Aloha 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Aloha 32 emerged during a productive era for Ouyang Boat Works, founded in 1972 by Ti Ouyang in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. The builder was known for its ethos of creating sailing keelboats recognized for their quality and seaworthiness, a philosophy clearly embodied in the Aloha 32. Production of this model began in 1979 and continued through 1988, marking it as one of Ouyang's most successful designs, with approximately 700 units built.

Mark Ellis, the esteemed designer behind the Aloha 32, aimed to create a robust and comfortable cruising platform. His design focused on a balance of good sailing characteristics and a practical, spacious interior. The boat features a solid fiberglass hull, a hallmark of Ouyang Boat Works' construction, ensuring durability and a reputation for being well-built. The design incorporates a fin keel and a spade rudder, a combination that offers improved maneuverability and sailing efficiency compared to older, full-keeled designs, while still maintaining the stability expected of a cruiser.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Aloha 32's design elements translate into a sailing experience that owners frequently praise for its solid feel and predictable handling. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.35, the Aloha 32 exhibits good light-air performance for a cruising boat of its size, capable of moving well in lighter breezes.

Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 41% indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This stability makes it a reassuring vessel in choppy conditions. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 280 places the Aloha 32 firmly in the category of a moderate cruiser, balancing weight for comfort and load-carrying with enough buoyancy for respectable speed. Owners often describe the Aloha 32 as tracking well, being well-balanced under sail, and responsive to the helm, particularly with its spade rudder configuration. While not designed as an out-and-out racer, it offers a satisfying turn of speed for a cruising boat, especially when sailing upwind.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Aloha 32 is known for its relatively spacious and thoughtfully arranged interior, making it comfortable for extended periods aboard. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, providing sleeping quarters for two. Aft of the V-berth, an enclosed head compartment is usually found to port or starboard, complete with a marine toilet and sink.

The main salon is typically configured with opposing settees, often with a fold-down table in the center, creating a versatile dining and lounging area. One of the settees may convert into an additional double berth, maximizing sleeping capacity. The galley is generally compact but functional, often located along one side of the salon or aft, equipped with a sink, stove, and icebox. A quarter berth or a navigation station can usually be found aft, often to starboard, providing an additional sleeping area or a dedicated workspace. The interior finish commonly features a blend of warm wood trim (such as teak or mahogany) on fiberglass liners, offering a durable yet inviting atmosphere. Storage is generally ample for a boat of its size, with lockers and shelves throughout the cabin, and ventilation is typically provided by overhead hatches and opening portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Aloha 32 frequently commend the boat for its robust construction, with many noting the solid fiberglass hull as a significant strength that contributes to its longevity and seaworthiness. The comfortable motion in a seaway and the overall stability are consistently praised, making it a favorite for family cruising. The interior volume is often highlighted as generous for a 32-foot boat, providing comfortable living spaces and ample storage.

However, common maintenance considerations and potential weaknesses are also noted. A recurring theme among owners is the original engine, often a Vire, which can sometimes be a source of reliability issues due to its age and design, leading many owners to consider or undertake repowering projects. As with many boats of its vintage, the Aloha 32 may also experience issues with deck core integrity if maintenance has been neglected, particularly around deck fittings that may develop leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. Despite these potential issues, the Aloha 32 benefits from a strong and active owner community, particularly through the Aloha Owners Association, which provides valuable support and resources for maintaining and enjoying these enduring Canadian cruisers.