philduff
New Member
We once had a share in a 32.2. A nice boat that will point quite well for a cruiser. However, to point well, she'll need decent sails. We had changed to cruising laminates after about 3 years.
We learnt a number of lessons and took them to our new boat.
With brand new, but delivery quality sails, the initial performance was good. After a while the performance seeps away. You almost don't notice it cruising.
When the boat was 3 years old, we started racing and found that we were racing with boats on the water that were about 15% slower (on handicap). We bought some new sails and the performance has been restored.
New and laminated sails will stand up to the higher forces much better, with enhanced speed, performance and reduced heeling.
Older dacron sails will stretch over time. This will degrade their performance and will be most noticeable upwind and when pressed hard.
Off the wind, its not so critical.
In general, we found the 32.2 benefited from an early reef in the main anyway, so at least that keeps the forces down.
Its your choice and your money.
We learnt a number of lessons and took them to our new boat.
With brand new, but delivery quality sails, the initial performance was good. After a while the performance seeps away. You almost don't notice it cruising.
When the boat was 3 years old, we started racing and found that we were racing with boats on the water that were about 15% slower (on handicap). We bought some new sails and the performance has been restored.
New and laminated sails will stand up to the higher forces much better, with enhanced speed, performance and reduced heeling.
Older dacron sails will stretch over time. This will degrade their performance and will be most noticeable upwind and when pressed hard.
Off the wind, its not so critical.
In general, we found the 32.2 benefited from an early reef in the main anyway, so at least that keeps the forces down.
Its your choice and your money.
