PDQ 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The PDQ 32 is widely regarded for its "sporty" feel compared to the more ponderous charter-oriented catamarans of the same era. With a light ship displacement of approximately 7,200 to 8,000 pounds and a beam of 17 feet 6 inches, the boat maintains a favorable beam-to-length ratio that provides significant initial stability without the hobby-horsing common in shorter multihulls. It features a fractional rig with a large fully-battened mainsail and a self-tacking jib, a setup that emphasizes ease of handling. This configuration allows for effortless tacking in confined waterways, though many owners add a reacher or asymmetrical spinnaker on a bowsprit to improve light-wind performance, as the self-tacking jib can be undersized for downwind legs in sub-10 knot breezes.

Under power, the PDQ 32 typically utilizes twin 9.9 hp high-thrust four-stroke outboard engines mounted in dedicated wells. This "twin-screw" configuration, combined with the wide stance of the hulls, allows the boat to spin within its own length, offering superior dockside maneuverability compared to single-engine monohulls. According to technical documentation from the Antares Yachts lineage—the successor to the PDQ sailboat line—the use of outboards was a deliberate weight-saving measure that also simplified maintenance by keeping the engines out of the living spaces and allowing them to be tilted clear of the water when under sail to reduce drag.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the PDQ 32 is a masterclass in space optimization for a 32-foot platform, utilizing a "galley-down" and "berth-up" layout. The bridgedeck salon offers nearly 360-degree visibility through large windows and provides a dinette that seats four comfortably. The sleeping accommodations are unique; the two primary queen-sized berths are located forward on the bridgedeck level rather than tucked deep into the hulls, which improves ventilation and provides a more airy feel. The port hull typically houses the galley and an additional aft cabin, while the starboard hull contains the head, a dedicated navigation station, and another aft cabin or storage area.

There are two primary iterations of the model: the "Classic" and the "LRC" (Long Range Cruiser). The LRC variant was tailored for extended voyaging, often featuring increased water and fuel capacity and more robust electrical systems. Despite the compact footprint, the boat maintains a headroom of approximately 6 feet 4 inches in the hulls and roughly 5 feet in the bridgedeck salon, though the transition between levels is designed with ergonomic steps to mitigate the height difference. The use of light-colored laminates and cherry or maple trim reflects the builder's intent to create a bright, "open-concept" living environment.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the PDQ 32 with a focus on its specific multihull architecture and aging systems. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Window Seals and Gaskets: The large acrylic windows on the bridgedeck are prone to crazing and seal failure over decades. Check for evidence of water intrusion around the interior valances and salon upholstery.
• Outboard Sleds and Lifting Mechanisms: The engines are mounted on retractable "sleds." Ensure the lifting tackle is in good repair and that the engine wells are free of significant fiberglass stress cracks caused by the torque of the high-thrust props.
• Compression Post and Bulkheads: Examine the area where the mast compression post meets the bridgedeck. While PDQ was known for solid engineering, any history of rig over-tensioning can lead to structural deformation or "pillowing" in the deck laminate.
• Core Integrity: Like many 1990s builds, the deck is cored. Use a phenolic hammer to check for delamination around stanchion bases and cleats, which are common points for moisture ingress if the hardware was not re-bedded periodically.

Community & Resources

The PDQ 32 benefits from an exceptionally active and technically proficient owner base. The PDQ Owners Group is the primary hub for technical exchange, providing archival access to original build manuals and wiring diagrams that are no longer available from a commercial manufacturer. Additionally, because the PDQ 32 was a precursor to the larger PDQ 36 and the Antares 44, many structural components and design philosophies are shared across the fleet.

The Verdict

The PDQ 32 remains one of the most respected small cruising catamarans ever built. It strikes a rare balance between the sailing performance of a multihull and the creature comforts of a much larger vessel, making it a "forever boat" for many cruising couples.

Pros:

• Exceptional Maneuverability: Twin engines and a wide beam make docking stress-free.
• Shallow Draft: At roughly 3 feet, it is ideal for thin-water cruising in the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay.
• Ease of Handling: The self-tacking jib and fractional rig are optimized for shorthanded sailing.
• Resale Value: Due to the limited production run and high build quality, these boats tend to hold their value remarkably well.

Cons:

• Light Wind Performance: The standard sail plan can feel underpowered in light air without auxiliary reaching sails.
• Bridge Deck Clearance: Like many smaller catamarans, the PDQ 32 may experience "slamming" in heavy head seas due to its relatively low bridgedeck clearance.
• Limited Load Carrying: Being a weight-sensitive multihull, the performance degrades significantly if overloaded with heavy cruising gear or oversized ground tackle.