Design and Construction
The Comfortina 32 presents modest freeboard and a low, sleek coachroof above fine ends, a profile that reads as purposeful rather than bulky. Comfortbåtar AB built her in solid fiberglass for both hull and deck, with lead as the ballast material set in a fin keel. The 2-ton lead fin is not merely a ballast number; it is the reason she stands up to her canvas well anchor, and the 5ft 7in draft gives her the lateral grip a lively cruiser-racer needs without pushing into shoal-draft compromise. Her proportions — a displacement-length ratio near 298 and a comfort ratio in the mid-20s — place her firmly in the light-displacement, seakindly-enough coastal racer-cruiser camp rather than the heavy bluewater archetype.
Rig and Handling
She carries a good spread of canvas on a fractional sloop rig, and the deep keel lets her exploit it. Yachting Monthly found her rewarding to sail, particularly upwind anchor, where the fine ends and lead fin combine to make her track and point with real intent. The same authority noted she heaves-to only reluctantly anchor, a trait that matters to anyone who expects to lie ahull in a blow rather than motor or anchor through a squall.
Accommodations
Below, the companionway opens into a large, open space with the chart table and heads to port and the galley to starboard, a layout that keeps the working stations divided and clear. The saloon sits well forward in the hull, so the settees are quite close together — a consequence of pushing the living space toward the fine bow. Headroom runs about 6ft by the companionway but constricts further forward, as the sleek coachroof gives way to the hull shape. A V-berth fills the forecabin and a double cabin sits aft, and stowage is excellent throughout, which offsets the tighter saloon seating for cruising loads.
Known Issues
The principal handling caveat is her reluctance to heave-to, a behavioral trait rather than a structural fault. The constrained forward headroom is a design consequence of the low coachroof, not a maintenance item.
The Verdict
The Comfortina 32 is a well-executed Scandinavian cruiser-racer of the 1980s that rewards an attentive helm, especially on the wind. She is quick, stands up to sail well, and carries a practical split-plan accommodation with outstanding stowage. Her reluctance to heave-to and the forward headroom pinch are the trade-offs for the low, sleek profile and fine ends.
Pros
- Rewarding upwind performance with a deep lead fin keel
- Excellent stowage throughout the accommodation
- Large open saloon with divided galley and nav stations
- Solid fiberglass hull and deck
Cons
- Heaves-to only reluctantly
- Constricted headroom forward of the companionway
- Saloon settees close together due to forward placement
