Centurion 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Centurion 32 is widely regarded as a quintessential "sea-kindly" yacht, a reputation largely derived from its high ballast-to-displacement ratio (approximately 45%) and its deep, fin-keel configuration. With a displacement of roughly 10,000 pounds, it possesses the inertia required to punch through a choppy head-sea without the slamming characteristic of modern, flatter-bottomed designs. In an editorial review by Yachting Monthly, the vessel is noted for its exceptional tracking ability and balanced helm, particularly when sailing upwind.

Because the hull was designed during the era of overlapping headsails, the Centurion 32 performs best with a powerful genoa. While its narrow beam (9' 10") limits initial stability compared to contemporary designs, it allows the boat to heel to a "sweet spot" where it locks in and tracks with remarkable precision. Technical enthusiasts note that its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio sits in the moderate-to-heavy cruising range, which translates to a predictable motion that minimizes crew fatigue during long passages. However, owners frequently report that the boat requires early reefing—typically around 15 to 18 knots of apparent wind—to maintain optimal heel angles and prevent excessive weather helm.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 32-foot yacht designed in the late 1960s, the Centurion 32 offers a surprisingly functional and refined interior. Wauquiez utilized high-grade Burmese teak for the joinery, which, when well-maintained, gives the cabin a warm, traditional feel that surpasses many of its mass-produced contemporaries. The layout is a classic offshore configuration: a V-berth forward, a heads compartment and hanging locker separating the forepeak from the main saloon, and a central area featuring a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard.

The galley is typically located to port of the companionway, while a substantial forward-facing navigation station is situated to starboard—a feature often sacrificed in modern yachts of this size. While there were no major hull variations, later production models saw minor refinements in the interior cabinetry and the transition from the original Volvo Penta MD2B engines to more modern equivalents. While the Centurion 32 lacks the "great room" feel of modern wide-beam cruisers, its secure handholds and compact galley are purpose-built for cooking and moving safely while at sea.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Centurion 32 gained a cult following in the European sailing community, particularly in France and the UK, as a "poor man's Swan." Its pedigree as a Holman & Pye design often draws comparisons to the North Star 80/20 and the larger Bowman yachts of the same era. While not a frequent star of modern high-gloss cinema, it is a staple of bluewater literature and YouTube sailing logs where owners document the restoration of these "plastic classics." The model is frequently cited in classic boat forums and yachting heritage journals as one of the best examples of early fiberglass construction.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Centurion 32 must account for the vessel's age, though the original construction was overbuilt by modern standards. Technical surveys typically focus on several key areas:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Centurion 32 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, the mast step, or the teak toe rail can lead to delamination and "soft spots."
• Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates are bolted to substantial bulkheads, but long-term leaks can cause rot in the structural timber. Buyers should inspect the wood behind the saloon settees for water staining or compression.
• Rudder and Skeg: The rudder is supported by a skeg, which provides excellent protection and strength. However, the internal stainless steel skeleton of the rudder can suffer from crevice corrosion if water has penetrated the fiberglass skin.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early Wauquiez hulls are generally thick, but they were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. Many hulls have been treated with epoxy coatings; untreated boats should be checked for signs of "osmosis."
• Engine Service Life: Many original units still house the Volvo Penta MD series engines. While reliable, parts are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, making an engine-repowered vessel significantly more valuable.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Centurion 32 benefit from a dedicated community of Wauquiez enthusiasts. The most prominent organization is Wauquiez Forever, a technical association established to preserve the heritage of the brand and provide a repository for original manuals and drawings. Technical discussions and owner gatherings are also facilitated through the Wauquiez Owners Info network, which covers the entire Centurion and Pretorian lineage.

The Verdict

The Centurion 32 is an "honest" yacht that prioritizes seaworthiness and build quality over interior volume and marina-based entertaining. It is an ideal choice for a solo sailor or a couple seeking a capable, affordable bluewater cruiser with timeless lines.

Pros:

• Outstanding upwind performance and heavy-weather tracking.
• High-quality teak joinery and superior French craftsmanship.
• Thick, robust fiberglass layup that inspires confidence offshore.
• Deep, secure cockpit and functional offshore interior layout.

Cons:

• Narrow beam results in less interior volume compared to modern 30-footers.
• Limited stern-boarding access and a cramped cockpit for more than four adults.
• Age-related maintenance (deck cores and original engines) is common.
• Heels relatively quickly, requiring attentive sail trimming and reefing.