The boat measures 32 feet 10 inches, with a 24-foot 3-inch waterline and a 9-foot 10-inch beam. Its waterline-derived hull is a larger version of the Bill Crealock-designed 31-footer. Displacement is 11,600 pounds, including 4,700 pounds of ballast. Only a few PH 32s were built.
Design and Construction
The PH 32 was purpose-built as a high-quality, all-weather pilothouse yacht for the North Sea, and that intent shows in its construction. The hull is solid fiberglass, while the deck uses balsa coring for stiffness, an approach shared with other Pacific Seacraft boats of the era. The builder offered a 10-year warranty against blisters.
The rudder is skeg-hung, and the propeller is protected within an aperture. The full keel draws 5 feet, while the optional Scheel keel reduces draft to 4 feet 1 inch for sailors who need shallower draft.
Deck fittings reflect the boat’s offshore purpose. It has deep bulwarks with hawses, welded double pulpits and lifelines, 10-inch mooring cleats, and double anchor rollers.
Crealock’s hull has a displacement-length ratio of 394, placing the PH 32 among ultra-heavy cruisers; only 7% of similar designs are heavier. Its length-to-beam ratio of 3.34 is slimmer than 62% of comparable sailboats, while its motion comfort ratio of 34.3 is more comfortable than 92% of similar designs. A capsize screening value of 1.69 and a theoretical hull speed of 6.6 knots further characterize it as a stable passagemaker for sheltered waters and offshore sailing, rather than a lightweight racer.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The PH 32 carries a masthead sloop rig with 483 square feet of sail area at the 100% foretriangle. Its sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 14.4 with the reference sail and 17.4 with a 135% genoa. That power-to-weight ratio places it ahead of only 18% of similar designs in light wind, confirming its emphasis on loaded cruising rather than lively light-air performance.
What it lacks in straight-line speed in light airs, it makes up for in manners. The boat pointed well without bad habits, tacked easily, and tracked steadily while reaching and running for long stretches. The skeg-hung rudder is credited with that steady tracking.
From the cockpit helm, the large pilothouse windows provide full forward visibility without the usual blind spots. The cockpit itself is deep and comfortable, with an Edson pedestal, a raised helm seat aft, oversized drains with ample gutters, and truly huge seat lockers.
Standard power was a 43-horsepower Volvo diesel, which pushes the boat well beyond hull speed. Superb insulation keeps noise and vibration to a minimum while under way.
Pilothouse and Accommodations
The pilothouse offers shelter from foul weather and, just as usefully, from weather that is too good. Inside, the salon has a compact dinette to port and an oversized quarter-berth to starboard. The interior helm includes a wheel, engine controls, and duplicate instruments. A clear overhead hatch lets the helmsman watch the sails, while the large windows preserve sightlines even when seated.
Forward and down to port, the galley includes a deep double sink, microwave, propane two-burner stove-oven, deep refrigerator, 12-volt refrigeration, and superb storage. Opposite is the head, with a teak seat, a shower pan beneath a teak grate, and enough storage to satisfy live-aboards.
The forward stateroom has a large V-berth, a seat, hanging lockers, four opening ports, and an overhead hatch. Interior finishes include a teak-and-holly sole, teak-planked ceilings, and louvered teak lockers set against white mica bulkheads. Headroom is above average for the class.
Standard Equipment and Options
Base equipment included:
- Harken roller furling
- Ullman mainsail and 130% genoa
- Muir electric anchor windlass
- Lewmar self-tailing winches
- Dual Ritchie compasses
- Three-bladed feathering propeller
- 12-volt refrigeration
An optional 5-kilowatt Northern Lights generator fits neatly under the cockpit. Air-conditioning was also available.
The Verdict
The PH 32 is a rare, purpose-designed pilothouse cruiser that provides genuine all-weather shelter without the sailing compromises typical of the type. Its heavy-displacement hull and comfort ratios point to steady passagemaking, while its dual helm stations and good visibility make it usable in conditions that would send crews on lesser boats below. The modest production run means examples are scarce, but the specification is coherent and complete.
Pros
- Pilothouse conceived from the start, with good visibility from both inside and outside helm stations
- Skeg-hung rudder and aperture-protected propeller aid tracking and provide grounding protection
- Ultra-heavy-cruiser measurements, with a comfort ratio exceeding 92% of comparable designs
- Deep, well-drained cockpit with large lockers
- Comprehensive standard-equipment inventory
Cons
- Sail-area-to-displacement ratio limits light-air speed compared with 82% of similar designs
- Only a few were built, restricting choice on the used market
- The optional Scheel keel is needed to reduce the full keel’s 5-foot draft
