Martin 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Martin 32 unfolded during a period when Martin Yachts Ltd., founded in 1975 by Don Martin, was establishing itself at the forefront of composite boat design and construction. Don Martin, an architect by trade and an accomplished competitive sailor with multiple North American Championships and America's Cup involvement, brought a rigorous design sensibility and a deep understanding of performance to his firm. Martin Yachts Ltd. was dedicated to designing and constructing high-performance composite craft, a commitment that clearly influenced the Martin 32.

The Martin 32 emerged as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder, reflecting contemporary performance design principles. Its construction in fiberglass highlights Martin Yachts Ltd.'s proficiency in working with advanced materials to create lighter, stronger vessels. While specific design variations like MkI or MkII models are not widely documented, the consistent production run between 1979 and 1981 suggests a cohesive design philosophy for the series.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Martin 32 was engineered for a spirited sailing experience, with its design ratios indicating a boat well-suited for performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.16, the Martin 32 suggests good performance in lighter air conditions, enabling it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed even in less than ideal breezes.

Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Ballast/Disp) of 0.50 is exceptionally high, pointing to a very stiff and stable hull capable of standing up to significant wind pressures. This high ballast ratio contributes to a good righting capability, enhancing safety and performance in challenging conditions. Despite its inherent stability, some owner observations describe the boat as "tender", which may refer to an initial quick heel as the sails fill, before settling into a powerful, stable groove thanks to its significant ballast. The Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 191.8 further categorizes the Martin 32 as a moderate displacement vessel for its length, leaning towards a performance-oriented cruiser rather than a heavy, traditional one. This combination of attributes results in a boat that is generally considered "fairly quick" and a "high performer", offering a responsive helm and agile maneuvering capabilities, particularly with its fin keel and spade rudder configuration.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Martin 32 is not widely available through public databases or comprehensive reviews. However, as a 32.75-foot masthead sloop built in the late 1970s, it would typically feature a functional layout designed for coastal cruising or racing. Common arrangements for boats of this era and size would include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. A dedicated head compartment would also be standard. Given its relatively narrow beam of 9.3 feet, the interior volume might be more modest compared to wider, more modern designs, but it would prioritize efficient use of space for its intended purpose. Some external aesthetic choices, such as a "distinctive broad stripe along the cabin house to reduce its visible height," hint at efforts to create a sleek appearance, which may also influence the perceived interior space.