Vancouver 32 Pilot House (Harris) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Vancouver 32 Pilot House emerged from a lineage of successful cruising designs by Robert B. Harris, known for crafting "small but sturdy sailboats designed for ocean cruising." The specific model, Harris design #398, continued this ethos, focusing on seaworthiness and blue-water capability. The initial builder, Pheon Yachts Ltd., established a reputation for exceptionally high finishing standards, though their assets and the Vancouver moulds were acquired by Northshore Yachts (UK) in 1986, the same year the Vancouver 32 Pilot House entered production. This transition meant that many of these vessels benefited from the consistent quality associated with the Vancouver range under both builders. While the main hull construction remained consistent, some variations did occur; early Pheon examples notably featured saildrives and an additional skeg for rudder support, whereas later iterations under Northshore relied primarily on the strength of the long keel for rudder protection. Some pilot house models built in Taiwan also offered varying auxiliary power options. The Vancouver 32 was notably voted the best bluewater cruising yacht in 2000, underscoring its enduring reputation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Vancouver 32 Pilot House is engineered for stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed. With a length overall of 32 feet and a waterline length of 27.5 feet, she carries a displacement of 14,000 lbs, indicative of her solid construction. The sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.85 points to a heavier displacement cruiser, suggesting she will perform steadily and reliably, especially in stronger winds, but is not designed for exceptional light-air performance.

Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of approximately 0.428 is relatively high, signifying a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to a considerable amount of sail in challenging conditions. This robust stability is a hallmark of Harris's designs for offshore work. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 673.1 further classifies her as a heavy displacement vessel, characteristic of traditional blue-water cruisers. These ratios collectively paint a picture of a forgiving and confidence-inspiring yacht, designed to handle diverse sea states with comfort and predictability. As a long-keeled cutter, the Vancouver 32 offers excellent directional stability, making her well-suited for extended passages where maintaining a course with minimal effort is paramount.

Accommodations and Layout

The defining feature of the Vancouver 32 Pilot House is its raised pilot house, providing excellent visibility and a protected inside steering station, a highly desirable trait for cold weather cruising or long watches. While detailed interior specifications vary and were often semi-customized, the pilot house design typically allows for a more spacious interior compared to conventional trunk cabin designs of similar length. The layout generally comprises a forward cabin, a head, a main salon with a galley, and the pilot house area itself. Owners often praise the functional and robust nature of the interior, reflecting the builder's commitment to high finishing standards and practical layouts. The use of durable materials and joinery is common, emphasizing functionality and longevity required for serious cruising. Without specific headroom data in the provided details, one can infer that the pilot house configuration generally enhances the perception of interior volume and light, improving liveability during extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Vancouver 32 Pilot House consistently praise its solid construction and its ability to handle challenging offshore conditions with remarkable ease. The vessel is frequently lauded for its exceptional seaworthiness, stability, and comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a highly regarded choice for long-distance cruising. The protected pilot house is a significant advantage, providing warmth and shelter during inclement weather or night watches, enhancing comfort and safety. Many owners appreciate the functional cutter rig, which offers versatility in sail handling across a wide range of wind conditions. While no boat is without its quirks, the Vancouver 32 Pilot House is generally celebrated for its robust build quality and reliability, embodying the enduring appeal of a well-designed, blue-water cruising yacht.