Aries 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Aries 32 dates back to 1972, when Roughwater Boats, known primarily for its powerboat offerings, began production of this Thomas C. Gillmer design. Gillmer, a respected naval architect renowned for his sturdy cruising yacht designs, including the influential Allied Seawind, conceived the Aries 32 as a robust vessel suitable for challenging conditions. While early versions of the Gillmer design were sometimes built of wood, the Aries 32 adopted fiberglass construction, reflecting the industry's shift towards more durable and lower-maintenance materials. Roughwater Boats, having transitioned from wooden to fiberglass construction in the late 1960s with other models, manufactured approximately 20 units of the Aries 32.

The Aries 32 lineage is notable for its close relationship with other Gillmer designs. Subsequent iterations and similar models, often built in Taiwan, were marketed under names such as the Roughwater 32/33 and Weatherly 32. The Southern Cross 31, another Gillmer design, shares a similar hull form and design philosophy, indicative of Gillmer's consistent approach to offshore cruisers. Production of the Aries 32 model, with its distinctive substantial-keeled, double-ended hull, appears to have continued until at least 1987, with some later hulls noted as the "last hull number produced".

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Aries 32 is characterized by its heavy displacement and robust build, designed to handle challenging offshore conditions with confidence. With a displacement of 16,000 lbs and a length on waterline (LWL) of 26.0 feet, her displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 406.4 places her firmly in the category of heavy, traditional cruisers, suggesting a comfortable and steady motion in a seaway rather than high-speed performance. Her sail area to displacement ratio, around 11.8, indicates that while she is well-powered for strong winds, she may be considered "under powered" in lighter air, performing best in winds exceeding 10-15 knots.

The vessel's ballast-to-displacement ratio of 28.1% (4,500 lbs of ballast in a 16,000 lb displacement) contributes to a reasonable degree of stability. While this figure might suggest moderate initial stiffness compared to some modern designs, reviews highlight her inherent stability and "excellent righting capability if capsized". The Aries 32 features a substantial keel, often described as a full or long keel, combined with a transom-hung rudder, a configuration favored by many designers for its directional stability and robust steering in open ocean conditions. This combination contributes to her ability to track well and maintain course in various sea states, making her a predictable and reassuring boat to handle on long passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Aries 32 are limited in primary data, common reviews and insights into similar Thomas Gillmer designs, such as the Southern Cross 31, provide a strong indication of her likely accommodations. As a dedicated cruising vessel of her era, the Aries 32 typically features a practical and sturdy interior designed for liveaboard comfort and offshore functionality.

The interior layout would generally include a traditional V-berth forward, providing the primary sleeping quarters. A head compartment, likely enclosed, would be situated adjacent to the V-berth, typically with a marine toilet and basic washing facilities. The main salon usually features settees that can double as berths, often surrounding a centerline or fold-down table, offering a comfortable space for dining and relaxation. The galley, positioned either to port or starboard, would be equipped for offshore cooking, likely including a stove, sink, and icebox or refrigeration. Storage would be ample throughout the boat, with lockers, drawers, and shelving designed to secure provisions and personal gear in a seaway. The finish quality, characteristic of Roughwater's production ethos and Gillmer's designs, would emphasize robust, functional materials, often featuring substantial wood trim (such as teak and ash, as seen in similar models) and fiberglass components, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance over opulent aesthetics. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Aries 32 consistently praise her formidable build quality and her inherent capability as a serious offshore cruiser. Many choose the Aries 32 for her reputation as a "blue water sailboat", valuing her ability to undertake long voyages comfortably and safely, as evidenced by accounts of extensive ocean passages. Her heavy displacement and substantial keel are frequently cited as contributors to a comfortable motion in a seaway and exceptional directional stability, reducing fatigue on long hauls.

While celebrated for her offshore prowess, the Aries 32 is often noted to be "under powered" in lighter wind conditions, necessitating engine assistance or patience in calm seas. However, this characteristic is generally accepted by owners who prioritize the boat's strengths in heavier weather. Common maintenance considerations, typical for vessels of her age, often revolve around updating original systems or addressing potential issues with deck fittings and components that have seen decades of use, rather than fundamental design flaws. The enduring design and solid construction mean that well-maintained Aries 32s continue to be cherished and actively sailed by a dedicated community of owners, reinforcing her lasting legacy in the cruising yacht world.