Dickerson 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Dickerson 32 is not a vessel designed to win windward-leeward races; rather, it is a steady, predictable platform designed for comfortable coastal hopping. Most 32s were rigged as ketches, a choice that provides a versatile sail plan for a short-handed crew. This "split rig" allows the skipper to drop the mainsail in heavy weather and remain balanced under "jib and jigger" (mizzen and headsail), a configuration highly valued for its stability and reduced physical demand.

Under sail, the boat’s heavy displacement and long full keel provide excellent tracking. It does not "hunt" or wander, making it a relaxing boat to steer on long reaches. However, the trade-off for this stability is a relatively large turning radius and a lack of agility in tight quarters. The shallow draft—a necessity for the Chesapeake—means the boat does not point as high into the wind as a modern fin-keel yacht. Owners often report that the 32 feels most at home on a broad reach, where the hull's momentum and the balanced ketch rig allow it to power through a chop without the pounding associated with lighter, modern hulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Dickerson 32 reflects the "Simplissima" name: it is functional, honest, and remarkably spacious for a 32-foot boat of its era. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon usually consists of two opposing settees with a folding table, leading aft to a compact galley and a navigation station.

Construction materials play a significant role in the onboard experience; the strip-planked mahogany hulls, often finished with white-painted bulkheads and bright-finished trim, create a classic maritime atmosphere. Because many of these boats were semi-custom or finished by their original owners, interior cabinetry and stowage solutions can vary significantly from one hull to the next. The Dickerson Owners Association notes that while the 32 was a production model, the builder’s willingness to accommodate owner requests means no two 32s are exactly alike. Its sibling, the Dickerson 35, offered a more "round-bilge" hull form for those seeking greater offshore capability, but the 32 remains the purist’s choice for a traditional bay cruiser.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Dickerson 32 occupies a revered space in Chesapeake Bay maritime culture. It is frequently featured in regional literature and historical retrospectives as the boat that brought yachting to the middle class in the mid-Atlantic. The model is a staple at the annual Dickerson Owners Association Rendezvous, an event that has been a fixture of the Maryland sailing scene for over 50 years. While it hasn't gained the Hollywood fame of some bluewater cruisers, its "cult classic" status is cemented by its frequent appearances in publications like Chesapeake Bay Magazine, which often cites the Dickerson 32 as a benchmark for traditional Bay-built craft.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Dickerson 32 today is primarily an exercise in evaluating a wooden vessel’s structural integrity. Because they were built using strip-planked mahogany on oak frames, the following areas require rigorous inspection:

• Fastener Fatigue: The original construction often used galvanized fasteners. Over decades, these can weep or lose structural grip. A surveyor should check for "nail sickness"—indicated by dark staining around the planking—which may necessitate a complete re-fastening.
• Stem and Stern Post Rot: Moisture tends to collect at the very front and back of the boat. Check for soft spots in the stem and around the transom where end-grain mahogany is most vulnerable.
• Deck-to-Hull Joint: Like many older boats, the 32 can suffer from leaks at the toe rail or where the wooden cabin trunk meets the deck. Persistent leaks here can lead to rot in the underlying frames.
• Engine Alignment: Given the flexibility of wooden hulls over time, the alignment of the propeller shaft should be checked, as hull "hogging" or sagging can put undue stress on the drivetrain.

Community & Resources

The primary steward of this model’s legacy is the Dickerson Owners Association. This group maintains a comprehensive archive of technical drawings, historical photos, and a registry of surviving hulls. For any prospective buyer, this association is an indispensable resource for locating specialized shipwrights who understand the unique strip-planked construction of the Dickerson line.

The Verdict

The Dickerson 32 is a soulful, traditional cruiser for the sailor who prioritizes character and history over speed and low maintenance. It is a boat for the patient owner who finds joy in the scent of cedar and the ritual of seasonal varnishing.

Pros:

• Beautiful, timeless lines that draw attention in any harbor.
• Easily handled ketch rig provides excellent balance in heavy air.
• Shallow draft allows for exploration of gunkholes and thin-water anchorages.
• Strong, supportive owner community with deep technical knowledge.

Cons:

• Requires significantly more maintenance than a fiberglass equivalent.
• Sluggish performance in light winds and limited windward ability.
• Potential for high restoration costs if structural rot is present.