Design and Construction
The Fulmar 32 has a fiberglass hull, iron ballast, and a spade rudder designed to provide precise steering. It measures 31'11" overall, with a beam of 10'9" and a displacement of around 11,000 lbs. Those proportions keep the boat manageable while providing enough room for the cruising role Dubois intended. Its immersion rate of 216 kg/cm speaks to its stability and load-carrying capacity.
Two keel configurations were available. The performance-oriented fin keel draws 5'6", while the twin-keel version has a shoal 4'0" draft and can dry out on tidal flats.
Rig and Handling
The Fulmar 32 carries a fractional sloop rig, with a mast height of around 43 ft and sail area near 505 sq ft. A sail-area/displacement ratio of 14.95 and a capsize screening value of 1.96 place it firmly in the cruising spectrum rather than among out-and-out racers. Even so, its reputation as a reliable cruiser-racer reflects the balance between those roles.
The spade rudder’s precise steering complements the fin keel’s performance emphasis. The twin keel, meanwhile, suits sailors who value the ability to take the ground on a falling tide.
Sheet geometry is conventional for a boat of this size. The genoa and jib sheets are around 9.7 m long, while the mainsheet is 24.3 m; all are 12 mm in diameter.
Accommodations
Below deck, the Fulmar 32 provides seven berths and a galley. It’s a practical cruising layout without pretending to be a condo afloat. The beam of just under 11 ft and the 31'11" hull provide the volume needed for those berths while keeping displacement and handling in check.
Verdict
The Westerly Fulmar 32 is a considered design from Ed Dubois’ early years with Westerly. It balances comfort and performance in a fiberglass monohull and earned its cruiser-racer reputation across 437 hulls. The choice of fin or twin keels lets an owner prioritize speed or the ability to take the ground, while the spade rudder keeps the handling precise.
Pros
- Twin-keel option can dry out on tidal flats and draws 4'0"
- Fiberglass hull and 216 kg/cm immersion rate provide load-carrying capacity
- Seven berths and a galley suit cruising use
Cons
- The fin keel’s 5'6" draft limits access to some shallow waters
- The 14.95 SA/D ratio favors cruising rather than outright racing pace
