Centurion 32

[mystymike]

I plan to buy a larger boat this year and I have come across a Wauquiez Centurion 32. To me, this is quite an attractive boat but I do not know very much about this make. Can anyone give further information i.e., known strengths/weaknesses. Thank you. M

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[charles_reed]

An excellent French builder, using a 1st class E-coast UK designer.
Compares favourably with amy Baltic builder and is streets ahead of French and British builders in QC.
It's a great pity that, like Amel, it's been taken over by the all-devouring Benéteau.

Is it actually a Praetorian?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[charles_reed]

Wauquiez.
An excellent French builder, using a 1st class E-coast UK designer.
Compares favourably with amy Baltic builder and is streets ahead of French and British builders in QC.
It's a great pity that, like Amel, it's been taken over by the all-devouring Benéteau.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[sailorman]

designed by kim holman ( later holman pye)
if the kerrawong kid is on-line he can help as he has one called guess what?
kerrawong
good luck

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[allanc]

Pretorien is a 35` boat.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Jeremy_W]

Bedouin and AelousIV (sp?) on this BB are Centurions. I'd PM both of them for more info.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[allanc]

Great build quality, great design, a good boat. Until I bought mine, a Wauquiez Gladiateur 33, I was unaware of the Wauquiez/Holman & Pye relationship. I'm happy to throw my recommendation into the ring - if all else is right, buy it, these boats sail well and will look after you.
Good luck.
Allan

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Lizzie_B]

From what I've seen and heard of Bedouin, she sails like a dream. Single handing in a good blow back from Cherbourg seems to present no problem. PM to Bedouin and I'm sure you'd get a wholehearted recommendation and lots of useful tips. Understand from B that steering under power can take a bit of getting used to.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Lucky You! Centurion 32 is a fantastic boat and I would buy one over a new boat, eg., a BenJenBav, any day. Problem is that I have not come across one for sale in this zone. Is it Libecciu that you're considering?
Fair Winds!

<hr width=100% size=1>Wally

 

[Aeolus_IV]

Hi there,

As has already been mentioned there are a couple of us regulars on the forum with Centurion 32's, though there are a couple of others are about in the background.

Without being too over the top - I can say that they are excellent sailing boats. We have found ourselves (in the right conditions) chasing boats round 20 (even 30) years newer in our local club racing - to windward she goes like a train. Off the wind, well, planing isn't an option, but she runs straight and true (so far). Heavy weather seems to be her speciality, but as a consequence her light wind speeds are not so impressive. Speed wise she would seem to be of similar speed to a Contressa 32 - but we've not yet managed to race one of these (I have high hopes for this coming season).

From a build point of view they are well built - even heavily built. The interior is all teak faced ply. The MD2B engine will be tired by now - we changed ours for a Yanmar. But many people keep the old Volvos going well, and they seem reliable if well maintained. Parts for them are now a problem - after all the engine is over 30 years old. As a "Gottya", the propeller is offset to port - but don't let that worry you. In reality this gives you handling which is better than a long keeler, but not quite as flexible as a silimar boat with a center-line prop. The chief problems are that there is no prop-wash over the rudder, and in astern initially she'll not turn to starboard. It takes a little practice, like any boat.

Here are the Here. It is basically French as the majority of owners are French!

I think that it is obvious that we're very happy with Aeolus - she has proved to be everthing we wanted out of a big boat (she is our first yacht having crossed over from dinghies). I would recommend them.

Regards, Jeff.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bedouin]

As others have said, "Bedouin" is a Centurion and we are delighted with her.

The build and fit out quality of the Wauquiez boats of that era is second to none - Bedouin still looks and feels like a quality boat where many lighter boats, even 15 years younger, are beginning to feel tired.

In sailing terms she has a narrow waterline and narrow transom. This gives her excellent upwind performance (both pointing and speed) but comparatively poor downwind when compared to a modern lightweight, broad beamed design.

The sea-keeping is excellent, with a comfortable motion even in disturbed seas (under sail) but it is a comparatively wet ride. In stronger winds she begins to heal early as there is little form stability but stiffens up as soon as those 2 tonnes of lead start to have an effect. Once healed to more than 30-35 degrees the helm can begin to load up, with weather helm getting pronounced, and it is time to shorten sail.

The rig is a typical masthead rig for a 1970s IOR cruiser/racer with comparatively small main and large Genoa. This makes headsail choice quite important and she will not give of her best if you try to sail everywhere with a roller furling #1. The #2 (on roller gear) is a better general purpose sail, but leaves you a little under-powered in light winds.

Under power the Volvo MD2B is not the smoothest engine ever built and sound insulation is non-existent. Mine came with a very poor 2 bladed fixed prop that made close quarters handling exciting but I've recently changed that for a 3 bladed folding Gori that has improved all aspects of handling under power so that is not an issue.

If you look round one you will see that the accommodation is small by comparison with a modern 32' production boat, but it works well at sea.

A small contingent of Centurions regularly participate in the Cape-to-Rio race so they have serious ocean-crossing potential

All in all we find Bedouin ideal for our requirements, she is a delightfully easy to handle (even single handed in heavy weather) and still performs creditably in IRC handicapped races. If you are after a powerful offshore cruiser/racer there are very few boats that can match her.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[coco]

Can anybody comment on the hull itself, re. osmosis, etc, if applicable?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bedouin]

As is usual with a boat of that age the hull is a much heavier lay-up than you will find on a modern boat.

Bedouin has never had any signs of Osmosis - I tend to think that it would have developed by now if it were going to. Anyway on a hull that thick it would have no structural impact

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mystymike]

May I offer my apologies for not replying sooner. Shortly after posting my request there was a family bereavement on my wifes side and my enthusiasm was dulled somewhat.
Thank you for your detailed reply which answers some of my questions and gives me ideas on what to look out for. I hope to have a short trip in the yacht soon and hopefully it will be a brisk day. Where I am, undocking/docking is a nerve twisting game depending on the flows within the marina, so from what you say the Centurion will also be 'fun'. This boat has a two blade folding prop so reversing out may be problematical too. But then what is the good of ''plain sailing''.
I will let you know the results. Thanks again. Mike.

<hr width=100% size=1>