MacWester Wight Mk II 32 Information, Review, Specs

The Mk II version is often distinguished from the Mk I by its refined interior layout and, in many cases, a slightly modernized coachroof profile. The model shares its hull design with its sibling, the Macwester Malin 32. While the Wight typically features an aft-cockpit arrangement, the Malin was designed as a center-cockpit motor-sailer, catering to those who desired a private aft cabin. Both vessels were built on the same robust lines, ensuring that regardless of the deck configuration, the underwater profile remained steadfast and forgiving.

Sailing Performance & Handling

At sea, the Macwester Wight Mk II 32 is a quintessential "heavy displacement" cruiser. With a substantial displacement-to-length ratio, the boat exhibits a motion that is predictable and sea-kindly, rarely slamming even in a choppy head sea. The vast majority of Wight Mk IIs were fitted with Jim Roy’s signature bilge keels, which, while increasing drag and limiting pointing ability compared to a deep fin keel, allow the boat to "take the ground" and stand upright on tidal moorings.

The ketch rig, a common feature on the Wight Mk II, provides excellent balance. In heavy weather, dropping the mainsail and sailing under "jib and jigger" (mizzen and genoa) keeps the center of effort low and the boat remarkably stable. While the boat is not a light-air performer—often requiring the engine to maintain progress in anything under 10 knots of breeze—it comes into its own when the wind freshens. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home in Force 4 to 6 conditions, where its weight provides a sense of security that lighter, modern yachts cannot replicate.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Wight Mk II 32 is frequently described as "tardis-like," a testament to Jim Roy's ability to maximize vertical and lateral space. The boat offers full standing headroom throughout the main saloon, a feature that was revolutionary for a 32-footer in the early 1970s. The layout typically includes a forward V-berth, a heads compartment with a hanging locker opposite, and a main saloon where the dinette converts into a double berth.

Materials used in the Mk II were generally an upgrade over the Mk I, featuring more extensive teak joinery and improved galley facilities. The "Wight Class" was often compared to the Macwester 30, but the extra two feet of length in the 32-foot hull significantly improved the ergonomics of the galley and the size of the cockpit lockers. For those seeking even more privacy, the aforementioned sibling, the Malin 32, offered a completely separate aft cabin accessed via the cockpit, though this came at the expense of the Wight’s more spacious cockpit seating area.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Macwester Wight Mk II should focus their inspections on the specific structural characteristics of 1970s British GRP construction.

• Keel Bolts and Joints: Given that these are often used in drying moorings, the joint between the bilge keels and the hull should be inspected for "stress crazing" or weeping, which can indicate movement in the keel bolts.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, Macwesters occasionally used balsa or plywood cores in the deck for stiffness. Areas around stanchion bases and the mast step should be checked with a moisture meter for signs of delamination or core rot.
• Engine Service Life: Many Mk IIs were originally fitted with Perkins or Volvo Penta engines that may now be reaching the end of their reliable service life. A documented history of cooling system maintenance is vital, as internal scaling is common in older marine diesels.
• Osmosis: While Macwester hulls are thick, they are not immune to osmotic blistering. A hull survey is recommended to check for moisture ingress, though the thickness of the laminate usually means such issues are cosmetic rather than structural.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Macwester Owners Association. This group maintains an extensive archive of original brochures, sail plans, and technical manuals specifically for the Wight and Malin series. Because C.S.J. Roy designed the entire range, there is a high degree of part commonality between the Wight 32 and the smaller Macwester 27 or 30, making the community's collective knowledge base exceptionally valuable for restorations.

The Verdict

The Macwester Wight Mk II 32 is a "go-anywhere" coastal cruiser that prioritizes comfort and practicality over racing trophies. It is a boat for the sailor who values the ability to explore shallow estuaries and tuck into drying harbors where other yachts cannot follow.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Bilge keels allow for low-cost tidal moorings and easy hull maintenance.
• Heavy GRP construction provides a safe, stable motion in heavy seas.
• Ketch rig offers versatile sail handling for short-handed crews.

Cons:

• Limited windward performance and significant leeway compared to fin-keel models.
• Heavier handling requires a more proactive approach to maneuvering in tight marinas.
• Original internal systems (plumbing/wiring) often require modernization.