Paceship Chance 32/28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Chance 32/28 are deeply influenced by its IOR heritage, resulting in a boat that excels in upwind performance but requires an attentive hand on the helm. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 245, it sits firmly in the moderate displacement category, offering enough mass to carry momentum through a chop while remaining responsive in light air. According to historical technical data from the Paceship Owners Site, the boat was originally equipped with a deep fin keel and a high-aspect-ratio rig, which allows it to point exceptionally high compared to its contemporary peers like the C&C 30 or the Pearson 30.

Under sail, the boat is known for being stiff and powerful, thanks to a healthy ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 42%. However, like many designs from the early 1970s with "pinched" sterns and a wide beam carried amidships, the 32/28 can exhibit a tendency toward rhythmic rolling or "death rolls" when pushed too hard on a deep run in heavy following seas. Owners often note that the boat feels most at home on a close reach, where the long waterline allows it to settle into its groove and outrun larger competitors. The steering is typically described as sensitive; the spade rudder provides excellent maneuverability in tight quarters but can feel "twitchy" if the sail plan is not properly balanced.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed with a racing edge, the interior of the Chance 32/28 is surprisingly commodious, largely due to its 10-foot beam and the volume afforded by that 28-foot waterline. The layout is a classic "main cabin" arrangement typical of the 1970s. It features a forward V-berth, a marine head located behind a privacy door, and a main salon with a folding table. One of the more distinct interior variations involved the choice of pilot berths versus outboard storage; many models were delivered with "outboard" pilot berths above the settees to accommodate a full racing crew, though some cruising-oriented versions replaced these with cabinetry.

The craftsmanship reflects Paceship’s transition into high-quality fiberglass production, utilizing teak veneers and solid wood trim that have aged well in boats that were properly maintained. Headroom is generous at approximately 6' 2", making it a viable coastal cruiser for taller sailors. While the Chance 32/28 was the flagship of the Britton Chance-designed line at Paceship, it shares significant DNA with its smaller sibling, the Chance 29/24. While the 29/24 utilized a similar "stretched waterline" logic, the 32/28 offers a significantly more robust galley and a dedicated navigation station, which were often cramped or absent in the smaller model.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Paceship Chance 32/28 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the hull-to-deck joint and the condition of the balsa-cored decks. As with many Paceship models of this vintage, moisture ingress around stanchion bases and chainplates is a common "gotcha" that can lead to localized delamination or rot in the core.

1. Mast Step and Compression: The 32/28 features a deck-stepped mast. It is vital to inspect the compression post and the structural block beneath the cabin sole. If the mast step has "sunk" even slightly, it can lead to rig tension issues and interior door misalignment.
2. Chainplate Leaks: The chainplates on the 32/28 are prone to leaking if the sealant is not periodically refreshed. Persistent leaks here can rot the main bulkheads, which are structural components for rig stability.
3. Keel Bolt Inspection: The boat uses an external lead ballast keel. Prospective owners should check the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint for signs of movement or weeping, which may indicate the need for keel bolt tightening or re-bedding.
4. Engine Access and Maintenance: Many original models were fitted with the Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early Farymann diesels. Given the tight engine box configuration, check for exhaust manifold corrosion and ensure that the shaft log is accessible for packing gland maintenance.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Paceship Owners Site, which serves as a centralized archive for original brochures, sail plans, and Britton Chance’s design notes. Because Paceship was a Canadian builder based in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, there is also a strong regional following in the Canadian Maritimes and the Great Lakes, where local yacht clubs often maintain registries of surviving hulls.

The Verdict

The Paceship Chance 32/28 is an "intellectual" sailor’s boat—a vessel for those who appreciate the nuances of IOR design and the pedigree of an America’s Cup designer. While it requires more active sail trimming and helm work than a modern "fin-and-spade" cruiser, it rewards the effort with superior speed and a classic aesthetic.

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and pointing ability.
• Spacious interior for a 32-foot boat, thanks to the 10-foot beam.
• Solid construction with lead ballast rather than iron.
• Strong owner community and historical documentation.

Cons:

• The IOR-influenced hull shape can be challenging to handle in heavy following seas.
• The balsa-cored decks are susceptible to moisture if not maintained.
• Older gasoline engines (Atomic 4) found in many units may require a diesel repower.