MELGES 32
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31.83 ft |
| LWL | 28.5 ft |
| Beam | 9.83 ft |
| Draft | 7 ft |
| Displacement | 3,774 lb |
| Ballast | 1,708.6 lb |
| Material | 36.5 |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39.9 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.4 ft |
| FLforestay | 41.34 ft |
| Mainsail | 444.98 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 215.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 659 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Berths | 2 |
| CE category | About174 000€(2016) |
About the MELGES 32
SAIL AREA: MAIN: 41.34m2/445 sq.ft. JIB (105%): 23.6m2/254 sq.ft. ASYMMETRICAL CODE 1A, VMG: 103.4m2/1113 sq.ft. ASYMMETRICAL CODE 2A, RUNNER: 120.96m2/1302 sq.ft. ASYMMETRICAL CODE O,100˚ REACHER: 71.91m2/774 sq.ft.
Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Soca Sailboats, the Melges 32 is a high-performance racer-cruiser with 230 hulls constructed in 2004. Its lightweight displacement of 3774.0 lb and fractional sloop rig deliver exceptional speed, though the single-year production run creates a unique, concentrated fleet profile.
- Best for:
- This boat suits performance-oriented sailors and club racers who prioritize speed and handling over heavy cruising comfort, particularly those willing to manage the maintenance demands of a light-displacement, high-aspect-ratio design.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.53 and a comfort ratio of 9.42, the Melges 32 is primarily a coastal racer rather than a heavy bluewater cruiser, though its robust construction allows for protected offshore passages if properly maintained.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 32 and Hunter 34, which offer similar length overall (31.83 ft) but significantly higher displacement and different hull forms, making the Melges 32 distinct in its racing pedigree and lighter weight.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(29 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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.0 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 60° | 5.2 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 75° | 5.4 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 9.6 |
| 90° | 5.3 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 10.4 | 10.9 |
| 110° | 5.3 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.5 | 10.1 | 11.8 | 13.0 |
| 120° | 5.2 | 6.8 | 7.8 | 8.7 | 9.4 | 10.1 | 10.8 | 12.2 | 13.9 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 6.2 | 7.4 | 8.4 | 9.5 | 10.8 | 11.8 | 14.0 | 15.8 |
| 150° | 3.7 | 5.2 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 10.7 | 14.4 | 17.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 8.1 | 9.3 | 12.5 | 15.3 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 31.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the MELGES 32, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MELGES 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 7 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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