DISCOVERY 32
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32 ft |
| LWL | 25 ft |
| Beam | 9.16 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 8,645 lb |
| Ballast | 2,999.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.67 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.33 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 506.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 240.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 409.2 sq ft |
About the DISCOVERY 32
Appeared in 'Popular Boating Magazine', July,1966.
The Discovery 32 is a classic 32.0 ft masthead sloop designed by Hatfield & Palmer and built in 1965. With a displacement of 8645.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 25.8, this vessel represents a specific era of American cruising yacht design, though exact build counts and builder details remain unverified in available records.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 32.0 ft LOA with a moderate 5.25 ft max draft for access to varied shorelines. Its 247.0 D/L ratio indicates a balanced performance profile suitable for relaxed cruising rather than high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.79 and a 2999.8 lb ballast fraction, the Discovery 32 demonstrates adequate stability for protected coastal passages, though its 1965 vintage and fin keel design suggest it is better suited for nearshore cruising than heavy offshore bluewater expeditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other 1960s American fin-keel sloops of similar length, such as the Pearson 303 or O'Day 32, which share the 25.0 ft LWL and moderate beam characteristics. These boats offer similar coastal cruising capabilities with comparable displacement-to-length ratios.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DISCOVERY 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.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 6 systems for the DISCOVERY 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DISCOVERY 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 8 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 DISCOVERY 32?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the DISCOVERY 32
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…