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Flot 32
Designer: S. Langevin  ·  Builder: Chantier Métalu (Fra)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Flot 32

Designed by S. Langevin and built by French shipyard Chantier Métalu beginning in 1977, this 31-foot sailboat represents solid European construction from the late 1970s era. The Flot 32's moderate dimensions and traditional fin keel with spade rudder configuration make it well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing adventures. With a displacement of 8,000 pounds and a comfort ratio of 18.05, the Flot 32 strikes a balance between performance and stability that appeals to sailors seeking reliable handling without excessive weight. The masthead sloop rig carries 563 square feet of sail area, providing respectable performance with a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 22.59 that suggests decent light-air capability while remaining manageable for smaller crews. The boat's capsize screening formula of 2.2 indicates good stability characteristics suitable for coastal waters and protected offshore passages. A theoretical hull speed of 6.93 knots aligns well with expectations for comfortable passage-making rather than racing performance. The Flot 32's beam of nearly 11 feet provides reasonable interior volume for its length, while the 5.2-foot draft offers access to most harbors while maintaining good upwind performance. This design appeals to sailors seeking a well-built European cruiser with traditional sailing qualities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.36 ft / 9.56 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.74 ft / 8.15 m
Beam 10.99 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.20 ft / 1.58 m
Displacement 8,000.00 lb / 3,629 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 563.00 ft² / 52.30 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Designer S. Langevin
Builder Chantier Métalu (FRA)
First Built 1977
Related Sailboats ["Elvstrom 32" · "Niagara 31" · "Cal 31" · "Cc 32" · "Tartan 31"]
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 22.59
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 186.79
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 18.05
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.2
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.93 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,050.04 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Cal 31, Cc 32, Niagara 31

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Flot 32 ★
31.4 ft
Cal 31
31.5 ft
Cc 32
31.5 ft
Niagara 31
31.3 ft
LWL
Flot 32 ★
26.7 ft
Cal 31
25.7 ft
Cc 32
24.7 ft
Niagara 31
24.3 ft
Beam
Flot 32 ★
11.0 ft
Cal 31
10.0 ft
Cc 32
10.3 ft
Niagara 31
10.3 ft
Displacement
Flot 32 ★
8 lbs
Cal 31
9 lbs
Cc 32
9 lbs
Niagara 31
8 lbs
Ballast
Flot 32 ★
—
Cal 31
3 lbs
Cc 32
3 lbs
Niagara 31
3 lbs
Sail Area
Flot 32 ★
563 sq ft
Cal 31
490 sq ft
Cc 32
462 sq ft
Niagara 31
492 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Flot 32 ★
—
Cal 31
156 s/nm
Cc 32
—
Niagara 31
162 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Flot 32 ★
22.6
Cal 31
18.0
Cc 32
16.3
Niagara 31
19.7
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Flot 32 ★
18.1
Cal 31
24.1
Cc 32
25.2
Niagara 31
21.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Flot 32 ★
2.20
Cal 31
1.91
Cc 32
1.93
Niagara 31
2.05
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Flot 32 ★
186
Cal 31
—
Cc 32
—
Niagara 31
250
Hull Speed
Flot 32 ★
6.9 kts
Cal 31
6.8 kts
Cc 32
6.7 kts
Niagara 31
6.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Flot 32 ★
—
Cal 31
2.3
Cc 32
1.8
Niagara 31
2.4
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