, offering a unique blend of simplicity and thrilling performance despite its high-speed capabilities. With a reported maximum speed of up to 44 km/hr (approximately 23.7 knots), the M32 responds swiftly to wind gusts, translating them into significant speed gains. The design prioritizes quick rigging with only two sails, making the boat accessible for its class and allowing for rapid deployment and deconstruction. Its daggerboard keels, providing a maximum draft of 5.41 feet, contribute to its upwind performance and control. Anecdotal evidence from sailors highlights the M32's exciting and responsive nature in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a high-performance racing catamaran, the Marstrom M32 offers no interior accommodations or living spaces. The vessel is meticulously designed to be as light and efficient as possible for racing, foregoing the comforts found in cruising yachts. Features such as hiking racks, designed for crew leverage during racing, further emphasize its singular focus on competitive performance. Any "assembly" of the boat primarily refers to its components for sailing, rather than fitting out interior compartments. Therefore, potential owners should understand that the M32 is a purely athletic platform, optimized for speed and racing dynamics rather than extended cruising or overnight stays.