Valiant 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Valiant 32 is a study in balance and momentum. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering around 320, it is a moderately heavy-displacement vessel that excels in heavy weather rather than light-air coastal drifting. The hull’s double-ended design, famously championed by Perry to prevent following seas from boarding the vessel, contributes to a smooth motion in a seaway. The boat’s fin keel and deep skeg-hung rudder—a departure from the full-keel designs of previous double-enders like the Westsail 32—allow it to point higher and tack with significantly more agility.

The cutter rig is the most common configuration, providing a versatile sail plan that is easily managed from the cockpit. According to editorial reviews by Sailing Magazine, the boat tracks exceptionally well, reducing strain on the helmsman or autopilot during long hauls. While it may feel "sluggish" in less than 10 knots of wind, once the breeze fills in to 15 knots, the Valiant 32 hits its stride, offering a stiff, dry ride. Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40% ensures a high righting moment, making it a "stiff" boat that can carry full sail longer than its lighter competitors.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Valiant 32 is designed with a "form follows function" philosophy, optimized for safety at sea rather than dockside entertaining. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon utilizes two straight settees or a L-shaped configuration that serve as excellent sea berths when equipped with lee cloths. The galley is generally located to starboard of the companionway, while a dedicated navigation station and a quarter berth are found to port.

The craftsmanship is characterized by extensive use of teak and high-quality joinery, which was a hallmark of the Uniflite production era. Headroom is generous for a 32-foot boat, measuring approximately 6'2", which prevents the cabin from feeling claustrophobic. While most Valiant 32s followed a standard layout, some variations exist in the cabinetry and storage solutions, depending on whether the boat was finished by the factory or delivered as a "kit" for owner completion—a common practice for Valiant in the 1970s. The boat's "sibling" models include the larger Valiant 37 and 40, which share the same double-ended hull form and structural philosophy but offer expanded aft-cabin accommodations.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Valiant 32 benefits from the immense cultural footprint of its designer, Robert Perry, whose work is documented extensively in his memoir Sailing Designs. The vessel is frequently cited in cruising literature as a premier choice for "pocket" blue-water voyaging. The model's reputation was further solidified through its inclusion in various "Best Used Boat" lists by publications like Practical Sailor, which has lauded the Valiant line for its robust scantlings and offshore reliability.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The most significant technical concern for any prospective Valiant 32 buyer is the "blister issue" associated with Uniflite-built hulls between 1975 and 1981. During this period, the builder utilized a fire-retardant resin called Hetron, which contained a chemical catalyst that reacted with moisture to create pervasive osmotic blisters. Unlike standard blisters, these often appear in the laminate itself rather than just under the gelcoat. While many hulls have undergone extensive (and expensive) peeling and epoxy treatments, buyers must verify the hull’s history and seek a rigorous moisture survey.

Other areas for inspection include:

• Chainplates: Like many boats of this age, the stainless steel chainplates are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck.
• Deck Core: While Valiant used high-quality materials, any unsealed deck hardware can lead to balsa core saturation and soft spots.
• Rudder Post and Skeg: Inspect the connection point of the skeg to the hull and the rudder gudgeons for signs of stress or play, as these are critical for offshore safety.
• Aluminum Fuel Tanks: Original tanks may show signs of pitting or corrosion at the bottom where moisture can collect.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Valiant 32 are supported by a dedicated and knowledgeable community. The Valiant Owners Group is the primary technical resource, maintaining archives of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific "fixes" for the Hetron resin issues. Robert Perry himself remains an active figure in the sailing community and has been known to provide historical context and design insights to owners of his classic designs.

The Verdict

The Valiant 32 is a purpose-built machine for the sailor who values substance over style. It is a boat that will keep its crew safe in a gale while many modern boats are forced to seek shelter. While the threat of "Uniflite blisters" requires due diligence, a well-maintained or remediated 32 offers world-class cruising capabilities at a fraction of the cost of a new yacht.

Pros:

• Exceptional tracking and heavy-weather stability.
• Overbuilt structural components designed for circumnavigation.
• High-quality interior joinery and functional sea-going layout.
• Timeless aesthetic from a legendary naval architect.

Cons:

• Potential for severe hull blistering in models built with Hetron resin.
• Relatively slow performance in light air (under 10 knots).
• Limited interior volume compared to modern 32-footers.