Watkins 32 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Watkins 32 in 1982 marked an interesting chapter in the history of Watkins Yachts. Following a corporate shift around 1980, Watkins Yachts, under the management of Al Larson, began to produce larger yachts by acquiring tooling and molds from the now-defunct Columbia Yachts and its sister brand, Coronado. The Watkins 32 was directly derived from the molds of the Columbia 32. However, Watkins Yachts extensively modified these designs; while the hull and interior largely retained the Columbia 32's general arrangement, a new deck and coach roof mold were designed from scratch to update the boat's appearance and functionality, distinguishing it significantly from its predecessor.

The design philosophy behind the Watkins 32, spearheaded by William H. Tripp Jr., focused on creating a capable cruiser. Tripp Jr., a prolific designer of popular wooden and fiberglass sailboats, aimed for a "spacy hull design" that optimized interior volume without sacrificing sailing qualities. Production of the Watkins 32 concluded in 1984, at which point a modified version, featuring further changes to the interior and a slightly altered hull, was introduced as the Watkins 33.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Watkins 32, as a dedicated cruiser, exhibits sailing characteristics that prioritize stability, comfort, and ease of handling over outright speed. Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) is approximately 15.41, indicating that she is moderately powered and likely performs adequately in light airs but is not designed as a high-performance racer. The boat's displacement of 10,800 pounds, combined with a waterline length of 26.58 feet, yields a displacement-to-length ratio (DLR) of approximately 256.6. This places her in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and good momentum in varied conditions.

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the Watkins 32's stability is its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, which stands at an impressive 50.9% (5,500 lbs ballast out of 10,800 lbs displacement). This substantial amount of ballast contributes significantly to the boat's stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a greater amount of wind and providing a secure, stable platform for cruising. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder further enhance her directional stability and control, making her a predictable and forgiving boat for cruising sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the maximum headroom for the Watkins 32 are not consistently documented, the interior layout typically features a functional arrangement suitable for coastal cruising. As part of Watkins Yachts' commitment to comfortable cruising, the 32-foot model leverages its wide beam of 10.17 feet to offer a relatively spacious interior for its size.

The interior layout, which largely maintained the original Columbia 32's arrangement with a newly designed deck and coach roof, would generally include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon with settees and a table, and a galley area, likely equipped with refrigeration. Watkins Yachts was known for producing sturdy boats, and the interior finish would typically reflect a practical cruising aesthetic, often incorporating fiberglass liners with wood trim. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout the cabin to accommodate provisions and gear for extended trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Watkins 32 and other Watkins models frequently praise their solid construction and comfortable motion, which aligns with the builder's reputation for producing robust cruising boats. Many owners find that sailboats in the 30-36 foot range, like the Watkins 32, offer excellent value for their size and capabilities.

However, common issues noted by owners across the Watkins line, and sometimes relevant to the 32, include the potential for deck leaks from original fittings and concerns such as "cat smile" (a term referring to hull deformation at the keel-hull joint) or osmotic blisters, though these are not uniquely problematic for the Watkins 32 and can affect older fiberglass boats in general. Despite the company no longer being in production, a dedicated and active community of Watkins boat owners persists, demonstrating the lasting appeal and practical nature of these yachts.