Puma 32 Information, Review, Specs

The Puma 32 began its production run in 1977 under the Nao-Glass division of Puma Yachts. Puma Yachts, operating from Llisà del Vall, Barcelona, leveraged its parent company INERGA's expertise in plastics, establishing itself with well-regarded fiberglass cruising yachts. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized sturdy and capable sailboats, appealing to sailors seeking reliable vessels for overnight cruising and general sailing. Their commitment to quality fiberglass construction was a cornerstone of their identity. While Puma Yachts famously collaborated with the British firm Holman & Pye for several models, the Puma 32 was specifically designed by Alberto Cabal. No significant production variations (e.g., MkI vs. MkII, tall rig vs. standard rig) were found in the available information.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Puma 32 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat with a fin keel and spade rudder, contributing to its maneuverability. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, calculated at approximately 16.57, suggests a boat that will perform adequately in a range of wind conditions, though it is not optimized for very light air. A Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of about 0.435 indicates a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind without excessive heeling. The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of approximately 243 classifies the Puma 32 as a moderate displacement vessel, striking a balance between light performance-oriented boats and heavier, more traditional cruisers. Anecdotal descriptions suggest the Puma 32 is a "reasonably good performer" and "very stable / stiff". It is also noted to have a "low righting capability if capsized". The design is described as being "more spacy than 62% of all other designs," suggesting that interior volume was a significant design consideration.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts are not widely documented in public search results, the Puma 32's design aimed for a more spacious interior compared to many contemporary sailboats of similar size. The available data indicates no specific maximum headroom, but its emphasis on interior volume suggests a comfortable living space for a vessel of just over 31 feet. Typical layouts for coastal cruisers of this size generally include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a head compartment. Given Puma Yachts' reputation for solid fiberglass construction, it can be inferred that the interior finish likely featured practical, durable materials common in cruisers of its era, often combining fiberglass liners with wood trim. However, without specific interior reviews or diagrams, detailed commentary on storage, ventilation, or material quality remains generalized.