Anastasia 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Anastasia 32 is the quintessential "heavyweight" of the 32-foot class. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio often exceeding 590 and a displacement of approximately 21,200 to 23,000 pounds, it is a massive vessel for its waterline. This mass, combined with a traditional full keel and a cutter rig, results in a motion that is exceptionally sea-kindly. In heavy weather, the boat feels remarkably secure, tracking with a "train-on-rails" steadiness that modern fin-keel cruisers cannot replicate. According to historical technical data, the vessel carries a high Comfort Ratio (exceeding 44), meaning it resists the quick, jerky motions that cause fatigue during long offshore passages.

However, the trade-off for this stability is found in light-air performance. With a sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the 13 range, the Anastasia 32 is notoriously under-canvassed for light winds and requires a stiff breeze (15 knots or more) to truly come alive. It is not a boat for round-the-buoys racing; rather, it is designed to maintain a steady 5 to 6 knots in conditions that would force lighter boats to seek shelter. The cutter rig allows for versatile sail plans, enabling the crew to reef down effectively as the wind builds, a configuration noted in period listings such as those found in Latitude 38.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because the Anastasia 32 features an extraordinary beam of nearly 12 feet—vastly wider than most 32-footers of its era—the interior volume is comparable to many 38-foot vessels. The design utilizes a traditional "salty" layout, heavily appointed with solid teak and high-quality joinery. Most units were configured with a large V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head and a spacious main saloon with a drop-leaf table. The extra beam allows for deep storage lockers and wide settees that serve as excellent sea berths.

The galley is typically U-shaped and positioned near the companionway for optimal ventilation and safety while cooking at sea. While no significant factory variants or "sibling" layouts were produced due to the extremely limited production run, Bruce Bingham’s design philosophy emphasized self-sufficiency, often including oversized water and fuel tanks (up to 100 gallons of water and 80 gallons of fuel) which are rare for a boat of this length. This focus on tankage and storage underscores its role as a dedicated long-term liveaboard for a couple.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Chainplate Integrity: Like many cruisers of this era, the Anastasia 32 utilizes heavy external chainplates. While robust, the mounting bolts should be inspected for crevice corrosion and signs of weeping, which can damage the underlying fiberglass or interior bulkheads.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Reports from owners in the SailNet community suggest that the original black iron or aluminum fuel tanks, often located deep in the bilge, may be reaching the end of their service life. Given the boat's heavy construction, replacing these tanks can involve significant labor if the engine or cabinetry must be moved.
• Deck Core Moisture: Buyers should pay close attention to the deck-to-hull joint and areas around the bowsprit. While the hulls are over-built and solid GRP, the decks are balsa-cored and prone to delamination if hardware (such as stanchion bases or tracks) has not been periodically re-bedded.
• Engine Access: While the beam is wide, the heavy displacement means the engine is often tucked deep under the cockpit. Prospective buyers should check the accessibility of the raw water pump and heat exchanger, as maintenance in these tight spaces can be challenging on older Volvo or Universal diesels.

Community & Resources

Due to the rarity of the model, there is no dedicated owners' association for the Anastasia 32. However, owners frequently congregate within Bruce Bingham design groups and broader blue-water cruising forums. Technical support is often found through the Flicka 20 and Nor'Sea 27 communities, as these owners share the same design DNA and appreciation for Bingham’s "over-built" philosophy.

The Verdict

The Anastasia 32 is a specialized tool designed for the serious offshore sailor who prioritizes safety and comfort over speed and agility.

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and heavy-weather stability.
• Massive interior volume for a 32-foot boat.
• Superior build quality and aesthetic appeal for fans of traditional double-enders.
• Massive tankage and storage for long-range cruising.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds and poor acceleration.
• Extremely rare on the used market, making parts knowledge difficult to source.
• Difficult to maneuver in tight marinas due to its full keel and heavy displacement.