With a displacement of 9,800 pounds and 4,000 pounds of ballast in a fin keel, the Aloha 32 has a 41 percent ballast ratio and a displacement-to-length ratio of 280. Those figures place it firmly among moderate coastal cruisers rather than in the heavy bluewater tradition.
Design and Construction
The hull is solid fiberglass, while the deck is cored with end-grain balsa. The deck fits over the hull in hatbox fashion and lands on an inward flange, an arrangement Ouyang used across its line. The joint is chemically bonded and bolted on four-inch centers.
The fin keel is bolted to the hull. A short bowsprit lengthens the foretriangle to compensate for the somewhat forward placement of the keel.
The boat measures 32 feet 5 inches overall, with a 25-foot waterline and a beam of 10 feet 10 inches. Draft is 4 feet 9 inches.
Rig and Handling
The keel-stepped mast carries a high-aspect-ratio masthead sloop rig. The rig is tall for the hull, which helps the Aloha 32 move along in light air, and the modest 9,800-pound displacement means she accelerates well.
With 518 square feet of sail area under 100 percent sail and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 18.1, she is lively without being twitchy. In heavy air, the mainsail should be reefed early. With the sails properly shortened, she stays on her feet and sails at or near the theoretical hull speed of 6.7 knots.
All sail controls lead aft, allowing the boat to be worked from the cockpit. Instead of a traveler, the mainsail uses two sheets arranged in an inverted V, with each sheet cleated on one side of the companionway hatch.
The Aloha 32 has a PHRF rating of 189 without flying sails and 171 with a spinnaker.
Accommodations
The Aloha 32 came with two interior configurations. The more traditional layout has a V-berth forward and opposing saloon settees flanking a centerline drop-leaf table.
The alternative replaces the V-berth with a workshop, sail bins, and stowage. This “all-business” space is separated from the main saloon by a pair of hanging lockers.
Both layouts have a generous head compartment with a shower and wet locker. The L-shaped galley includes a sink, a propane stove with an oven, and a well-insulated icebox.
Cruising World characterized the Aloha 32 as a comfortable, traditionally styled cruising sailboat that is more than adequate for coastal work, though a little light for serious bluewater passage-making.
Engine and Tankage
The original auxiliary was a two-cylinder, 16-horsepower Atomic diesel. In 1985, the builder changed to a three-cylinder, 21-horsepower Westerbeke capable of pushing the boat close to hull speed. Some earlier hulls may have been repowered with the later engine.
Fuel capacity is 20 Imperial gallons, and water capacity is 60 Imperial gallons. The holding tank carries 30 gallons. Together, those capacities are ample for extended coastal use.
Known Issues
Prospective owners should check the aft keel bolts. Loose aft keel bolts have been reported as a consequence of bilgewater degrading some of the steel structural components.
The wooden chainplate knees are also subject to rot and warrant close inspection.
The Verdict
The Aloha 32 is a well-balanced coastal cruiser with a thoughtful deck plan and a rig that suits short-handed sailing. Its two interior options give buyers a choice between guest berths and dedicated workshop storage, while the hull-to-deck joint is a sound structural detail for the era.
The caveats are specific and inspectable. The aft keel bolts and chainplate knees demand attention, and the boat’s light displacement argues against serious offshore ambitions.
Pros
- Tall rig and modest displacement provide quick acceleration and good light-air performance
- All sail controls lead aft for safer cockpit handling
- Choice of a forward V-berth or workshop layout
- The 21-horsepower Westerbeke diesel can push the boat close to hull speed
Cons
- Aft keel bolts may loosen because of bilgewater damage to the steel structure
- Wooden chainplate knees are prone to rot
- Light displacement limits suitability for serious bluewater sailing
