The EO 32, also known by the names East Orient 32, Union 32, and Shearwater 32, is a robust monohull sailboat conceived by the esteemed naval architect Edward S. Brewer (Ted Brewer). Built by the Taiwanese yard Young Sun, production of this model commenced in 1979. She was designed primarily as a capable and secure coastal or offshore cruiser, embodying the traditional build quality that Young Sun became known for.
EO 32 Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Model
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1979 - ??
History and Design
The EO 32 emerged from the flourishing Taiwanese yacht-building industry, with its initial production year being 1979. Young Sun, established in 1984, built a reputation for durable, heavy-displacement vessels, utilizing solid Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) layup for their hulls and decks, a construction method evident in the EO 32. Ted Brewer, the boat's designer, was known for his practical approach to yacht design, focusing on creating seaworthy and well-balanced vessels for cruising. While specific design goals for the EO 32 are not widely detailed, Brewer's broader philosophy often emphasized robust construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, characteristics that align with the EO 32's heavy-duty profile. Records indicate that production of the EO 32 continued for several years, with models appearing as late as 1984. No significant variations like MkI or MkII versions are commonly noted in public records.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The EO 32's design characteristics point to a steady and capable performer rather than an outright racer. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.07, she falls into a moderate category, suggesting decent performance across a range of wind conditions, though not optimized for light-air speed. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 38.3% indicates a good level of initial stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion offshore.
At approximately 253, her displacement to length ratio places her firmly in the moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser class, suggesting a substantial and comfortable ride, particularly in choppy conditions. A key design feature contributing to her handling characteristics is the long keel. This provides excellent directional stability, making her track well on a course and easing the burden on the autopilot during long passages. While specific anecdotal handling reviews are limited, the combination of her design ratios and long keel suggests a boat that is predictable, stable, and forgiving to sail, well-suited for cruising.
Accommodations and Layout
The interior of the EO 32, typical of cruisers of its era with a length overall of just under 32 feet and a beam of 10.83 feet, generally features a conventional layout aimed at comfortable cruising. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, boats of this size from the period generally offered adequate standing room in key areas. The typical arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, and a galley. The finish quality would likely be in line with Young Sun's reputation for solid construction, often featuring practical materials and robust joinery designed for durability at sea. Storage would be distributed throughout the cabin in lockers and under berths, and ventilation would typically rely on a combination of overhead hatches and opening ports.
Owner's Perspectives
While detailed individual owner reviews are not extensively documented in widely available public databases, the continued presence of the EO 32 (and its aliases like East Orient 32 and Union 32) in online forums and used boat markets suggests a community of owners. Owners of Young Sun boats generally appreciate their sturdy build and seaworthy characteristics. As with many older vessels, common considerations for owners would likely revolve around routine maintenance of original systems and addressing any age-related wear, but the underlying solid fiberglass construction generally provides a dependable foundation.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x Skeg-Hung
- Ballast
- 4400 lbs
- Displacement
- 11500 lbs
- Water Capacity
- 60 gal
- Fuel Capacity
- 30 gal
Engine
- Engine Make
- Yanmar
- Engine Model
- —
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- 20
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Cutter
- P (Main Luff)
- 38 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 12 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 43.3 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- 13.1 ft
- Forestay Length (est)
- 45.24 ft
- Main Sail Area
- 228 sqft
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- 283.62 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 512 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- 511.62 sqft
Dimensions
- LOA
- 31.75 ft
- LWL
- 27.25 ft
- Beam
- 10.83 ft
- Draft
- 4.83 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 7 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 1