Nicholson 32 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the used brokerage market for a Nicholson 32 means considering a boat built in meaningful numbers across nearly two decades, with evolutionary changes that matter to a buyer. The early boats differ from later marks in windows, layout, and moulding, and the series spans the MkX and MkXI updates that altered freeboard, hull length, and helm option. Knowing which generation you are looking at is the first step in any serious assessment.
Layouts on the Used Market
Early Nicholson 32s show large saloon windows and a two-settee interior with a pilot berth outboard, while later boats reduced side-window size but added coachroof-front glazing to keep the cabin bright. By the late 1960s the saloon changed to a single settee with an opposite dinette that converts to a second double. The MkX of 1972 brought three extra inches of freeboard and a 33-foot hull with streamlined deck; Mark XI from 1977 added a glassfibre inner moulding to the bunk tops. All versions place water and fuel tank space in the bilge.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Boats on the market commonly carry a chartplotter, autopilot, life raft, and cabin heating as standard cruising fit. Often-seen additions include a dodger, radar, solar panels, and a spinnaker. A wheel-steering option appeared on MkXI boats from 1977 and is a meaningful helm upgrade when present. AIS shows up less frequently as an owner addition. For a buyer, the chartplotter and autopilot speak to passage-making readiness, while solar and heating extend comfortable liveaboard range; the spinnaker and dodger are bonuses rather than essentials.
What to Inspect
The one documented issue to survey for is osmosis in early hulls, a product of the massively thick chopped strand mat construction used before later moulding refinements anchor. A surveyor should sound the hull below the waterline and review any history of blister treatment. Later marks with inner mouldings and streamlined decks are not cited as carrying the same risk, but a pre-purchase survey remains essential on any example.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Typical markets for the Nicholson 32 include the United Kingdom, Spain, Panama, Ireland, and Australia. For a shopper, the checklist is straightforward: confirm the mark and corresponding freeboard or hull length; verify helm type and whether wheel steering is present on a MkXI; inspect early hulls specifically for osmotic blistering; and assess the glazing and layout era against your liveaboard needs. This is a structurally conservative cruiser whose age-related risks are narrow and inspectable.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Nicholson 32. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 10 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 6 | $19,036 | — |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $20,396 | +7.1% |
| Nov 25 | 1 | $13,928 | -31.7% |
| Dec 25 | 2 | $21,563 | +54.8% |
| Jan 26 | 2 | $19,505 | -9.5% |
| Feb 26 | 1 | $11,131 | -42.9% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $19,029 | +71.0% |
| Apr 26 | 3 | $13,529 | -28.9% |
| May 26 | 5 | $13,597 | +0.5% |
| Jul 26 | 2 | $10,538 | -22.5% |
Where they're listed
Nicholson 32 listings appear across 5 countries. United Kingdom has the most listings with 19 (82.6%), followed by Australia and Spain.
Country view
23 listings · 5 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $16,316 | 19 | 2 | 82.6% |
| Australia | $11,131 | 1 | 0 | 4.3% |
| Spain | $27,126 | 1 | 0 | 4.3% |
| Ireland | $13,928 | 1 | 0 | 4.3% |
| Panama | $16,000 | 1 | 0 | 4.3% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
6 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Rogers 32 | 32' | $ 31,470 | 71 | 16 |
| Sadler 32 | 31.5' | $ 22,146 | 55 | 11 |
| Nicholson 32You are here | — | $ 14,964 | 24 | 2 |
| Rival 32 | 31.83' | $ 15,414 | 20 | 2 |
| Nicholson Nicholson 35 | 35.25' | $ 39,433 | 10 | 2 |
| Morgan Yachts 32 | 31.92' | $ 27,126 | 7 | 0 |