Buchanan Nantucket Clipper 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nantucket Clipper 32 is a heavy-displacement cruiser with a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 400, placing it firmly in the "ultra-heavy" category. This weight, combined with a traditional long keel and a ballast ratio of roughly 41%, results in a remarkably stable and sea-kindly motion. It is a vessel that excels in a blow, where its high motion comfort ratio ensures a predictable ride that modern, lighter hulls often struggle to match.

The rig is most commonly a ketch or masthead yawl, though a few sloop variants were produced. Under a ketch rig, the boat offers a versatile "jig and jigger" sail plan (sailing under jib and mizzen), which allows for easy handling in heavy weather without the need for frequent reefing of the main. However, the trade-off for this stability is modest performance in light airs and a lack of windward "bite." The low-profile rig and long keel mean the boat will not point as high as modern fin-keelers, and its short waterline limits its theoretical hull speed to just over 6 knots. Owners often report that while she is slow to accelerate, once she finds her groove on a reach, she tracks with remarkable steady-handedness.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Due to the significant overhangs provided by the clipper bow and counter stern, the interior accommodations of the Nantucket Clipper 32 are more akin to those of a 25-to-27-foot boat than a modern 32-footer. The 21-foot waterline restricts the "cabin house" length, leading to a compact and traditional layout. Most models feature a classic dinette to port that converts to a double berth, a small galley to starboard, and a V-berth in the forward cabin.

Materials used by Offshore Yachts were typically traditional, featuring dark teaks and mahoganies that contribute to a cozy, albeit somewhat dark, "salty" atmosphere. Headroom is adequate in the main saloon but becomes restricted moving forward. Variations of the model exist primarily in the rigging and rudder configuration; earlier hulls were equipped with a balanced spade rudder which some owners found lacked directional stability downwind. Later iterations, often referred to under the Offshore Yachts umbrella alongside siblings like the Offshore 8 Meter and the Offshore 33, sometimes saw modifications to include a skeg for improved tracking.

Popular Mentions & Media

In the British sailing community, the Nantucket Clipper 32 is often referred to as having a high "row-away factor"—a term used to describe a boat so aesthetically pleasing that the owner cannot help but look back at it while rowing away in a dinghy. It has earned a niche reputation in classic plastic circles, often discussed in publications like Practical Boat Owner for its longevity. While it lacks a major Hollywood footprint, the model is a staple of UK coastal cruising history and is occasionally affectionately (or mockingly, by those seeking speed) referred to as the "Nantucket Bucket."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Nantucket Clipper 32 with a specific technical checklist derived from long-term owner experiences:

• Bowsprit and Brightwork: The wooden bowsprit is a critical structural and aesthetic component. It is prone to freshwater rot if the fittings are not bedded correctly. Any "softness" in the wood requires immediate replacement to ensure the integrity of the forestay.
• Rudder Configuration: Early models featured a balanced spade rudder. Some owners found this made the boat "twitchy" in a following sea. Many have since been retrofitted with a skeg-mounted rudder to improve helm balance.
• Osmosis: As with many early-1970s GRP hulls, the Nantucket Clipper can be susceptible to blistering. A hull survey is essential to check for moisture levels in the laminate.
• Chainplates: The chainplates on these vessels are often difficult to access. Inspection for "crevice corrosion" where the plates pass through the deck is vital, as leaks in these areas can also damage the interior bulkheads.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical documentation is the Offshore Yachts Class Owners Association (OYCOA). This association maintains records for the Nantucket Clipper, as well as its builder siblings such as the Halcyon 23 and 27. Technical wikis and historical archives related to Alan Buchanan’s designs also provide valuable sail plan and offset data for restoration projects.

The Verdict

The Nantucket Clipper 32 is a specialized vessel for the sailor who values traditional aesthetics and heavy-weather security over speed and interior volume.

Pros:

• Exquisite, classic lines with immense "dockside appeal."
• Predictable and comfortable motion in rough seas.
• Robust GRP construction typical of the era.
• Versatile ketch rig for easy short-handed sail management.

Cons:

• Cramped interior relative to its 32-foot length.
• Poor upwind performance and slow in light winds.
• High maintenance requirements for the bowsprit and exterior timber.
• Difficult to maneuver in tight marinas due to the long keel.