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Known Issues

Nicholson 32 Known Issues

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Nicholson 32.

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These are the most commonly reported problems on the Nicholson 32, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

10
Known Issues
5 High 4 Medium 1 Low
Accommodations
Low
The interior joinery was constructed using teak-faced ply with solid teak trim, and on older boats this woodwork is frequently found to have swollen, delaminated, or gone soft due to chronic low-level water ingress from ports, the companionway, and deck fittings. The quarter berth area and forward cabin are particularly prone.
Electrical
High
Original wiring looms on surviving unrestored examples are now 40–60 years old and frequently found to be brittle, undersized by modern standards, and lacking proper fusing. Many boats have had ad-hoc additions over the years with no circuit protection, creating fire risk.
pre-1980 models
Engine
Medium
Boats were fitted with various small diesel auxiliaries over the production run (including Stuart Turner, Bukh, and Volvo Penta units), and engine beds in GRP long-keel boats of this era are prone to softening and delamination under vibration. Check the engine beds for movement and soft GRP, and verify the engine mounts are secure.
Hull/Deck
Medium
Early Nicholson 32s used a relatively thin GRP layup by modern standards, and the deck moulding in particular is prone to delamination and core saturation around chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast partners area where water ingress has occurred over decades.
1962–1970 models
High
The deck-to-hull joint on earlier production boats was bonded and bolted but is known to open up and allow persistent water ingress into the topsides, particularly at the bow and stern quarters. This joint should be carefully inspected and probed for movement or soft spots.
pre-1972 models
Medium
The rudder on the Nicholson 32 is hung on a pintle-and-gudgeon arrangement on the back of the long keel. The lower gudgeon in particular is subject to wear and corrosion, and the rudder can develop significant play. Inspect for slop in the rudder bearings and condition of the pintles.
High
Bronze seacocks and through-hulls were standard fitment and are now 40–60 years old on earlier boats. Dezincification of older brass fittings (sometimes substituted for bronze) is a known issue; all below-waterline fittings should be confirmed as bronze or replaced.
1962–1975 models
Keel
High
The long keel is integral to the hull on most Nicholson 32s, but the ballast is encapsulated lead or iron. On iron-ballasted versions, internal corrosion of the ballast can cause the hull floor to lift or crack in the bilge area. Check for rust staining in the bilge and any cracking of the GRP over the ballast.
Rigging
High
The chainplate knees are glassed into the hull interior and are known to crack or delaminate from the hull skin over time due to the high rig loads on this fractional-rigged or masthead-rigged vessel. Interior liners or joinery often hide the chainplate roots, making inspection difficult.
Medium
The mast step on deck versions can develop leaks and stress cracking around the partners, as the deck moulding was not always heavily reinforced in this area on earlier builds. Inspect the underside of the deck at the mast for delamination and staining.
1962–1975 models
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