Comanche 32 (Sailcraft) Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just over 32 feet and a beam of nearly 14 feet, she presents a substantial platform for cruising, setting her apart from many monohulls of a similar length by providing enhanced comfort and a notable lack of heeling underway. She is particularly well-suited for long-distance cruising due to her seaworthiness and inherent safety features, including four watertight compartments.

History and Design

The Comanche 32 began production in 1978, emerging from the vibrant boatbuilding hub of Sailcraft Ltd. in Brightlingsea, Essex. Sailcraft, founded in 1967 by Reg White and Rodney March, quickly established itself as a leader in multihull innovation, renowned for introducing the Olympic-class Tornado catamaran. The company's commitment to advancing multihull design was further solidified through its collaboration with Rod Macalpine-Downie, a prolific and influential English multihull designer known for his groundbreaking work in the field.

Macalpine-Downie's design philosophy emphasized efficient hydrodynamic principles and practical application, aiming to create fast, stable, and enjoyable sailing experiences. The Comanche 32, following in the footsteps of the popular 30-foot Iroquois, was conceived as a larger, more modern cruising catamaran, offering enhanced comfort and a superior load capacity compared to its predecessors. Sailcraft embraced fiberglass construction for their cruising lines, allowing for lighter, stronger, and more consistently built vessels, a testament to their forward-thinking approach. During its production run, which continued at least until 1982, the Comanche 32 saw a significant update in 1980 with a new deck molding that featured a raised coach roof, specifically designed to provide additional headroom in the main cabin. This modification aimed to further enhance the interior livability of the vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran, the Sailcraft Comanche 32 offers a distinct sailing experience compared to monohulls, characterized by minimal heel, which contributes significantly to crew comfort and reduces fatigue on longer passages. She is equipped with a masthead sloop rig, valued for its simplicity. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight the Comanche 32's capability as a cruising catamaran, describing her as a "fast cruising cat" that offers effortless performance. She is considered quite seaworthy for her size, making her suitable for extended voyages, including ocean passages. With a hull speed of approximately 7.18 knots, she can maintain a respectable pace, and her ability to motor efficiently at 5-6 knots with low fuel consumption further underscores her practicality as a cruising vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Comanche 32, while benefiting from the inherent spaciousness of a catamaran design, particularly gained from the 1980 deck modification that introduced a raised coach roof to improve headroom in the main cabin. Typically, the layout of a catamaran like the Comanche 32 places living areas across the bridge deck and sleeping cabins within the hulls. Grounded searches indicate that the Comanche 32 is designed as a "pocket cruising catamaran" and a "great little live-aboard cruiser," suggesting a focus on functional living spaces. Reviews mention that despite her relatively short length, she provides a comfortable and spacious platform. Details on the specific arrangement of the V-berth, head, salon, and galley would require a detailed internal review, but generally, cruising catamarans of this era would aim to maximize efficient use of space, often with a compact galley and a salon area providing panoramic views. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck suggests a relatively low-maintenance finish, though interior trim would likely incorporate wood to enhance the boat's aesthetic and feel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sailcraft Comanche 32 frequently praise its solid construction and suitability for long-distance cruising. The catamaran design offers significant advantages in terms of stability, eliminating the heeling motion common to monohulls, which contributes to a more comfortable experience at sea. Many find her to be a capable and safe vessel, appreciating her four watertight compartments for added security. The Comanche 32 is often described as a great live-aboard option for its size, offering surprising comfort and load capacity. Common recurring themes in owner feedback highlight her efficiency under power and sail, making her an economical choice for cruising. Owners have also noted the improved comfort and space offered by the later models with the raised coach roof. While specific common problems are not widely detailed, the general sentiment indicates satisfaction with her robust build and performance capabilities for her intended purpose as a cruising catamaran.