FASTBACK 32

About the FASTBACK 32

Retractable saildrive located in the center of the boat. Specs are from third party sources and not confirmed.

The Fastback 32 is a compact catamaran designed by John Gross and built by Fastback Catamarans in Australia, with production records indicating a build year of 1996. As a fractional sloop with a displacement of 5512.0 lb and a beam of 16.08 ft, it represents a specific era of Australian multihull design focused on performance and manageable size.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize easy handling and shallow draft access over heavy offshore provisioning. Its fractional sloop rig and relatively light displacement make it well-suited for single-handers or couples seeking a responsive, trailerable catamaran for protected waters.

Bluewater capability:

With a capsize ratio of 3.64 and a max draft of 3.94 ft, the Fastback 32 is primarily a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated bluewater passagemaker, though its catamaran form offers inherent stability for short offshore hops.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include other 30-33 foot performance catamarans from the mid-1990s, such as the Lagoon 320 or Fountaine-Pajot A33, though the Fastback is notably lighter and narrower. It also shares DNA with early Australian designs like the Polynesian 36, but with a significantly reduced beam and displacement.