Catfisher 32 MS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Catfisher 32 MS is unapologetically a motor sailer, and its performance reflects this hybrid nature. With a displacement of approximately 11,023 lbs (5,000 kg) and a modest Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 15.0, it is not a "performance" catamaran in the modern sense. Under sail alone, the boat is steady but can feel under-canvassed in light winds; however, it excels as a motor sailer where the masthead sloop (or occasionally ketch) rig is used to steady the boat in a seaway.

Handling is characterized by remarkable stability and a lack of the heeling associated with its monohull Fisher cousins. The boat’s displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of 202 places it in the "moderate" category for cruisers, providing a comfortable, dampened motion in choppy waters. Unlike its predecessor, the smaller Catfisher 28, which was notorious for "hobby-horsing" (excessive pitching) in short seas, the 32 MS features an extended waterline and refined hull shape that significantly mitigates this behavior. Many units utilize a single 34 HP diesel engine connected to a Sonic outdrive—a configuration similar to early Prout catamarans—though twin-engine setups are occasionally found in later hulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Catfisher 32 MS leverages its 13.08-foot beam to offer an amount of living space that was unprecedented for a 32-foot vessel in the 1980s. The hallmark of the design is the bridge-deck saloon, which features a 360-degree panorama of the horizon through large, wrap-around windows—a design trait borrowed directly from the Fisher wheelhouse. This area typically houses the internal steering station, allowing the skipper to navigate in complete protection from the elements.

The layout is usually divided into three separate cabins, with the galley and heads located in the hulls to maximize the social space of the central saloon. With a generous headroom of approximately 6'2" (1.88 m), the interior feels airy and substantial. Materials are typical of the era’s high-quality British builds, featuring heavy use of teak joinery and robust laminates. Its smaller sibling, the Catfisher 28, offers a similar aesthetic but feels considerably more "cramped" and requires more creative "origami" to convert berths and seating compared to the 32-foot model’s more traditional cabin boundaries.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique mechanical and structural aspects of this aging catamaran:

• Sonic Drive and Outdrives: If equipped with a single engine and a Sonic outdrive leg, the leg must be checked for corrosion and the condition of the bellows. These systems are efficient for low-drag sailing but require specialized maintenance and are prone to seizing if not regularly serviced.
• Window Seals: The large windows in the wheelhouse/saloon are prone to leaking as the original bedding compounds dry out over decades. Check for water staining on the interior teak or signs of DIY silicone "fixes" around the frames.
• Hobby-Horsing Modifications: While the 32-footer is more stable than the 28, some owners have retrofitted aft-end "plates" or "bustles" to the hulls at the waterline to further dampen pitching. Inquire if any such hull modifications have been performed.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats of this era, the deck is a sandwich construction. Areas around stanchion bases and the windlass should be checked with a moisture meter for potential core saturation.

Community & Resources

Owners of these rare vessels often congregate under the umbrella of the Fisher Owners Association, which provides a technical library and a community forum for all yachts sharing the Fisher lineage. Because the Catfisher 32 MS shares many design DNA markers and construction techniques with the traditional Fisher motor sailers, this association is an invaluable resource for sourcing parts and technical advice on hull maintenance and rigging.

The Verdict

The Catfisher 32 MS is an ideal coastal cruiser for sailors who have moved past the desire for high-speed racing and instead prioritize comfort, safety, and the ability to sail in inclement weather.

Pros:

• Exceptional Space: Offers the interior volume and privacy of a much larger monohull.
• All-Weather Capability: The internal helm allows for comfortable passage-making in rain and cold.
• Shallow Draft: At only 3 feet of draft, it is perfect for gunkholing and can be beached in tidal areas thanks to its twin keels.

Cons:

• Sailing Limitations: Slow to windward and requires engine assistance in light air.
• Rarity: With only 18 built, finding one for sale is difficult and parts for the outdrive can be specialized.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The high-freeboard, boxy "Fisher" look is a polarized choice that may not appeal to traditionalists.