Alden 32 Motor Sailer Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Alden 32 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, a fact evidenced by its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 450. This classifies it as an "ultra-heavy" vessel, prioritizing stability and momentum over light-air responsiveness. While its Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 13.7 suggests it is somewhat under-canvassed for light winds, the boat excels in heavy weather, where its full keel and nearly 14,000-pound displacement provide a remarkably steady platform.

According to technical records from Alden Designs, the boat features a motion comfort ratio of roughly 34, a high score that indicates it will resist the jerky, fatiguing motions common in lighter hulls. It tracks exceptionally well due to the long keel, though this same feature makes it less nimble in tight marina quarters. Under power, the original models were often equipped with Volvo MD-19 or Perkins 4-107 diesel engines, providing enough thrust to maintain hull speed (roughly 6.5 knots) regardless of head-seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 32-foot vessel, the Winsome Class offers an extraordinary amount of interior volume, largely due to its 10' 6" beam and the raised pilothouse configuration. The primary interior highlight is the dual-station steering: an inside wheel for inclement weather and an outside tiller for traditional sailing. The layout typically features a forward V-berth, a compact head, and a main salon with a galley that benefits from the large pilothouse windows, which eliminate the "basement feel" of many traditional sailboats.

The boat was offered in two primary rig configurations: a masthead sloop and a ketch. While the sloop rig is simpler to manage, the ketch variant—which provides a slightly higher total sail area of 501 square feet—allows for a more balanced sail plan in high winds. The interior woodwork is hallmark Cheoy Lee, featuring extensive teak joinery. However, potential owners should note that later refits by individual owners have often modified the galley and navigation stations significantly.

Popular Mentions & Media

While not a mass-market celebrity, the Alden 32 has gained recent visibility among the "slow sailing" community. A notable example is the vessel La Reina, which has been featured in detailed technical tours on maritime media channels like Keeldragger. These modern voyages highlight the boat's suitability for the Pacific Northwest and other cool climates where a pilothouse is a strategic advantage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the Alden 32 with a focus on its mid-century construction techniques.

• Teak Deck Leakage: Like many Cheoy Lee builds of this era, the Alden 32 often featured teak decks fastened with hundreds of screws into a fiberglass-and-plywood sandwich. Over decades, these fasteners can leak, leading to core delamination. Any "soft spots" on the deck are a high-signal indicator of significant structural work ahead.
• Wood Spar Maintenance: While aluminum was an option, many original units were delivered with Sitka Spruce masts and booms. These require annual varnishing and a meticulous check for internal rot, particularly around the spreaders and mast base.
• Engine Obsolescence: The original Volvo and Westerbeke engines are approaching 50 years of service. Parts for the MD-19 can be difficult to source, and many owners find that a modern Repower (e.g., Beta Marine or Yanmar) is necessary for reliable motor-sailing.
• Chainplates and Hardware: The stainless steel used in early Asian-built fiberglass boats can be prone to "crevice corrosion." It is essential to inspect the chainplates where they pass through the deck, as well as the rudder gudgeons.

Community & Resources

The most prominent technical resource for this model is the Cheoy Lee Association, which maintains an archive of original brochures and a registry of the 14 known hulls. Additionally, the MIT Museum’s Hart Nautical Collection holds the original John G. Alden design records (Design No. 1004) for those seeking original blueprints or lofting specifications for restoration.

The Verdict

The Alden 32 Motor Sailer is a niche vessel that trades speed and agility for comfort and seaworthiness. It is an ideal choice for a couple or a solo sailor looking for a "forever boat" capable of safe coastal hopping or even light offshore cruising in temperate climates.

Pros:

• Exceptional "Big Boat" feel and interior volume for a 31.5-foot hull.
• Protected interior helm station is perfect for cold or rainy climates.
• Highly stable with a high motion comfort ratio.
• Classic Alden aesthetics that remain timeless.

Cons:

• Slow in light winds; relies heavily on the engine.
• High maintenance requirements for teak-heavy exterior and potential wood spars.
• Challenging to maneuver in reverse due to the full-keel design.
• Limited production makes finding one on the market difficult.