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Ranger 32
Designer: Gary Mull  ·  Builder: Ranger Yachts  ·  First built: 1973
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About the Ranger 32

Originally designed as a performance-oriented cruiser, the Ranger 32 emerged during an era when sailboat manufacturers were balancing speed with comfort for the growing recreational sailing market. This mid-sized sailboat quickly gained recognition for its solid construction and versatile sailing characteristics. Built with a focus on durability and seaworthiness, the Ranger 32 features a well-proportioned hull design that delivers reliable performance across various conditions. The boat's moderate displacement and thoughtful weight distribution contribute to predictable handling characteristics that appeal to both experienced sailors and those developing their skills. While detailed specifications remain limited in available records, the Ranger 32's reputation centers on its suitability for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The design emphasizes practical sailing over pure racing performance, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking a dependable vessel for exploring protected waters and nearshore environments. The cockpit layout and interior arrangement reflect the practical priorities of its era, with adequate space for small crew sailing while maintaining the structural integrity needed for confident handling in moderate seas. This balance of features has helped the Ranger 32 maintain its appeal among sailors looking for an honest, capable cruising sailboat.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.83 ft / 7.87 m
Beam 10.83 ft / 3.30 m
Max Draft 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Displacement 9,500.00 lb / 4,309 kg
Ballast 4,480.00 lb / 2,032 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 449.00 ft² / 41.71 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Gary Mull
Builder Ranger Yachts
First Built 1973
Related Sailboats ["Irwin 325" · "Carter 33" · "Islander 32" · "Ericson 32 3" · "Catalina 320"]
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 162
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
 16.07
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
 22.09
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
 2.05
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. 6.81
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
 2.11
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. 999.54
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 40.9
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.25
P (Mainsail Luff) 36.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.67
SA Fore 270.96
SA Main 176.48
How It Compares

vs. Carter 33, Ericson 32 3, Islander 32

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ranger 32 ★
32.5 ft
Carter 33
32.6 ft
Ericson 32 3
32.5 ft
Islander 32
32.5 ft
LWL
Ranger 32 ★
25.8 ft
Carter 33
23.3 ft
Ericson 32 3
25.8 ft
Islander 32
24.8 ft
Beam
Ranger 32 ★
10.8 ft
Carter 33
11.0 ft
Ericson 32 3
10.8 ft
Islander 32
10.0 ft
Displacement
Ranger 32 ★
9 lbs
Carter 33
7 lbs
Ericson 32 3
9 lbs
Islander 32
9 lbs
Ballast
Ranger 32 ★
4 lbs
Carter 33
2 lbs
Ericson 32 3
4 lbs
Islander 32
4 lbs
Sail Area
Ranger 32 ★
449 sq ft
Carter 33
405 sq ft
Ericson 32 3
497 sq ft
Islander 32
454 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Ranger 32 ★
162 s/nm
Carter 33
180 s/nm
Ericson 32 3
—
Islander 32
165 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ranger 32 ★
16.1
Carter 33
17.0
Ericson 32 3
17.4
Islander 32
16.0
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ranger 32 ★
22.1
Carter 33
18.2
Ericson 32 3
22.8
Islander 32
25.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ranger 32 ★
2.05
Carter 33
2.25
Ericson 32 3
2.03
Islander 32
1.88
Hull Speed
Ranger 32 ★
6.8 kts
Carter 33
6.5 kts
Ericson 32 3
6.8 kts
Islander 32
6.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Ranger 32 ★
2.1
Carter 33
2.0
Ericson 32 3
2.2
Islander 32
1.8
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