Wauquiez Centurion 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Centurion 32 is a quintessential "sailor’s boat," characterized by its stiff, powerful gait and excellent windward performance. With a displacement of roughly 10,000 lbs and a high ballast ratio, it handles heavy weather with a level of composure that modern light-displacement cruisers often lack. The Holman & Pye design features a narrow beam by modern standards, which allows the boat to slice through a chop rather than slamming into it.

Owners and reviewers frequently note that the boat "tracks as if on rails," a testament to the well-proportioned skeg and rudder. According to historical technical assessments from the Wauquiez International Owners Association, the boat was designed to be driven hard without losing its manners. While it requires a fair amount of wind to get moving compared to modern designs—owing to its significant wetted surface area—it truly comes alive in 15 to 25 knots of breeze. The fractional rig (on earlier models) or the more common masthead sloop configuration provides a balanced sail plan, though the large genoa common to this era means that a high-quality furling system or a dedicated crew is necessary for efficient headsail trimming.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 32-foot vessel designed in the late 1960s, the Centurion 32 offers a remarkably functional and elegant interior. The layout is traditional: a V-berth forward, a head and hanging locker separating the cabin from the saloon, and two settee berths in the main cabin, one of which usually converts into a double. The use of high-grade Burmese teak throughout the cabin is a hallmark of the Wauquiez yard, providing a warm, shipshape atmosphere that has aged better than many of its contemporaries.

The galley is typically located to port of the companionway, with a dedicated chart table to starboard—a feature often sacrificed in modern boats of this size. While the 9-foot 3-inch beam limits the "open-concept" feel found in 21st-century yachts, it provides excellent security while moving about in a seaway. Headroom is approximately 6 feet 1 inch, which is generous for a boat of this vintage. Minor variations existed throughout the production run, primarily concerning the engine choices (ranging from Volvo Penta to Farymann diesels) and slight updates to the nav station cabinetry, but the core structural layout remained consistent across the decade of its manufacture.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Centurion 32 earned a reputation as a formidable offshore passage-maker, a status cemented by its frequent appearance in long-distance cruising literature. Most notably, the model gained acclaim when it was chosen for various solo transatlantic voyages in the 1970s. While it did not have a single "starring role" in a major motion picture, it is frequently cited in Yachting Monthly as a benchmark for the "Modern Classic" category, often used as the standard against which other 1970s cruisers are measured for build integrity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Centurion 32 should approach the purchase with an eye toward the common aging pains of 50-year-old fiberglass yachts.

• Osmotic Blistering: While Wauquiez used high-quality resins, many hulls from this era have developed osmosis. A professional moisture meter reading of the hull is essential.
• Deck Core Integrity: The side decks are balsa-cored. Over decades, improperly sealed stanchion bases or deck hardware can lead to water ingress and core rot. Check for "spongy" sections underfoot.
• Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates are robust, but the points where they pass through the deck are prone to leaks, which can damage the bulkhead timber below.
• Engine Replacement: Many original Centurion 32s were fitted with the Volvo MD2B or Farymann engines. Unless meticulously maintained, these are often at the end of their service life; buyers should prioritize boats that have been repowered with modern Yanmar or Beta Marine units.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety feature, but the bushings at the base of the skeg can wear down, leading to vibration or "play" in the steering.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Wauquiez International Owners Association. This group maintains a repository of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and a registry of surviving hulls. Additionally, because of the Holman & Pye connection, many technical insights can be found through British classic yacht forums, where the Centurion 32 is held in high regard alongside its UK-built cousins.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 32 is a quintessential offshore cruiser for the traditionalist who values build quality and heavy-weather performance over interior volume. It remains an affordable entry point into the world of high-quality European yachting.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior joinery and fiberglass work compared to mass-market contemporaries.
• Seaworthiness: A balanced, predictable hull that excels in heavy air and windward beats.
• Aesthetics: Timeless, sleek lines that command respect in any marina.

Cons:

• Limited Beam: The interior can feel cramped compared to modern 32-footers.
• Maintenance Intensity: High-quality teak and older systems require consistent upkeep.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement and high wetted surface make it sluggish in drifting conditions.