CALIFORNIA 32
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 46 ft |
| LWL | 32 ft |
| Beam | 10.75 ft |
| Draft | 9.75 ft |
| Displacement | 25,000 lb |
| Ballast | 10,500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 47.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.1 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 48 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 22.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 986.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 403.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 686.1 sq ft |
About the CALIFORNIA 32
An eighth, slightly modified California 32 was built in Hong Kong in 1965.
The California 32 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Nicholas Potter and built by Fellows & Stewart/South Coast Co. between 1937 and 1946, with only 7 hulls constructed. Its substantial 25000.0 lb displacement and 10500.0 lb ballast reflect a design philosophy prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize comfort and safety in heavy weather, given its high comfort ratio of 45.14 and full keel design.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.47 and a high D/L ratio of 340.6, the California 32 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, though its age requires rigorous maintenance.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other 1930s-40s American full-keel cruisers such as the Columbia 30 or early O'Day models, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and heavy displacement characteristics.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CALIFORNIA 32 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 46ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 2 systems for the CALIFORNIA 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CALIFORNIA 32? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 5 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the CALIFORNIA 32
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