Paceship Chance 32/28 Buyer's Guide
The Chance 32/28 is a compact masthead sloop designed by Britton Chance Jr. and built in small numbers in Canada, France, and Scotland finishing through the mid-1970s. A IOR 3/4-ton derivative with a real cruising interior, it rewards a careful buyer with factory flexibility in steering and power, but its age demands a close look at core and keel joints.
Layouts on the Used Market
Production spanned Paceship's 41 Canadian hulls, 20 French boats from Chantier Henri Wanquiez, and Robertson finishing work, so trim and minor fitting differ by origin. The interior is consistent: a five-seat convertible dinette, opposite slide-out and upper berths, a full galley with gimballed stove and oven, a navigator station with chart table, a quarter berth, and a fully enclosed forward V-berth cabin with teak dresser. Enclosed head with molded sink completes the plan.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Solar arrays, lithium batteries, and both symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers are commonly fitted on surviving boats, reflecting owners adapting the racer-cruiser for auxiliary power and downwind sailing. The factory offered a racing package with internal halyards and airfoil spreaders, and diesels were optional against the standard gasoline Atomic 4, so a buyer should confirm which power train and rig configuration a specific hull carries.
What to Inspect
On any example, probe the balsa-cored deck where the molded non-skid meets fasteners or the aluminum toe rail; a soft sounding area or stained liner signals saturated core that has lost stiffness. Inspect the 15 stainless keel bolts and the perforated toe-rail joint for crevice corrosion or weeping, since age at those interfaces can allow water intrusion. Confirm the molded aluminum backing plates under winches are intact if deck gear has been moved, as that protects the laminate from crude drilling.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats appear in the United States market. Before committing, walk through this short list:
- Sound the deck core at rails and fasteners for softness.
- Check keel bolts and toe rail for corrosion or leaks.
- Verify engine type and rig package against the build.
- Confirm backing plates under relocated deck hardware.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Paceship Chance 32/28. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 1 row
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 1 | $10,000 | — |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
4 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Rogers 28 | 27.67' | $ 9,477 | 31 | 11 |
| Jeanneau First 28 | 28.21' | $ 26,539 | 12 | 3 |
| Wauquiez Chance 37 | 36.92' | $ 39,694 | 7 | 2 |
| Paceship Chance 32/28You are here | — | $ 10,000 | 1 | 0 |