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Islander 32 3
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Islander Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Islander 32 3

Robert Perry's design expertise shines through in this well-balanced coastal cruiser that has earned a loyal following among sailors seeking a capable boat for weekend adventures and extended coastal passages. Built by Islander Yachts starting in 1977, the Islander 32 represents thoughtful design priorities that favor seaworthiness and comfort over pure performance. The boat's moderate displacement of 10,500 pounds and substantial ballast ratio provide reassuring stability, while the fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling characteristics. With a comfort ratio of 24.34, this design leans toward the comfortable end of the spectrum, making it well-suited for couples or small families planning overnight trips and coastal cruising. The masthead sloop rig and 475 square feet of sail area offer adequate performance for most conditions, though racing sailors might find the sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 15.9 somewhat conservative by modern standards. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over decades, with many examples still actively sailing today. Hull speed calculations suggest comfortable passage-making speeds around 6.70 knots, while the capsize screening value of 2.03 indicates reasonable offshore capability for experienced crews, though the boat truly excels in coastal and protected water environments.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.96 ft / 9.74 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
Beam 11.08 ft / 3.38 m
Max Draft 5.33 ft / 1.62 m
Displacement 10,500.00 lb / 4,763 kg
Ballast 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 475.00 ft² / 44.13 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Islander Yachts (USA)
First Built 1977
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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
 15.9
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40
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
 300
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
 24.34
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
 2.03
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. 6.70 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.66
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. 989.75 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.88
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.75 ft / 4.19 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 36.40 ft / 11.09 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.20 ft / 3.11 m
SA Fore 288.75 ft² / 26.83 m²
SA Main 185.64 ft² / 17.25 m²
SA Total (100%) 474.39 ft² / 44.07 m²
Est. Forestay Length 44.19 ft / 13.47 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model MD7A
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 13
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