CONTESSA 32
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32 ft |
| LWL | 24 ft |
| Beam | 9.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 9,500 lb |
| Ballast | 4,500.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.7 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 447.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 258.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 439.4 sq ft |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | 200328 hpSee all 14 parts → |
| Beta Marine | Beta 2525 hpSee all 358 parts → |
About the CONTESSA 32
The CONTESSA 32 was first built at the Jeremy Rogers Ltd.. When introduced at the London boat show of 1973, it was awarded "Boat of the Show". Since then the yard built over 700. In 1973, J.J. Taylor president, Alan Nye Scott, had a Rogers-built hull and deck shipped from Britain so that a set of molds for production in Canada could be created. A total of 87 boats were built in Canada. (Until 1990). Jeremy Rogers developed vacuum bag assisted resin transfer systems for building the Contessa 32 & 39 models. The fiberglass lay-up of the Canadian-built boat is of the same standard as the British boats. British boats have an all-wood finish down below, while the Canadian version has a fiberglass headliner, as well as moldings for the interior furniture. Tiller steering is standard on the Rogers boats though some Canadian boats have wheel steering. A number of engines have been used including the Bukh 20-horsepower, Volvo 2003 28-horsepower, or a three-cylinder Yanmar diesel. Thanks to Jeremy Rogers Ltd. for sending information. Shorter rig: I: 37.2' J: 12.7' P: 32.0' E: 10.0'
Designed by David Sadler and built by Rogers/UK and Taylor/Canada, the Contessa 32 is a robust cruising sloop with 700 hulls built starting in 1971. Its reputation for seaworthiness is balanced by well-documented structural vulnerabilities, particularly regarding deck core integrity and keel attachment.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize offshore capability and are prepared to manage significant maintenance on aging fiberglass structures.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 9500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.8, the Contessa 32 is highly capable offshore, though its fin keel and mast step require rigorous inspection to ensure structural integrity for long passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Hallberg-Rassy 32 and Oyster 32 due to similar heavy displacement and offshore focus, though the Contessa offers a more traditional British cruising aesthetic with a distinct fin keel.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(4 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 4.4 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
| 90° | 4.9 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| 135° | 4.2 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.6 |
| 150° | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.3 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
Images
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
15 listings · boat years 1972–2018 · median $29,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 32ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
24 reported issues across 9 systems for the CONTESSA 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTESSA 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 24 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
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Volvo Penta 2003
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Used sails that fit the CONTESSA 32
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