Tripp Paceship 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Paceship 32 is frequently lauded for its "sea-kindly" motion, a direct result of William Tripp’s design philosophy which balanced a relatively heavy displacement with a moderate sail plan. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the cruiser-racer category of its time, the boat handles chop with a predictable, rhythmic motion rather than the jarring bounce found in lighter, modern hulls.

Owners and historical reviews on the Paceship Owners Site note that the boat is particularly adept at upwind work, pointing higher than many of its contemporaries. This performance is aided by a high ballast-to-displacement ratio (typically around 40%), which provides the stiffness necessary to carry sail in a breeze. However, like many designs of the early IOR era, the Paceship 32 can be somewhat tender in a blow if not reefed early, as its narrow beam does not provide the same initial stability as modern wide-transom designs. Under power, the original models were often equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine, though many have since been refitted with more reliable and efficient diesels.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Paceship 32 reflects the functional, woody aesthetic of the 1970s, utilizing extensive teak trim and bulkheads. The layout is a standard offshore configuration designed for security at sea: a forward V-berth, a head compartment and hanging locker separating the cabin from the salon, and a main salon featuring a U-shaped or linear settee. The galley is typically located aft for better ventilation and proximity to the cockpit.

While the Paceship 32 did not see the vast array of cabin variants found in modern production yachts, it is often compared to its "siblings" within the Tripp-designed Paceship family. The Acadian 30, for instance, serves as a smaller predecessor that shares much of the same design DNA, while the Paceship 32 itself was later succeeded in the lineup by the PY-32, a boat with a much beamier hull and a different performance profile. Those familiar with the Paceship 32 often distinguish it from the "Bluejacket" series or the PY-26, noting that the 32-footer offers significantly better headroom (approximately 6'2") and a more "shippy" feel below deck than its smaller counterparts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Paceship 32 should focus their inspection on areas common to fiberglass boats of this vintage.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats built in the 1970s, Paceship used a balsa-wood core for the decks. If hardware (cleats, stanchions, or chainplates) was not re-bedded periodically, water can ingress and rot the core. Soft spots around the mast step or near the chainplates are high-signal warning signs.
• Chainplate Knees: The chainplates on the Paceship 32 are bolted to fiberglass-encapsulated wood knees. Over time, water may migrate down the chainplate and compromise the structural integrity of these knees.
• Rudder Saucering: The spade rudder features a foam core that can become saturated. Buyers should check for "weeping" or "saucering" (swelling) of the rudder blade when the boat is hauled out.
• Engine Condition: For vessels still carrying the original Atomic 4 engine, a thorough inspection of the cooling manifold and fuel lines is essential, as these components are prone to corrosion and safety issues if neglected.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data, original brochures, and owner support is the Paceship Owners Site. This organization maintains an extensive archive of historical documents and a registry of hull numbers, which is invaluable for identifying specific build years and original equipment lists.

The Verdict

The Paceship 32 remains a "sailor's boat"—a classic Tripp design that prioritizes graceful lines and windward performance over the "condo-on-the-water" philosophy of modern cruisers. It is an excellent choice for a couple or small family looking for a robust coastal cruiser with a pedigree that stands out in a sea of modern production hulls.

Pros

• Timeless Design: Exceptional aesthetic appeal with classic Tripp lines.
• Performance: Strong upwind capability and a stable, comfortable motion in a seaway.
• Build Quality: Substantial fiberglass layup that has proven durable over five decades.

Cons

• Maintenance Needs: Age-related issues such as deck core rot or outdated plumbing and electrical systems.
• Narrow Beam: Offers less interior volume and less initial stability than modern 32-footers.
• Original Engines: The Atomic 4, while smooth, requires more specialized safety awareness and maintenance than modern diesels.