The Furia 32, launched in the mid-1980s, represents a significant chapter in the collaboration between the Spanish shipyard Drassanes Esportives S.A. (later Furia Yacht S.A.) and the renowned French naval architecture firm Joubert-Nivelt. Designed as a versatile cruiser-racer, the model was engineered to deliver competitive performance under IOR (International Offshore Rule) constraints while maintaining the comfort levels required for extended family cruising. With approximately 200 units produced starting in 1984, the Furia 32 became a staple of the Mediterranean sailing scene, known for its robust fiberglass construction and a finish quality that often surpassed its contemporary mass-production rivals from France and Germany.
Furia 32 Information, Review, Specs

- Make
- Furia
- Model
- 32
- Builder
- Furia Yachts
- Designer
- Joubert-Nivelt
- Number Built
- 200
- Production Year(s)
- 1984 - ??
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Furia 32 is widely regarded for its balanced and communicative handling, a direct result of its Joubert-Nivelt pedigree. With a displacement of approximately 3,950 kg and a ballast ratio of roughly 38%, the vessel exhibits a high degree of stiffness, allowing it to carry its sail plan effectively in moderate to heavy air. The masthead sloop rig provides a generous sail area-to-displacement ratio that ensures the boat remains lively in light Mediterranean breezes, a common requirement for its primary cruising grounds.
Under sail, the boat is known to track well with its deep fin keel and spade rudder, offering a responsive "dinghy-like" feel that is particularly rewarding when equipped with a tiller. While some units were later retrofitted with wheel steering, many purists prefer the tiller for the direct feedback it provides during upwind beats. Technical data suggests a hullspeed of roughly 7 knots, which the boat reaches comfortably on a reach. Its sea-kindliness is frequently praised in owner circles, with the hull design effectively minimizing slamming in a short chop.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Furia 32 was notably progressive for its era, utilizing a 3.30-meter beam to create a sense of volume typically found in larger vessels. The standard layout features two private cabins: a V-berth forward and a surprisingly large aft cabin located under the cockpit sole. The central saloon is dominated by a mahogany folding table and settee berths that can accommodate additional guests.
Furia Yachts gained a reputation for its interior joinery, utilizing warm hardwoods and solid moldings rather than the extensive plastic liners common in other yachts of the 1980s. A functional L-shaped galley is situated to port, equipped with a gimbaled stove and a deep refrigerator box. To starboard, a dedicated forward-facing navigation station provides ample room for charts and electronics. The Furia 32 also saw a close sibling in the Furia 332; while built on a similar foundation, the 332 featured modernized deck styling and refined interior aesthetics, often seen as the more "luxury-oriented" evolution of the 32 platform.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Furia 32 maintains a strong cultural footprint in Spanish sailing media and is often featured in "second-hand classic" reviews. Modern video analyses, such as those produced by the Spanish nautical channel Marviviendo, continue to highlight the vessel's enduring appeal as a robust starter boat for coastal voyaging.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
- Headliner Sag: A common issue for Furias of this vintage is the degradation of the foam backing on the vinyl headliner. Buyers should inspect for "bubbles" or peeling sections, which often require a labor-intensive replacement.
- Keel-Hull Joint: Inspect the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel. Some units have shown a need for re-fairing or re-torquing of the keel bolts to maintain a watertight seal.
- Engine Cooling: Many Furia 32s were originally fitted with Solé Diesel or Yanmar powerplants. The exhaust mixing elbows are a known maintenance point; if coked or corroded, they can cause engine overheating.
- Standing Rigging: Given the age of many original masts, a thorough inspection of the swage fittings and tangs is critical. If the rigging is older than 10-15 years, replacement should be factored into the purchase price.
- Osmosis: While Furia hulls are generally thick and robust, like any fiberglass boat from the 1980s, they should be checked for osmotic blistering, particularly if the boat has been kept in warm water year-round.
Community & Resources
The Furia 32 is supported by an active enthusiast base, primarily through the "Club Furia," an association of owners that shares technical manuals and organizes Mediterranean rallies. Technical specifications and interactive boat drawings are also maintained by the SVB24 Owners Club, which provides a repository for parts and owner-contributed maintenance data.
The Verdict
The Furia 32 remains a premier choice for sailors seeking a classic European cruiser that does not compromise on sailing pleasure.
Pros:
- Superior sailing performance and light-air agility.
- High-quality interior woodwork and two-cabin privacy.
- Strong, reputable construction from a respected Spanish yard.
Cons:
- Interior headliners nearly always require attention if not already replaced.
- Limited availability in North American and Northern European markets.
- Aged electrical systems often require a complete overhaul for modern cruising needs.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x Spade
- Ballast
- 3307 lbs
- Displacement
- 8708 lbs
- Water Capacity
- 66 gal
- Fuel Capacity
- 26 gal
Dimensions
- Length Overall (LOA)
- 34.78 ft
- Waterline Length (LWL)
- 27.56 ft
- Beam
- 10.83 ft
- Draft
- 6.27 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Masthead Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- 36.09 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 10.83 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 41.01 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- 12.8 ft
- Forestay Length (est)
- 42.96 ft
- Sail Area
- 627.1 sqft
Calculations
- Sail Area / Displacement (SA/D) Ratio
- 23.7
- Ballast / Displacement Ratio
- 37.98
- Displacement / Length Ratio (D/L) Ratio
- 185.71
- Comfort Ratio
- 18.96
- Capsize Screening Formula
- 2.11
- Hull Speed
- 7.03 kn