Design and Construction
What defines the Nicholson 32 structurally is the massively thick chopped strand mat layup, a single-skin GRP approach that yields an exceptionally rigid and impact-resistant hull. Early boats were prone to osmosis, a known weakness of the unpigmented resin and mat construction of that era. The boat evolved through marks: the MkX of 1972 added three inches of freeboard and stretched the hull to 33 feet with a more streamlined deck moulding, while Mark XI boats from 1977 introduced a glassfibre inner moulding that finished at the top of the bunks. These were evolutionary, not revolutionary, changes—the core hull philosophy remained constant across the run.
Rig and Handling
The Nicholson 32 carries a single-spreader masthead rig that is well supported, and test sailors found she can hold her full sail plan in winds up to Force 5. On the wind, Practical Boat Owner's test boat Beduin reliably tacked through a very respectable 90 degrees measured on a chartplotter, with upwind boat speed typically 5 to 6 knots across a range of wind strengths depending on sea state anchor. Bearing away onto a reach, she maintained averages around 6.5 knots. Under power, however, the long keel and relatively small keel-hung rudder with no balance area produce a large turning circle, and in reverse there is substantial prop walk—handling traits a buyer must respect rather than fight.
Accommodations
The interior light differs by era. Early models used big saloon windows for plenty of natural light, while later boats adopted smaller side windows yet kept the cabin bright through added coachroof-front windows in both saloon and forecabin. Early saloons held two settees with a pilot berth outboard of one; by the late 1960s the layout shifted to a single settee with a dinette opposite convertible to a second double berth. On every model, the bilge was laid out to accept water and fuel tanks, lowering the center of gravity while freeing cabin stowage.
Known Issues
The principal structural concern is osmotic blistering in early hulls, a consequence of the chopped strand mat and clear-resin layup of the first years of production. Later marks with refined mouldings and inner liners are not cited as carrying the same prevalence.
Refits and Ownership
The MkXI's 1977 introduction of optional wheel steering marks the most significant helm upgrade across the series, alongside the inner moulding that simplified interior finish and maintenance. The evolutionary freeboard and length changes of the MkX show the builder responding to accommodation and profile demands without disturbing the proven hull.
The Verdict
The Nicholson 32 is a thoroughly old-school offshore cruiser: heavily built, deeply ballasted, and blessed with a sea-kindly motion that rewards patient sailing rather than speed-sailing tactics. Her weaknesses—tight turning under power, reverse prop walk, and early-era osmosis—are the trade-offs of a structurally overbuilt pocket voyager meant for long passages, not marina hopping.
Pros
- One of the first GRP production yachts of her size, with a massively thick single-skin hull
- High ballast ratio and slender beam give stiffness and directional stability
- Well-supported single-spreader masthead rig holds full sail to Force 5
- Evolutionary marks improved freeboard, light, and interior finish without abandoning the hull
Cons
- Early hulls prone to osmosis from chopped strand mat and clear resin
- Large turning circle and heavy prop walk under power from long keel and small rudder
