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85data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HUSTLER 32 buyer’s report
HUSTLER 32

HUSTLER 32

Verl Yachts🇬🇧· Design: Stephen Jones
$26,916 avg$26,916 – $26,916 (2 listings)1978–198327 built
$1.7K – $4.5K est. annual maintenance
Racer/CruisermonoFractional SloopFin
Half Ton Class

Specifications

Hull

LOA32.33 ft
LWL25 ft
Beam11.25 ft
Draft5.83 ft
Displacement6,700 lb
Ballast2,950 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.7 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height34 ft
Jforetriangle base10.75 ft
Pmainsail luff35.5 ft
Emainsail foot13 ft
FLforestay10.8 ft
Mainsail432 sq ft
Jib (100%)182.8 sq ft
Spinnaker310.7 sq ft

About the HUSTLER 32

IOR 1/2 ton. (Prototype was 'Smokey Bear', 2nd at Poole, UK, 1978) Also called VERL 32.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Hustler 32 is a compact, performance-oriented cruiser designed by Stephen Jones and built by Verl Yachts (UK) between 1978 and 1983, with a total production run of 27 hulls. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration reflect a design philosophy focused on sailing efficiency within a manageable 32-foot footprint.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize sailing performance and ease of handling over heavy offshore provisioning. Its relatively light displacement and moderate beam make it ideal for those seeking a responsive boat that is manageable for short-handed cruising.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 6700.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.39, the Hustler 32 is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its lighter build and fin keel design.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the O'Day 32 and the Pearson 323, which share similar era, length, and fractional sloop configurations. These vessels offer similar coastal cruising capabilities with comparable interior volumes and performance characteristics.

Performance

Comfort15.2
Capsize2.39
SA/Disp18.6
Disp/Len191
Bal/Disp44.0

ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)

Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.

Polar Diagram

24680°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20knbeat VMGrun VMG

Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC

Racing Ratings

GPH713.0 s/miOSN690.8

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.80521.07321.2213Inshore0.61880.87041.0301

ORC Measured

Displacement3846 kg (8480 lb)Wetted surface20.9 m² (225 ft²)

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main25.9 m² (279 ft²)Genoa27.7 m² (299 ft²)Spinnaker24.7 m² (266 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS681012141620
52°4.75.66.26.56.76.76.8
60°5.05.96.46.76.86.97.0
75°5.26.16.66.87.07.27.4
90°5.26.16.66.97.17.47.7
110°4.75.76.46.87.17.47.9
120°4.45.46.26.77.07.27.8
135°3.84.85.76.36.77.07.6
150°3.34.35.15.86.46.87.3
Beat VMG3.13.74.24.54.74.84.8
Run VMG2.93.74.55.25.96.47.0

Estimated Value

Limited Data
Based on 2 listings
Low
$19,632
Estimated Value
$20,059
High
$20,486
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 32.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.7K – $4.5K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

11 reported issues across 7 systems for the HUSTLER 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

4 critical3 major4 minor
Rigging3Deck2Rudder2Engine1Hull1Keel1Structural1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HUSTLER 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 11 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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