Design and Construction
The Comfortina 32 has modest freeboard, fine ends, and a low, sleek coachroof. The result is a profile that looks purposeful rather than bulky. Comfortbåtar AB built both the hull and deck in solid fiberglass.
She measures 31ft 2in, with a 24ft 7in waterline, 10ft 10in of beam, and a displacement of 10,080lb. Her deep fin keel draws 5ft 7in and carries 4,070lb of lead ballast—about 2 tons—for a ballast-displacement ratio near 41 percent. That substantial lead fin helps her stand up well to her canvas and contributes much to her behavior under sail. The 2-ton lead fin is the reason she stands up to her canvas well, while the 5ft 7in draft provides the lateral grip expected of a lively cruiser-racer without making a shoal-draft compromise.
Her displacement-length ratio is near 298, and her comfort ratio is in the mid-20s. Those proportions place her firmly among light-displacement, seakindly-enough coastal racer-cruisers rather than heavy bluewater boats.
Rig and Handling
The Comfortina 32 carries a good spread of canvas on a fractional sloop rig, and the deep keel allows her to make good use of it. Yachting Monthly found her rewarding to sail, particularly upwind. Her fine ends and lead fin help her track and point with real intent.
The same authority also noted that she heaves-to only reluctantly. That matters for sailors who expect to lie ahull in a blow rather than motor or anchor through a squall.
Accommodation
The companionway opens into a large, open interior, with the chart table and heads to port and the galley to starboard. This arrangement keeps the working stations separate and clear.
The saloon sits well forward in the hull, where the fine bow brings the settees quite close together. Headroom is about 6ft by the companionway but becomes more restricted farther forward as the sleek coachroof gives way to the hull shape.
A V-berth fills the forecabin, while a double cabin lies aft. Stowage is excellent throughout, helping to offset the tighter saloon seating when carrying cruising gear.
Known Issues
The main handling caveat is the Comfortina 32’s reluctance to heave-to. This is a behavioral trait rather than a structural fault.
Forward headroom is also limited, but that is a consequence of the low coachroof rather than a maintenance issue. The forward position of the saloon likewise places the settees close together.
The Verdict
The Comfortina 32 is a well-executed Scandinavian cruiser-racer from the 1980s. She rewards an attentive helm, especially on the wind, and stands up well to her sail plan. Below, the practical split layout provides separate galley and navigation areas, two cabins, and outstanding stowage.
Her reluctance to heave-to, restricted forward headroom, and closely spaced saloon settees are the trade-offs for her low, sleek profile and fine ends.
Pros
- Rewarding upwind performance
- Deep lead fin keel that helps her stand up to sail
- Excellent stowage throughout the accommodation
- Large, open interior with separate galley and navigation stations
- Solid fiberglass hull and deck
Cons
- Heaves-to only reluctantly
- Headroom becomes restricted forward of the companionway
- Saloon settees are close together because of their forward position
