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64data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CHESAPEAKE 32 buyer’s report
CHESAPEAKE 32

CHESAPEAKE 32

Danboats🇩🇰· Design: Philip Rhodes
1960–196595 built
$1.7K – $4.6K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA32 ft
LWL22.08 ft
Beam8.75 ft
Draft4.75 ft
Displacement11,500 lb
Ballast3,750.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.3 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height39 ft
Jforetriangle base10.8 ft
Pmainsail luff34 ft
Emainsail foot13.5 ft
FLforestay10.8 ft
Mainsail486.5 sq ft
Jib (100%)224.1 sq ft
Spinnaker381 sq ft

About the CHESAPEAKE 32

Rhodes Design #700. Originally commissioned by US Yacht broker, George Walton and built in Denmark. They were sold under a number of names including DANBOAT 33 and ISL 33. Most boats were exported to the US and France. Gulf Marine in California bought the molds and also built about 10 hulls sold as the CABRRILLO 32.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Philip Rhodes and built by Danboats (DEN) between 1960 and 1965, the Chesapeake 32 is a classic full-keel sloop with a production run of 95 hulls. This data-driven synthesis highlights its reputation for robust offshore capability while flagging critical structural maintenance needs common to this vintage.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, particularly those willing to manage older mechanical systems and structural upkeep.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 11500.0 lb, a comfort ratio of 39.45, and a low capsize ratio of 1.55, the Chesapeake 32 is well-suited for offshore cruising due to its stable, heavy hull form.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Island Packet 32 and the Valiant 32, as they share similar full-keel, heavy-displacement designs from the same era focused on safe offshore passage making.

Performance

Comfort39.5
Capsize1.55
SA/Disp14.8
Disp/Len477
Bal/Disp32.6

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the CHESAPEAKE 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 32ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.7K – $4.6K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

10 reported issues across 6 systems for the CHESAPEAKE 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

4 critical4 major2 minor
Keel3Structural2Rigging2Deck1Hull1Rudder1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CHESAPEAKE 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 10 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

Which engine powers your CHESAPEAKE 32?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the CHESAPEAKE 32

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…