Rhodes drew on his own distinguished lineage of classic wooden double-enders, specifically adapting his acclaimed 1930 design Dog Star (which itself evolved from his 1926 ketch Tidal Wave). While retains the iconic Colin Archer and William Atkin-style double-ended silhouette, Rhodes modernized the lines for fiberglass production. To improve maneuverability and windward performance, he cut away the forefoot of the full keel, drafted a highly balanced cutter rig, and optimized the interior layout for modern cruising. Production began in 1970 at the Ta Chiao yard in Taiwan. However, following a contract dispute—exacerbated by the sudden appearance of the remarkably similar, canoe-sterned CT 34 from the same yard—production molds were relocated around hull number 13 to the Ron Rawson boatyard in Redmond, Washington. In total, only about 28 or 29 of these highly respected pocket voyagers were ever built, making them an exceptionally rare and prized find on today's market.
Design Brief & Intent
The Traveller 32 was built for the uncompromising offshore sailor who wanted a boat capable of global circumnavigation but demanded better sailing performance than the typical heavy, under-canvased "tubs" of the 1970s double-ender era. Philip Rhodes' design philosophy emphasized clean, elegant, and balanced lines. Where contemporary cruisers like the Westsail 32 or Hans Christian 33 relied on massive beam and heavy displacement to carry their cruising loads, the Traveller 32 employed finer, more balanced entry and exit lines, drawing comparison to high-performance heavy displacement classics like the Bristol Channel Cutter or Cape George 31.
The boat’s interior layout was optimized to serve as a functional home at sea rather than a dockside condo. Standard layouts feature a commodious V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon is characterized by traditional, high-quality wood joinery with port and starboard settees and a central drop-leaf table. Crucially, Rhodes moved the galley aft, adjacent to the companionway on the port side, allowing the cook to remain secure in a seaway while maintaining excellent ventilation.
The character of the interior finish varies notably by builder. Hulls constructed by Ta Chiao in Taiwan exhibit the classic, heavily detailed Asian-teak joinery of the era. Conversely, those completed by the Ron Rawson yard feature a cleaner, more pragmatic American finish that prioritizes structural simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance. Both variations deliver a cozy, secure offshore cabin with plenty of handholds, deep storage bins, and excellent bilge volume.
Variations & Configurations 2
While the fundamental hull shape and full-keel configuration remained constant throughout the production run, the structural execution and deck configurations shifted dramatically during the transition from Taiwanese to American construction.
Early Taiwanese-built hulls (hulls 1 through 12, approximately) were constructed with heavy teak-overlay decks laid over a fiberglass-and-plywood subdeck. These boats feature extensive exterior woodwork, including teak cap rails, handrails, and cabin-trunk trim. They represent the pinnacle of traditional aesthetic appeal but carry the high-maintenance burdens associated with classic teak joinery.
The American-built versions produced by Ron Rawson in Washington used a different approach to the deck and cabin construction 2. These boats feature solid fiberglass hulls mated to fiberglass-and-marine-plywood decks finished with a molded non-skid pattern. Teak was used sparingly, primarily confined to cockpit planking and essential trim. This variation stripped away significant maintenance work and eliminated the thousands of potential leak paths associated with screw-down teak decks. Additionally, while the cutter rig remained the standard sail plan, some owners have configured their boats with simplified sloop rigs, though the cutter configuration remains far superior for balancing the boat across a wide range of offshore wind conditions.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Traveller 32 are defined by its traditional, heavy-displacement design ratios. With a displacement of 14,200 pounds and a water line length of 27.08 feet, the displacement-to-length ratio of 319.22 puts the vessel firmly in the heavy-cruiser category. This heavy displacement, combined with a comforting motion comfort ratio of 35.01, results in an exceptionally soft, predictable, and reassuring motion in a seaway. The boat does not slam into head seas; instead, it parts the waves cleanly, minimizing crew fatigue on multi-day passages.
Its capsize screening ratio of 1.68 is well below the critical 2.0 threshold, highlighting its excellent righting moment and inherent stability in severe weather. Ballast stands at 5,300 pounds of encapsulated lead, giving a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 37.32%. This translates to a stiff boat that stands up well to a breeze, carrying its canvas long after lighter coastal cruisers are forced to reef.
Under sail, the boat’s defining characteristic is its superb balance. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of 15.85 suggests that the boat can feel somewhat underpowered in light airs (winds under 8–10 knots), requiring a lightweight genoa or cruising spinnaker to keep moving. However, when the breeze fills in, the true genius of Philip Rhodes' hull shape becomes apparent. The canoe-stern hull is virtually symmetrical fore and aft, which prevents the boat from developing hard helm pressure when heeled. Owners report that with the cutter rig properly trimmed, the helm remains light and the boat will track straight for miles with the tiller lashed. The cutaway forefoot of the keel significantly reduces the turning radius compared to a traditional full-length keel, though handling in reverse under power remains challenging due to the heavy prop-walk typical of transom-hung rudders.
Market Snapshot & Economics
Because only a small number of Traveller 32s were built, they rarely appear on the brokerage market. When they do, they occupy a unique niche, commanding a dedicated following among classic boat enthusiasts. They generally represent an exceptional value, offering true blue water capability and a designer pedigree at a fraction of the cost of a similarly sized Bristol Channel Cutter or Pacific Seacraft.
However, buyers must approach the purchase with a clear understanding of refit economics. Because these vessels are now decades old, their purchase price is only the entry ticket. A prospective owner must budget carefully for potential structural repairs, rig replacement, and auxiliary engine work. The difference between a Taiwanese-built Ta Chiao hull and an American-built Rawson hull is a major factor in these economics; the former is more likely to require expensive teak deck remediation, while the latter, though simpler to maintain, may require cosmetic gelcoat restoration and cabin-trunk repair.
Known Issues & Triage
The primary areas of concern on any vintage Traveller 32 relate to the deck construction and the original auxiliary propulsion.
For the Taiwanese-built models, leaking teak decks are the most common and labor-intensive issue. The teak planks were fastened with hundreds of screws directly into a fiberglass-and-plywood subdeck. Over time, the caulking and screw bungs fail, allowing water to migrate down the screw threads and rot the plywood core. Triage requires a thorough moisture inspection of the decks and cabin house. Resolving this issue often involves stripping the old teak, digging out the rotted core, glassing in a new marine-grade plywood or synthetic core, and finishing the deck with fiberglass cloth and non-skid paint. Rawson-built hulls are not immune to rot either; any deck hardware, chainplates, or stanchion bases that were not periodically rebedded can let moisture slip into the plywood deck and cabin top core.
Another critical point of inspection is the original engine installation. Many Traveller 32s were delivered with a 27-horsepower Pisces diesel engine. This marine engine was built using a marinized two-cylinder Isuzu 2AB1 industrial forklift block. While the basic Isuzu engine block is famously robust and reliable, the marine-specific auxiliary components added by Pisces—such as the heat exchanger, water-jacketed exhaust manifold, and raw water pump—are long out of production and nearly impossible to find. If the engine has been neglected, sourcing replacement parts can turn into an expensive, custom-fabrication nightmare, making a complete engine swap a common necessity during a refit.
Additionally, the transom-hung rudder relies on heavy bronze gudgeons and pintles bolted directly through the stern post. These must be checked for crevice corrosion, structural cracking, and wallowed-out holes, which can introduce dangerous play into the steering system.
Modernization & Upgrades
Modern owners are actively bringing these classic cutters into the twenty-first century with systematic upgrades that leverage modern marine technology.
Repowering is a top priority for those replacing the aging Pisces diesels. The most popular replacement choices are modern, lightweight three-cylinder diesels such as the Beta Marine 30 or the Yanmar 3YM30. These engines fit comfortably into the spacious engine compartment, offer significantly smoother operation with less vibration than the old two-cylinder blocks, and enjoy global parts availability. Furthermore, some owners have embraced the vessel's spacious engine bilge to convert to electric propulsion, installing 48-volt electric motors paired with large lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery banks.
Upgrading the electrical grid is another standard modern refit. Transitioning the house battery bank to LiFePO4 cells allows owners to run high-draw DC appliances, refrigeration, and modern navigation electronics without the weight penalty of traditional lead-acid batteries. This is typically paired with high-output alternators, smart regulators, and the installation of solar panels mounted on a custom stern arch or integrated into a canvas bimini.
Rigging modernization is also common. To make the cutter rig easier to handle for solo sailors or aging couples, owners frequently retrofit the spar with lazy jacks or a mainsail track system to ease hoisting and dropping. Replacing the traditional hank-on staysails and jibs with modern roller-furling units dramatically increases safety by keeping the crew off the foredeck in heavy weather.
The Verdict
The Traveller 32 is an elegant, highly capable, and beautifully balanced blue water cruiser that represents the twilight of Philip Rhodes’ legendary career. It stands as a testament to an era when pocket voyagers were built with fine lines and sea-kindly hulls rather than maximized interior volume. For the sailor seeking a rare, capable, and traditional cruiser with a pedigree that turns heads in any harbor, the Traveller 32 is an exceptional choice.
Pros
- Exceptional Sea-Keeping: The heavy displacement and high comfort ratio deliver an incredibly smooth, dry, and safe ride in heavy offshore conditions.
- Superb Hull Balance: Symmetrical double-ended design keeps the helm light and well-balanced, allowing the boat to track straight with minimal effort.
- High Structural Safety: Encapsulated lead ballast and a low capsize screening ratio ensure outstanding stability and offshore safety.
- Maneuverable Full Keel: The cutaway forefoot provides a great compromise, keeping the directional tracking of a full keel while remaining responsive in tight quarters.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Classic lines, a handsome transom-hung rudder, and traditional joinery make it one of the prettiest double-enders of its era.
Cons
- Extreme Scarcity: With fewer than 30 hulls ever produced, finding one on the market requires patience and a rapid response.
- Light Air Sluggishness: A modest sail area-to-displacement ratio means the boat requires a fresh breeze or specialized light-air sails to perform well in under 10 knots of wind.
- High Teak Maintenance: Early Taiwanese-built versions are prone to leaking teak decks, which require expensive and labor-intensive core restoration.
- Difficult Engine Parts Support: The original 27-horsepower Pisces diesel is difficult to find marine-specific parts for, often necessitating a complete repower.
- Difficult Backing Under Power: Like most long-keel, transom-hung rudder designs, backing up in a tight marina requires skill to manage heavy propeller walk.
