Design and Construction
The Riviera 32 measures just over 32 feet overall, with a 27-foot waterline and a beam of nearly 10.8 feet. Her fin keel draws between 5.74 and 6.04 feet depending on load.
A ballast ratio of 36 percent and a displacement-length ratio of around 229 place her firmly among moderate cruisers, rather than lightweight racers or heavy voyagers. The keel is iron rather than lead, an important consideration for owners planning long-term corrosion management.
The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, and balsa-core sandwich construction is also used. Any work that penetrates the sandwich requires particular care to prevent water ingress and rot. Belowdecks, mahogany joinery gives the boat the warm, traditional character typical of her period.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The Riviera 32 has a masthead rig, with 42 square meters of sail area for the mainsail and jib combined. Using the ISO 8666 reference sail, her sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 14.4; with a 135 percent genoa, it rises to 17.1. Those figures describe a comfortably powered cruiser rather than an outright light-air sprinter.
Her theoretical hull speed is 7 knots. The capsize screening value is 1.95, a figure consistent with a stable coastal and offshore cruiser of this size. A wetted surface of about 31 square meters and an immersion rate near 183 kg per centimeter indicate a hull that responds predictably to loading.
The standing and running rigging use typical period dimensions. Halyards are about 29 meters long and 10 mm in diameter, while sheets range from around 9.7 to 24 meters and are 12 mm in diameter. Control lines such as the cunningham and kicking strap are 10 mm.
Accommodations and Tankage
The Riviera 32 sleeps six and includes a galley and toilet facility. Headroom is above average for a 32-footer of the period, making the interior feel more generous than the boat’s length might suggest. The six-berth arrangement and mahogany joinery suit a small family or a couple cruising with guests.
Fresh water capacity is 130 liters, enough to support extended weekends or modest coastal passages. The stainless-steel fuel tank holds 100 liters.
Engine and Maintenance
Power comes from an inboard Bukh DV20 diesel rated at 20 horsepower, driving through a shaft. Motoring speed is 7 knots, and the shaft-drive arrangement is straightforward for routine maintenance.
Because some hulls were completed by amateur builders, a careful ownership survey should confirm that the engine installation, tankage, and core sealing meet a consistent standard.
Known Issues
The builder’s sales history raises two cautions. First, the Riviera 32 was offered as a home-completed kit, so finish quality and structural execution can vary from one hull to the next.
Second, the balsa-core sandwich construction requires careful sealing wherever work penetrates it. Prospective owners should verify that through-hulls, deck hardware, and previous-owner modifications have been sealed correctly to keep moisture out of the core.
The Verdict
The Riviera 32 is a thoughtfully proportioned Sparkman & Stephens cruiser, combining a traditional mahogany interior with a practical fiberglass hull and fin-keel arrangement. The home-completion option and balsa core call for 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 in a 32-foot boat
- Masthead rig with sensible sail-area ratios for cruising
Cons
- Iron keel requires vigilance against corrosion
- Balsa-core sandwich construction requires careful sealing around penetrations
- Home-completed hulls may have uneven build quality
