Ranger 32 Information, Review, Specs

The Ranger 32 emerged during a significant period for Ranger Yachts, a brand established by Jack Jensen in 1970. Jensen, already a prominent figure in the marine industry through Jensen Marine (builders of Cal boats), founded Ranger to expand into the East Coast USA market. He enlisted Gary Mull as the exclusive designer for the Ranger line. The Ranger 32, launched in 1973, embodied Mull's design philosophy of creating "light displacement boats that were well-built." This approach aimed to deliver vessels that combined speed with seaworthiness, a hallmark of Ranger Yachts' identity.

The Ranger 32 was specifically designed to compete in the International Offshore Rule (IOR) Three-Quarter Ton class, a popular racing category of the era. This optimization for the IOR rule influenced its hull shape, which featured a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its maneuverability. While Mull emphasized "light displacement," it's important to understand this within the context of IOR racing, where design compromises often led to boats that, by modern standards, might appear heavier than their "light displacement" label suggests. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or "Mk" versions during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ranger 32 is recognized for its capable sailing performance and handling, a direct reflection of Gary Mull's design expertise. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.97 suggests a boat with good sail-carrying ability, performing well in a range of wind conditions, including lighter air, while maintaining control as the wind increases.

With a high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.47 (47%), the Ranger 32 demonstrates excellent initial stiffness and stability. This substantial ballast contributes to its ability to stand up to a breeze and provides a comfortable motion in a seaway, a valued characteristic for both racing and cruising. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 552.0, indicates a relatively heavy displacement for its waterline length. While this number is high compared to contemporary light-displacement designs, it is characteristic of boats optimized for the IOR rule of its time, which often featured shorter measured waterlines to reduce rating. Owners frequently describe the Ranger 32 as a boat that "sails like a dream," indicating responsive handling and a pleasurable experience on the water. It is widely considered to have a very good design and better-than-average build quality among the Ranger line.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Ranger 32 is not extensively documented in publicly available resources. However, drawing from general knowledge of Ranger Yachts' models from the same era, it can be inferred that the Ranger 32 typically featured a functional and well-appointed interior for its size. These boats generally offered a traditional layout with a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that could serve as berths, and a galley area. While specific headroom figures are not available, boats of this size and era often aimed for standing headroom in key areas like the salon. Ranger Yachts, under Mull's influence, generally focused on quality construction. The interiors likely featured a blend of fiberglass liners with thoughtful wood trim details, providing a welcoming and robust environment, similar to the "thoughtful wood details" noted in the Ranger 33. Storage would typically be found under berths and in lockers, designed to be practical for cruising. Ventilation would likely be provided through deck hatches and opening portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally hold the Ranger 32 in high regard. It is often cited as "one of the best boats in the Ranger line", consistently praised for its robust construction and excellent design. The sentiment that it "sails like a dream" is a common theme among those who have restored or sailed the vessel. This suggests that the boat delivers on its promise of spirited performance combined with solid build quality. While specific, detailed accounts of common problems or maintenance issues are not readily available in summarized form, the overall positive reputation points to a durable and enjoyable sailing experience for its owners, a testament to Gary Mull's enduring design legacy and Ranger Yachts' manufacturing ethos.