Ontario 32 Information, Review, Specs

Ontario Yachts, founded in 1961 by Dirk Kneulman Sr. in Burlington, Ontario, transitioned from traditional wooden dinghies to become a respected builder of high-quality composite boats, particularly in fiberglass. This commitment to robust construction and advanced manufacturing techniques was a hallmark of the company during the Ontario 32's production era, ensuring each vessel met a high standard of durability and performance.

History and Design

The Ontario 32's lineage traces back to the celebrated design firm C&C Design, with George Cuthbertson contributing to the hull's lines and George Cassian crafting the interior layout. Production commenced in 1974 and continued until 1986, with approximately 160 units built during this period. The design philosophy behind the Ontario 32 aimed to marry spirited sailing performance with a roomy and practical interior, a characteristic achieved by incorporating raised topsides and an increased beam. This approach created a vessel that offered both competitive sailing capabilities and comfortable living spaces.

Ontario Yachts, known for its expertise in composite construction, applied its high standards to the Ontario 32, ensuring a well-built fiberglass hull and deck. Throughout its production run, the Ontario 32 was available in at least two versions: a standard rig and a tall rig, offering flexibility to owners based on their sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ontario 32 is recognized for its solid and responsive sailing characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.9, the Ontario 32 demonstrates a good balance, indicating reasonable performance across a range of wind conditions, though it might particularly appreciate a breeze to get moving efficiently. Its masthead sloop rig, featuring a substantial genoa and mainsail, provides ample sail area to power the boat effectively.

A significant ballast to displacement ratio of around 40.6% suggests a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to considerable wind without excessive heeling. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for cruising. Furthermore, with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 235, the Ontario 32 is categorized as a moderately heavy cruiser. This weight class typically translates to a comfortable ride through choppy waters and good momentum, maintaining speed in varied conditions. The boat's fin keel and spade rudder contribute to its responsive handling and ability to track well. Owners frequently praise the Ontario 32 for its well-mannered behavior and ability to sail readily, satisfying the performance expectations of most cruising sailors. The hull speed of the Ontario 32 is calculated at 6.9 knots, reflecting its capable design.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the absence of specific headroom figures in the raw data, the Ontario 32 is consistently highlighted for its roomy interior, generous beam of 11 feet, and flaring topsides, which contribute to a remarkably spacious cabin. The design intent was to combine ample headroom with an open main salon, making it well-suited for overnight cruising. The full coach roof visually distinguishes it as a dedicated cruising boat rather than a racer/cruiser.

While precise interior layouts can vary between individual boats, typical accommodations for a vessel of this size would include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. A dedicated head compartment would also be standard. Reviews and owner accounts suggest that Ontario Yachts maintained a good standard of finish quality, utilizing materials appropriate for the era, and providing practical storage solutions for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ontario 32 frequently laud its high-quality construction and robust build, often describing it as an "extremely well built cruising boat". The solid construction contributes to a sense of security and durability, qualities highly valued by cruising sailors. Its sailing performance is also a consistent point of praise, with many owners appreciating its responsive and comfortable ride in various sea states. The ability of the Ontario 32 to combine comfortable living with capable sailing has fostered a loyal community of owners who appreciate these characteristics for extended cruising.

As with many vessels of its age, potential owners might encounter common maintenance considerations. For instance, some earlier models equipped with the original Yanmar 2QM20 engine and transmission have been noted as a potential area for attention. However, overall, the Ontario 32 maintains a reputation as a durable and satisfying sailboat that continues to provide excellent value for cruising enthusiasts.