Design and Construction
The Riviera 32 carries a length overall of just over 32 feet with a 27-foot waterline, a beam near 10.8 feet, and a fin keel drawing between 5.74 and 6.04 feet depending on load. Her ballast ratio of 36 percent and displacement-length ratio around 229 place her firmly in the moderate-cruiser band rather than the lightweight racer or heavy voyager categories. The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, while the interior is finished in mahogany, a period-typical choice that gives the belowdecks spaces a warm, traditional character. The keel itself is iron, not lead, which is worth noting for any owner weighing long-term corrosion management. A balsa-core sandwich is used in the construction, and special care must be taken whenever work requires penetrating that sandwich to prevent water ingress and rot.
Rig and Handling
The boat is built with a masthead rig and a sail plan of 42 square meters for mainsail and jib combined. With the ISO 8666 reference sail her sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 14.4, rising to 17.1 with a 135 percent genoa, figures that describe a comfortably powered cruiser rather than an out-and-out light-air sprinter. Her theoretical hull speed is 7 knots and the capsize screening value is 1.95, a number consistent with a stable coastal and offshore cruiser of this size. The wetted surface of about 31 square meters and an immersion rate near 183 kg per centimeter speak to a hull that responds predictably to loading. Standing and running rigging follow period dimensions: halyards run about 29 meters at 10 mm, sheets around 9.7 to 24 meters at 12 mm, and control lines such as the cunningham and kicking strap are 10 mm.
Accommodations
Below, the Riviera 32 sleeps six across a layout that includes a galley and a toilet facility. Headroom is above average for a 32-footer of the period, which makes the interior feel more generous than the boat's length might suggest. The mahogany joinery and six-berth arrangement suit a small family or a couple cruising with guests, and the fresh water capacity of 130 liters supports extended weekends or modest coastal passages.
Known Issues
Two cautions follow the design from the builder's own sales history. The boat was also offered as a home-completed kit, so the quality of finish and structural execution can vary from one hull to the next. Coupled with the balsa-cored sandwich construction, this means a prospective owner should verify that any penetrations—through-hulls, deck hardware, or prior owner modifications—have been sealed correctly to keep moisture out of the core.
Refits and Ownership
Power comes from an inboard Bukh DV20 diesel rated at 20 horsepower with a shaft drive, giving a motoring speed of 7 knots. The fuel tank is stainless steel with a 100-liter capacity. Because some hulls were finished by amateur builders, a careful ownership survey should confirm that the engine installation, tankage, and core sealing meet a consistent standard. The shaft-drive layout is straightforward for routine maintenance.
The Verdict
The Riviera 32 is a thoughtfully proportioned Sparkman & Stephens cruiser that balances traditional mahogany interiors with a practical fiberglass hull and a fin-keel arrangement. The home-completion option and balsa core demand diligence, but the underlying design is sound and seakindly.
Pros
- Stable, moderate-displacement cruiser with a 1.95 capsize screening value
- Above-average headroom and six berths for a 32-foot boat
- Masthead rig with sensible sail-area ratios for cruising
Cons
- Iron keel requires corrosion vigilance
- Balsa-core sandwich needs careful penetration sealing
- Home-completed hulls may show uneven build quality
