Design Brief & Intent
Jan Becker’s design philosophy for the Excel 32 centered on creating a nimble, seaworthy platform that could handle the tight maneuvers and sudden squalls of the Stockholm Archipelago while offering dry, comfortable accommodations for extended family cruising. The hull features a moderate beam, a fine entry to slice through short head seas without slamming, and a well-engineered stern. Unlike standard production boats of the era that compromised sailing dynamics for maximum interior volume, the Excel 32 is unapologetically a sailor's boat.
The interior showcases classic Scandinavian craftsmanship, highlighted by rich, hand-selected mahogany joinery. Standard layouts feature a highly functional two-cabin arrangement. Immediately to starboard of the companionway lies an L-shaped, sea-safe galley equipped with deep double sinks and optimized bracing points. Directly aft of the galley is a private double berth tucked neatly under the cockpit sole. To port, a functional marine head sits aft of a dedicated navigation station. The main salon utilizes a traditional layout with a straight settee to port and an L-shaped settee to starboard flanking a central folding table. Forward, a traditional V-berth serves as the primary owner's cabin with integrated hull-side cabinetry.
Variations & Configurations
While sharing an almost identical hull profile and pedigree with its close sibling, the Excel 319, the Excel 32 represents a distinct evolution. Developed partly as a "motorsailer" variant of the 319, the Excel 32 introduced key structural and deck-mold refinements. The most prominent visual differentiator is the addition of a robust, protective glass windscreen wrapping around the forward portion of the cockpit, significantly elevating protection from wind and spray.
To optimize short-handed sailing simplicity, the Excel 32 was configured with a simplified masthead rig. This design choice allows the sail area to be carried lower down compared to a high-aspect fractional rig, mitigating heeling moments and providing a forgiving, stable ride under a variety of wind angles. Below the waterline, the boat utilizes a deep fin keel terminating in a heavy lead bulb. This bulb configuration lowers the center of gravity to enhance stability while keeping the draft to a manageable range of roughly 5.7 feet, enabling access to shallower harbors and anchorages. The aft section also features a modern negative transom with an integrated swimming platform.
Sailing Performance & Handling
On the water, the Excel 32 translates its technical specifications into an exceptionally sweet-handling experience. Crucial to its manners in a seaway is its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 45.84%, a figure that reflects a level of stiffness and stability rarely seen in modern cruising designs. Carrying a significant proportion of its weight in its lead bulb, the boat stands up remarkably well to its canvas, allowing crews to carry full sail long after lighter-ballasted production boats have been forced to reef.
With a displacement of 7,937 pounds and a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 18.9, the boat is surprisingly lively in light-to-moderate air, accelerating smoothly and tracking with precision. The Displacement to Length ratio of 195.89 positions the Excel 32 squarely in the medium-displacement category, giving it the necessary momentum to punch through chop without feeling sluggish or heavy at the helm. Under sail, the spade rudder delivers immediate, tactile feedback, providing an engaging driving experience. Its capsize screening ratio of 2.19 and a comfort ratio of 18.14 indicate a boat that, while lively and athletic, maintains a predictable and secure motion in coastal and offshore conditions.
Known Issues & Triage
As with any hand-crafted vessel hailing from the early 1990s, the Excel 32 presents specific maintenance areas that require systematic triage.
- Coring and Vacuum Bagging: The deck and hull are constructed using a fiberglass sandwich configuration with a Divinycell foam core. While this delivers excellent thermal insulation and structural rigidity, any unsealed aftermarket deck hardware installations can allow moisture to penetrate the core. Standard triage requires careful moisture-meter testing and sounding with a phenolic hammer around all major chainplates, stanchions, and deck organizers.
- Saildrive Diaphragm and Hull Seal: Power is typically supplied by a reliable 18-horsepower Volvo Penta diesel engine connected to a sail-drive unit. Prospective owners must verify the age of the rubber saildrive diaphragm seal. Volvo Penta recommends replacing this seal every seven years; if neglected, a degraded seal poses a major sinking hazard.
- Spade Rudder Bearings: Due to the age of the fleet, the self-aligning spade rudder bearings often develop play. While rarely a threat to structural integrity, excessive "slop" in the steering quadrant robs the helmsman of the design's signature tactile responsiveness. Replacing the delrin or bronze sleeves is a common shipyard task that restores the helm's original precision.
The Verdict
The Excel 32 is a rare, beautifully constructed Scandinavian cruiser that blends the structural integrity of northern European boatbuilding with the timeless performance engineering of Jan Becker. It is highly suited for discerning sailors who value sailing characteristics, stiffness, and classical wood joinery over maximum interior volume.
Pros
- Exceptional stiffness and windward performance derived from a high 45.84% ballast ratio and a heavy lead bulb.
- High-quality Swedish craftsmanship utilizing hand-laid GRP insulated with a Divinycell core and finished in premium mahogany.
- Excellent protection in the cockpit afforded by the factory glass windscreen.
- Clean, predictable handling with great feedback through the rudder.
- Integrated swim platform on the transom for easier dockside and water access.
Cons
- Restricted interior volume and lower headroom in the aft cabin compared to contemporary wide-beam cruisers.
- Original Volvo Penta engines and older saildrive units require close inspection and potential overhaul.
- Extreme scarcity on the brokerage market outside of Baltic and Scandinavian waters.
