Eric 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing an Eric 32 is an exercise in momentum and stability rather than agility. With a displacement of approximately 19,500 pounds and a massive Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio often exceeding 400, the boat is categorized as an ultra-heavy cruiser. In light air, the vessel's significant wetted surface area can make it sluggish, but as wind speeds climb toward 15–20 knots, the hull finds its stride. The "Norwegian stern" and flared topsides provide exceptional buoyancy, allowing the boat to rise to following seas rather than being pooped—a trait that led many reviewers to call it the "best boat for the worst weather".

The boat’s tracking is legendary due to the long, deep keel, which allows it to hold a course with minimal helm input, even in heavy weather. However, this same design makes maneuvering in tight marinas challenging, as the large rudder and deep keel resist quick turns. According to technical archives from Atkin & Co., the design was offered with both a gaff-head and a jib-head (Bermudan) rig. While the Bermudan rig is taller and more efficient upwind, Atkin himself recommended the gaff rig for deep-sea work due to its lower center of effort and simplified maintenance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its 32-foot length, the Eric 32 offers a surprisingly voluminous interior due to its 11-foot beam and deep hull sections. The traditional layout typically features a 6-foot headroom—a luxury for a design of its era. Standard configurations include a galley located aft near the companionway for ventilation, a main salon with opposing transoms (often one sofa and one dedicated berth), and a forward V-berth that spans the width of the bow.

The most prominent sibling variation is the Thistle, which utilizes the same hull lines but replaces the flush deck with a trunk cabin, providing even more interior light and vertical clearance. Other members of this design family include the Eric Jr., a scaled-down 25-foot version intended for coastal work, and the Ingrid 38, which expanded the concept into a larger, more powerful blue-water platform. Because many Eric 32s were built from plans by individual craftsmen or smaller yards like Chute & Bixby, interior materials range from traditional white-painted bulkheads with mahogany trim to exotic hardwoods like Chengai in Asian-built versions.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Eric 32 holds a permanent place in sailing lore due to its association with some of the 20th century's most famous voyages. A sister ship to the Eric, the Suhaili, was famously sailed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston during the first non-stop solo circumnavigation in 1968. While the Suhaili was a custom build, its lines are fundamentally linked to the Atkin Eric design. Additionally, the young circumnavigator Robin Lee Graham, whose voyage was chronicled in the book Dove, later built a wooden Atkin Eric 32 named Retrospect for his subsequent travels, further cementing the model's reputation as a vessel for serious explorers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting an Eric 32, the primary concern is the method and material of construction, as many were home-built or produced by yards with varying standards.

• Deck-to-Hull Joint and Core: On wooden versions, the "straight laid" decks are notorious for leaking if not meticulously maintained. If the boat is a fiberglass Kendall 32 variant, check for delamination or soft spots in the balsa or plywood core.
• Compression at the Mast Base: On wooden masts and early deck-stepped models, look for signs of compression or "dishing" where the mast meets the deck or keelson.
• Chainplate Corrosion: Because the chainplates are often external or embedded in heavy timber, they are susceptible to crevice corrosion or rot in the surrounding wood.
• Ballast Integrity: Early designs used internal ballast (iron or lead set in concrete or resin). Buyers should inspect the bilge for signs of "heaving" or rust staining, which may indicate water penetration into the ballast keel.

Community & Resources

The Eric 32 shares a deep community bond with the Westsail Owners Association, as the two designs are functionally cousins. Technical plans and historical documentation remain available through Atkin & Co., which continues to support the legacy of William and John Atkin's designs.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional Seaworthiness: One of the few 32-footers truly capable of weathering a hurricane at sea.
• Motion Comfort: The heavy displacement ensures a gentle, sea-kindly motion that reduces crew fatigue.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A classic "salty" look that draws attention in any harbor.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: Often requires the engine or a large cruising chute to move in winds under 10 knots.
• Maneuverability: Difficult to back into slips or turn in confined spaces due to the long keel.
• Maintenance Intensity: Particularly for wooden examples, the upkeep of a double-ender with a bowsprit and significant brightwork is substantial.