Aries 32 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel is often discussed as the spiritual sibling to Gilmer’s other famous designs, notably the Westsail 32 and the Southern Cross 31. However, the Aries 32 features a more pronounced rocker and a more efficient underwater profile than the Westsail, which many purists argue leads to superior windward performance. Its lineage is inextricably linked to the Roughwater 33; essentially the same hull, the Roughwater variant was the designation used by Paris’s California-based import company, while the "Aries" moniker appeared on models often destined for different brokerage networks or specific regional markets.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Aries 32 are defined by its high displacement-to-length ratio and its full keel with a protected, barn-door rudder. With a displacement hovering around 16,000 pounds, the boat possesses immense momentum. In light air, it can be sluggish, requiring a significant breeze to overcome its wetted surface area. However, as the wind climbs above 15 knots, the Aries 32 transforms into a stable, predictable platform that "shoulders" aside head seas with minimal fuss.

Handling is characterized by exceptional tracking. Once the sails are balanced—often in a cutter configuration—the boat will hold a course with very little input from the helm, a trait highly valued by solo sailors and long-distance cruisers. While it lacks the "snappiness" of a fin-keel coastal racer, its motion at sea is far more comfortable, lacking the jerky accelerations found in lighter boats. Anecdotal evidence from historical long-range voyagers suggests that while the Aries 32 is not a "speed demon," its ability to maintain a high average speed in heavy weather allows it to keep pace with faster but less seaworthy designs over a long passage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Aries 32 is a masterclass in traditional nautical joinery, typically finished in extensive solid teak and high-quality veneers characteristic of the Taiwanese yards of the era. The layout is designed for safety at sea, featuring high fiddles on all surfaces and a compact, secure galley. The standard configuration includes a forward V-berth, a head with a pull-out shower to port, and a salon with a drop-leaf table that can accommodate four adults.

Variations between the Aries 32 and its sibling, the Roughwater 33, are most notable in the trim levels and cockpit configurations. Some models feature a slightly higher coachroof, providing headroom that exceeds 6'2", a rarity for a boat of this length. The "33" designation in the sibling model often accounts for the inclusion of the bowsprit in the length overall (LOA), whereas the "32" designation usually refers to the length on deck. Storage is prioritized throughout the cabin, with deep lockers behind and beneath the settees, reflecting its purpose as a long-term living platform rather than a weekend daysailer.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Aries 32 with a focus on the specific "Taiwanese-built" era vulnerabilities. While the hulls are generally overbuilt solid fiberglass, the following areas require rigorous inspection:

1. Chainplates: These are often made of stainless steel that may be prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Because they are frequently glassed-in or hidden behind cabinetry, a thorough inspection may require some invasive dismantling.
2. Teak Decks: Many Aries 32s were built with heavy teak decks fastened with hundreds of screws. Over decades, the bedding compound fails, leading to leaks into the core material or the interior. Evidence of "bung" failure or moisture in the sub-deck is a common negotiation point.
3. Fuel and Water Tanks: The original black iron fuel tanks are a known failure point, often rusting from the outside in if they have been sitting in bilge water. Replacing these tanks frequently requires significant engine room disassembly or even cutting into the cabin sole.
4. Spars and Rigging: Given that many of these boats have spent decades in high-UV environments or offshore, the mast steps and the integrity of the wooden spreaders (on older rigs) should be checked for rot or compression issues.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Aries 32 and its Roughwater siblings benefit from a dedicated community that preserves the history of these Thomas Gilmer designs. The Roughwater Boats association serves as the primary technical repository for both the powerboats and the Gilmer-designed sailboats, offering access to original brochures and owner-submitted maintenance logs. While no longer in production, the design’s similarity to the Westsail 32 allows owners to tap into a broader network of double-ender enthusiasts for rigging and hardware advice.

The Verdict

The Aries 32 is a "small big boat," offering the seaworthiness of a 40-foot yacht in a 32-foot package. It is an uncompromising choice for the sailor who prioritizes safety and traditional aesthetics over modern speed and dockside entertaining space.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and tracking.
• High-quality traditional teak interior.
• Overbuilt hull construction suitable for circumnavigation.
• Timeless double-ended design that remains aesthetically pleasing.

Cons:

• Poor light-wind performance and maneuverability in tight marinas.
• High maintenance requirements for teak-heavy exteriors.
• Potential for expensive repairs to original iron tanks and deck cores.