Sprinter 32 Information, Review, Specs

The Sprinter 32 entered production in 1965, a period when fiberglass was rapidly gaining acceptance as a superior material for yacht construction. Its designer, E.G. van de Stadt, was renowned for his innovative and timeless designs, with the Pioneer 9—the Sprinter 32's predecessor—being one of the first yachts specifically conceived for fiberglass construction. This design lineage imbued the Sprinter 32 with a reputation for being "eminently seaworthy" and possessing a "tough and durable build quality."

The hulls for many Sprinter 32s were meticulously molded by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd., a company founded by Edward Tyler, who was a vanguard in utilizing fiberglass for marine applications from the mid-1940s. Tyler's expertise lay in producing high-quality Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hulls and decks, often supplying these foundational components to other yards for completion. While Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. ceased its boatbuilding operations after 1978, some Sprinter 32 hulls were also built by Polyboot Netherlands and subsequently finished by Esslinger & Abt in Germany, with the latter declaring insolvency in 1985, indicating a production run that spanned several years and multiple builders. notes, Builder Article, 1, 3] A notable design feature of the Sprinter 32 was its "revolutionary trim tab on the trailing edge of the fin keel," suggesting a focus on enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency and control. notes, 3]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sprinter 32, with a length overall of 31.82 feet and a waterline length of 24.93 feet, is characterized by a design that balances robust construction with agile performance. Its Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.16 indicates a yacht with good power for its weight, suggesting lively performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of around 267 places it in the moderate-heavy displacement category, pointing to a solid and comfortable motion rather than a lightweight racer. Furthermore, a high Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of approximately 0.452 signifies exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to its canvas even in stronger winds and providing a reassuring feel in a seaway.

Owners and reviewers frequently note the Sprinter 32's comfort, with one source suggesting it is "more comfortable than 82% of all similar sailboat designs." This comfort is further evidenced by a calculated comfort ratio of 32.55. The fin keel, a key design element, provides "splendid manoeuvrability," allowing for responsive handling, though it may offer slightly less directional stability compared to traditional long keel designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Sprinter 32 are limited in available structured data, common reviews indicate it offers a practical layout designed for cruising comfort. The boat typically features one cabin and can accommodate up to four people, with sleeping berths available in both the main cabin and the salon area. Given its era and builder (Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. often provided hulls to various finishers), the interior fit-out could vary between individual boats, though the solid GRP construction was a consistent hallmark.

Like its predecessor, the Pioneer 9, the Sprinter 32's interior likely prioritized robust construction, reflecting the prevailing marine standards of the mid-20th century. Interior finishes often featured practical and durable materials. For extended cruising, it includes a modest water capacity of approximately 20 liters. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the design generally provides functional living spaces suitable for coastal cruising and weekend trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sprinter 32 generally appreciate its seaworthiness and robust build quality, attributes inherited from its Van de Stadt design heritage and Tyler's foundational fiberglass work. The boat's high comfort ratio is frequently lauded, indicating a stable and pleasant experience, particularly during longer passages or in less forgiving sea conditions. Its fin keel is often praised for contributing to the boat's excellent maneuverability, making it responsive under sail.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around the enduring nature of these older fiberglass vessels, with routine maintenance of original systems and fittings being typical for boats of this vintage. The versatility for coastal cruising and its reliable handling characteristics are consistently highlighted as strong assets by those who sail the Sprinter 32.