DREADNOUGHT 32
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32 ft |
| LWL | 30 ft |
| Beam | 10 ft |
| Draft | 4.75 ft |
| Displacement | 19,980 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 654.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 351.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 597.2 sq ft |
About the DREADNOUGHT 32
Design based on the orginal 1932 TAHITI KETCH with redesigned rig by Crealock (cutter or ketch). Many were sold in 'kit' form for owner completion. Dreadnought Boatworks was located in Carpenteria CA, USA.
Designed by John Hanna and W.I.B. Crealock and built by Dreadnought Boatworks (USA) from 1973–1983, the Dreadnought 32 is a robust, heavy-displacement cutter with 83 hulls produced. Its design prioritizes stability and offshore capability, evidenced by a high displacement of 19980.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.48.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for serious bluewater cruisers and coastal explorers who prioritize safety, comfort in heavy weather, and self-sufficiency over high-speed performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 19980.0 lb, a full/long keel, and a capsize ratio of 1.48, the Dreadnought 32 is highly capable offshore, designed for safe passage in extreme conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement, full-keel cutters from the 1970s and 80s such as the Tartan 34 or Valiant 40, due to similar design philosophies emphasizing seaworthiness and traditional construction.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1973–1980 · median $19,000
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.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 6 systems for the DREADNOUGHT 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DREADNOUGHT 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 13 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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Used sails that fit the DREADNOUGHT 32
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