Offshore 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Offshore 32 is characterized by high initial stability and a "sea-kindly" motion, typical of its approximately 11,000-pound displacement. With a 27-foot waterline and a beam of 10 feet 6 inches, the boat provides a solid platform that Ray Richards famously described as being "stiff as a church," a sentiment echoed in Practical Sailor regarding his design philosophy.

The vessel features a masthead sloop rig (with an occasional ketch variant) that produces a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 15.2 to 17.2 depending on the configuration. While technical data from Good Old Boat indicates the boat is not a light-air flyer—often requiring a 135% genoa to maintain momentum in breezes under 10 knots—it excels in heavy weather. Its long fin keel and protected rudder allow it to track reliably, making it an ideal choice for short-handed sailors who prioritize stability over raw racing speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Offshore 32 is perhaps best known for its "Plan A" interior, which features a unique circular settee located forward in the main saloon. This distinctive arrangement, described in Good Old Boat, can comfortably seat eight adults around a drop-leaf table—a rare feat for a 32-foot vessel. A more traditional "Plan B" layout was also produced, offering a standard linear settee and folding table for those preferring a conventional cruiser feel.

The cabin is finished in rich, hand-rubbed teak, with a teak-and-holly sole and louvered shutters that separate the forward V-berth from the saloon. The galley is located to starboard, featuring a U-shaped configuration with a gimbaled stove and deep sinks. Ventilation is a strong suit of the design, facilitated by two overhead hatches and eight opening portlights. Sibling models designed by Richards, such as the Offshore 39 and the larger Offshore 41, share this "wide-open" interior philosophy, emphasizing social space and high-quality joinery that many contemporary "cookie-cutter" yachts lack.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must navigate the common technical pitfalls associated with vintage Cheoy Lee vessels, often colloquially referred to as "Cheoy Leakies" due to their deck and window designs.

• Teak Deck Fasteners: The most critical inspection point is the teak-over-fiberglass deck. According to the Cheoy Lee Association, water can migrate through the thousands of screws used to secure the teak, leading to rot in the balsa or mahogany core.
• Integral Tankage: Many hulls were built with integral fiberglass fuel and water tanks. Over decades, these can develop leaks at the fittings or suffer from "osmotic blistering" inside the water tanks.
• Window and Portlight Sealing: The wooden window frames and stainless portlights are notorious for developing slow leaks that can damage the pristine interior teak if not re-bedded regularly.
• Chainplate Inspection: As with any blue-water cruiser of this era, the stainless steel chainplates are buried behind cabinetry and should be checked for crevice corrosion, particularly where they pass through the deck.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Cheoy Lee Association, which maintains an extensive technical wiki and archives of original brochures and restoration guides. This community is vital for owners seeking to source specialized hardware or advice on repairing the shipyard’s unique construction methods.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 32 is a "pocket cruiser" with the soul of a much larger yacht, offering unmatched interior charm and a sturdy, predictable ride.

Pros:

• Exquisite teak interior joinery that far exceeds modern production standards.
• Exceptional social layout with the "Plan A" circular settee.
• High stability and comfort in heavy sea states.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and spruce spars.
• Susceptibility to deck core rot if the teak overlays have been neglected.
• Relatively sluggish performance in light wind conditions.