Around 200 boats were built during a four-year production run. The Mark II shouldn’t be confused with the narrow-beam, long-keel Islander 32 of the 1960s.
Design and Construction
Perry gave the 32 Mark II a modern but softened profile, with a nicely raked bow, subtle sheer, and reverse transom that flows naturally into the hull line. By mid-1970s standards, the moderate beam carries well aft. The cabintrunk has two long ports aft and two smaller ones forward. The extra freeboard provided the interior volume McCormick wanted, although the hull is about two inches higher than it really needed to be.
Construction is typical of the era. The hull is hand-laid solid fiberglass with polyester resin, and the ballast is lead. The decks are plywood cored, an Islander trademark carried through the hull-to-deck joint, where an aluminum toerail runs nearly the full deck length. Bulkheads are tabbed to the hull, the floors are stout, and liners are used sparingly.
Islander was hard hit by osmotic blistering, and many 32 Mark IIs have developed blister problems at some point in their service lives.
Rig, Keel, and Sailing Performance
The 32 Mark II is a masthead sloop with a single-spreader, keel-stepped spar. The tall rig has an air draft of 47 feet. Inboard shrouds keep the side decks clear and allow tighter sheeting angles, and some boats left the factory with full double backstays.
The Mark II was one of the first production boats to offer optional midboom sheeting, with the traveler over the companionway. Many examples, however, still have the mainsheet led aft of the helm.
A relatively deep fin keel, with a leading edge raked aft, draws 5 feet 4 inches. That was deep enough to prompt development of a 4-foot shoal-draft version. A large semibalanced rudder sits well aft, providing good steering authority.
Under sail, the boat is nimble, well balanced, and fairly fast. It stands up to a blow without needing an early reef; owners typically don’t take the first reef until the wind passes 20 knots. The boat can be a little sluggish in light air, but most owners describe it as quite seaworthy. One owner reported just enough weather helm to suit a Monitor self-steering windvane. The PHRF rating is around 180.
Cockpit and Deck
The cockpit was a major improvement over those of the earlier 32s. It is spacious and comfortable, with the pedestal mounted well aft so the primary winches remain within easy reach of the helm. Lockers are fitted aft to port and starboard. On inspected boats, however, the engine control panel was inconveniently tucked beneath the helmsman’s seat.
Deck hardware tends to be a little undersized. Most boats have a single anchor roller forward and an external anchor locker.
Accommodations
The interior was a major reason for the 32 Mark II’s popularity. Almost every owner comments on its spaciousness, comfort, and ample storage. The finish is classic late-1970s dark teak, with first-rate workmanship.
Large portlights brighten the cabin. Although the layout is conventional, half bulkheads aft and a fold-away saloon table make it feel roomy. Forward, the V-berth forms a good-sized double with storage underneath. Moving aft, there’s a hanging locker to port and the head opposite.
The saloon has offset settees, both usable as sea berths. Above them, cane-faced lockers provide a deceptive amount of storage. The L-shaped galley to port includes a two- or three-burner stove, a single sink, and a decent icebox. A quarterberth lies to starboard. The only missing piece is a chart table.
Engines and Access
Several engines were installed during the production run. The popular 30-horsepower Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine was common. Diesel choices included a 7-horsepower single-cylinder Volvo, the more common 13-horsepower two-cylinder Volvo, and the preferred 25-horsepower Westerbeke L 25.
The engine sits beneath the companionway and has adequate access. The small Volvo diesels are somewhat easier to work on, although most owners with the smaller diesels say the boat is under powered.
Known Issues
Beyond the widespread history of blistering, several service-life problems recur. Leaks at the hull-to-deck joint weren’t uncommon, which is a concern given the plywood-cored deck above. Some owners have also reported problems with the main bulkhead below, worth noting because the bulkheads are tabbed to the hull.
Cruisers complain that the shallow bilge can easily soak the cabin sole on long passages. On deck, the latch securing the external anchor locker is inadequate, as are the small, deck-mounted forward running lights.
The Verdict
The Islander 32 Mark II addressed the tenderness of Perry’s earlier Islander 28 with a stiffer, beamier hull. The result is a boat with enduring sailing ability and a genuinely roomy interior.
It is a solid, seaworthy cruiser for coastal sailing and modest offshore work. Its shortcomings are typical of 1970s production fiberglass boats, but they’re manageable with a diligent survey.
Pros
- Stiff, well-balanced hull that stands up to heavy air without early reefing
- Roomy, well-finished interior with ample storage and good sea berths
- Improved, spacious cockpit with well-placed primary winches
- Several gasoline and diesel engine options, with the Westerbeke L 25 preferred
Cons
- Common history of blistering and hull-to-deck joint leaks
- Shallow bilge that can soak the cabin sole on long passages
- Under powered with the smaller diesel engines
- Inadequate anchor-locker latch and forward running lights
- Undersized deck hardware
