Sailcraft Comanche 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comanche 32 is widely regarded as a "lively" performer, benefiting from a high Sail Area/Displacement ratio (approximately 22.9) that allows it to accelerate quickly even in light airs. Unlike many modern, high-volume catamarans that struggle to point, the Comanche retains the racing DNA of its designer, Rod Macalpine-Downie. While the majority of hulls were delivered with fixed stub keels to maximize interior volume, a select few were built with daggerboards, allowing for a draft of 6 feet and significantly enhanced windward performance.

Under sail, the boat is known for being light on the helm and remarkably balanced. According to editorial analysis from Multihulls World, the vessel is particularly potent with the "wind free" (on a reach), where it can easily exceed 10 knots in favorable conditions. A notable safety feature often seen on this model and its smaller sibling, the Iroquois, is the anti-capsize masthead float—a distinctive teardrop-shaped pod designed to prevent a full inversion in the event of a knockdown.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The bridgedeck layout of the Comanche 32 was a significant upgrade over the Iroquois, offering a more integrated living experience. The saloon features a spacious U-shaped settee capable of seating six to eight people, with panoramic views through large coachroof windows. Headroom is a highlight for a 32-foot multihull of this vintage, reaching 6'6" in the hulls and approximately 5'10" in the central saloon.

The accommodation is typically configured with two "nominally double" cabins located aft in each hull, complemented by single berths forward. The galley is traditionally situated in the port hull, while the starboard hull houses a generous head and navigation station. Yachting Monthly notes that the boat was also offered in a "motor-sailer" variant, which featured a raised deck, an interior helm station, and twin 15 HP diesel engines, diverging from the standard single-outboard configuration found on most sailing versions.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Comanche 32 did not achieve the same numerical success as the Iroquois 30, it holds a respected place in multihull history as a refined evolution of the "speed-first" catamarans of the 1960s. It is frequently cited in historical overviews of Sailcraft Ltd. as the bridge to their later, more luxurious cruising models. The boat has maintained a loyal following in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, with well-documented voyages through the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast appearing in community walkthroughs and owner-led media.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Comanche 32 with a checklist focused on its lightweight GRP construction and age-related wear.

• Payload Sensitivity: Like all Macalpine-Downie designs, the Comanche is sensitive to weight. Overloading the boat with heavy cruising gear can significantly degrade its bridge-deck clearance and sailing performance.
• Buoyancy Chambers: The boat was built with four watertight buoyancy compartments at the corners. These should be inspected for integrity and to ensure they haven't been compromised by previous owners adding storage lockers.
• Keel/Daggerboard Trunks: If the model has daggerboards, the trunks should be checked for osmotic blistering or structural stress cracks. If it has fixed keels, inspect the join where the keels meet the hulls for signs of "hard grounding" damage.
• Masthead Rigging: Given the age of these vessels, the standing rigging and the unique masthead float attachment points require a professional survey, especially if the boat has been raced or pushed hard in offshore conditions.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Heavenly Twins & Cruising Catamaran Association (HTCCA), which provides a repository of information for various Sailcraft models. This association is instrumental in preserving the legacy of "classic" British catamarans and often hosts technical discussions regarding modifications to the rig or hull of the Comanche series.

The Verdict

The Sailcraft Comanche 32 is a robust, seaworthy multihull that offers a compelling mix of vintage character and genuine sailing speed. While its faceted coachroof and raked bows may look dated compared to contemporary designs, its performance capabilities remain competitive.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and speed potential for a cruiser.
• Shallow draft and skeg-protected rudders allow for easy beaching.
• High level of safety with four watertight compartments and a masthead float.
• Impressive headroom and interior space relative to its 32-foot length.

Cons:

• Aesthetic design (faceted coachroof) is distinctly 1970s.
• Very sensitive to weight; performance suffers if heavily loaded for long-term live-aboard use.
• Limited production numbers make parts and specific model knowledge harder to find.