Kendall 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Kendall 32 is the quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser. With a high displacement-to-length ratio and a full keel, the vessel is not built for light-air agility or windward speed. Instead, its handling is defined by incredible directional stability and a comfortable, predictable motion in a seaway. According to technical archives maintained by the Westsail Owners Association, the hull’s deep V-sections and heavy ballast allow it to shoulder aside chop that would stop lighter boats in their tracks.

The cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan, allowing for easy reefing and a variety of configurations to balance the helm. However, owners frequently note that the boat requires a stiff breeze—at least 12 to 15 knots—to truly come alive. Because the rudder is attached to the trailing edge of the full keel, the turning radius is large, and maneuvering in tight marinas under power requires a mastery of prop walk. Once on the open ocean, the Kendall 32 tracks like it is on rails, making it an ideal platform for long-distance passage-making under windvane steering.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Kendall 32 is surprisingly voluminous for a 32-foot boat, a benefit of its high freeboard and wide beam. Unlike many of the Westsail 32s that followed, which were often sold as kit boats with varying degrees of amateur finish, most Kendall 32s featured factory-finished interiors utilizing high-quality hardwoods like teak and mahogany. The layout typically features a traditional offshore arrangement: a compact galley near the companionway for stability at sea, a dedicated navigation station, and a saloon with a beefy drop-leaf table.

The "double-ender" design does restrict storage in the extreme aft, but the Kendall 32 compensates with deep bilges and ample cabinetry throughout the main cabin. Headroom is a standout feature, often exceeding 6'2", which was revolutionary for a vessel of this length in the early 1970s. The sibling relationship with the Westsail 32 is most evident here; while the Westsail version eventually offered more varied cabin layouts (including the "Factory Finished" Plan B), the Kendall remained more standardized, focusing on a robust, sea-kindly environment for a cruising couple.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Kendall 32's primary claim to fame is its role in "The Westsail Story." While the Kendall itself was produced in smaller numbers, its hull design became the foundation for the Westsail 32, the boat that "launched a thousand dreams" and was featured prominently in TIME magazine as a symbol of the 1970s back-to-the-land movement. The Kendall 32 specifically is often cited in cruising literature as the "original" fiberglass double-ender that proved Atkin’s wooden designs could be successfully translated into modern composites.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Kendall 32, the primary concern is the age of the systems rather than the integrity of the hull itself.

• Chainplate Corrosion: The original chainplates were often made of stainless steel that may now be reaching the end of its fatigue life. Because they are often glassed into the hull or hidden behind cabinetry, a thorough inspection for "crevice corrosion" is vital.
• Deck Core Delamination: While the hull is solid fiberglass, the decks are often cored with plywood or balsa. Owners on CruisersForum and dedicated owner groups have historically reported "soft spots" around the mast step and stanchion bases where hardware was not properly re-bedded over the decades.
• Early Fiberglass Blistering: While the Kendall layup is incredibly thick, some hulls used early polyester resins that are prone to osmotic blistering. Prospective buyers should look for evidence of a recent bottom job or barrier coating.
• Engine Access: Many units were originally powered by smaller, now-obsolete diesel engines. If the boat has not been repowered, accessibility for maintenance in the tight engine compartment is a known challenge for owner-operators.

Community & Resources

The definitive resource for Kendall 32 owners is the Westsail Owners Association. Because the two models share the same hull lines and many hardware specifications, the association provides a vast technical library covering everything from rudder replacement to rigging specifications. The group maintains a community of owners who share a specific passion for these "overbuilt" double-enders.

The Verdict

The Kendall 32 is a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose: to cross oceans safely and comfortably, regardless of the weather. It is not a boat for the weekend racer or the casual harbor cruiser who values speed above all else.

Pros:

• Exceptional "bulletproof" hull construction.
• Predictable, heavy-weather motion that reduces crew fatigue.
• Impressive interior volume and headroom for a 32-foot vessel.
• Strong resale value and a dedicated community of enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (the "Westsnail" reputation).
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to full keel and prop walk.
• High maintenance requirements for aged systems (chainplates, original plumbing).