Rival 32 and 34

[purplerobbie]

Just been reading a post that said the rival 34 sails a lot better than the 32.
I have been told the 31 is a dog?
I know they are more or less the same boat apart from the lazerette.
They have the same interior

Is it just that the waterline length is more when the 34 heels over?

Or would you be better off having a 31 and saving a meter a year in mooring costs?

Any thoughts?

Rob

 

[MM5AHO]

I dispute that the R32 sails poorly.

 

[Malish]

You should have a look at the freely available material on the Rival Owners Association site including the designer's comments:
http://www.rivalowners.org.uk/

The R32 was an evolution of the R31 which improved slightly the handling characteristics. The R34 was shown experimentally to have a marginally better form than the R32 but probably the more significant benefit is to be had from the deep keel version of the R34 when compared to the shallow keel R34 or R32, it enables slightly better pointing to windward. Although slightly younger and some would say prettier, R34's are typically 50% more expensive than R32's - you pays your money and takes your choice. None of these boats can be described as dogs - they all have ocean crossing pedigree and there are not many boats of this size that I would rather be in during a storm. I am also often reminded of a reviewers comments 'surprisingly quick in light airs' which is true but you may need to replace the 30 year old sails that many owners have hung on to in order to get the full benefit.
I have to confess to a certain bias

 

[webcraft]

I always thought they were pretty much the same boat with a couple of foot on the back in the case of the 34.

However, I was talking to a 32 owner down the yard this week and he told me that the 34 is a full knot faster.

- W

 

[santeana]

Both R32 and 34 are superb cruising designs. The evolution of the R34 benefitted from the R32 in the natural way of learning thro' experience - plus some detailed tank testing of model underwater hull lines undertaken at Southhampton Univ by designer Peter Brett. LWL is not significant since increase in LOA was principally concerned with accommodation/engineering improvements associated in terms of fore and aft extensions/overhangs. The underwater profile is where the major performance improvements took place. See and read http://www.rivalowners.org.uk/photogallery/ph_historical/real.htm

 

[stevebirch2002]

Let me guess, you own a Rival 32 !!!

 

[westhinder]

Agree with Moonfire, a good set of sails will make all the difference.
Having sailed both the R32 and 34, I think the R34 has a margin of speed. The quickest is the 36, without any doubt.
As far as accomodation goes, there is not much to choose between the two, only an extra cockpit locker in the 34.
Aesthetically, the 34 is by far the prettiest Rival. But then, I suppose I am biased too.

 

[bilbobaggins]

If one is looking for 'speed' from a sailboat, a heavy long-keel displacement monomaran is an unlikely candidate for prizes. However, if it's 'the manner of her going', then a Rival 34 is a darned good example.

Mind you, the R38 is, IMO, the pick of the bunch!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


nb: the 'loose leach line' is the result of a fluffy lens, and the taut topping lift is the result of light airs and a heavy boom.
The guy sitting is a police sergeant, pondering three of the most dangerous villains he'd seen all weekend ( two visible ) and the photographer is whizzing around, having a ride on the Milford Haven 'polis' new RIB, complete with newly-minted constable as driver. Hot tea and Hobnobs sorted any potential 'issues'.....

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MM5AHO]

Just back from a day of maintenance getting an R32 ready for water again. This winter have replaced the original 30 year old upholstery, added HF radio, GPS attached, changed out VHF for DSC, new standing rigging, new cabin skylight, and dozens of small jobs. Don't seem to have many shots of whole boat, mostly having been taken from on it.

Yes, I'm biassed.