Wauquiez Centurion 32

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kevgarmston

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Hello everyone. In the near future ‘tis my intention to buy Centurion 32. My previous was a Nich 35 which gave me a migraine within 10 miles of any marina. Any owners care to comment on any manoeuvring quirks ?
Much obliged
Kevin
 
I found it difficult with the original propellor but when I fitted a Gori propellor which had more grunt in astern things markedly improved. Unlike modern spade rudder boats it did take some time to get the rudder to grip but then she steered OK. Wise choice of boat. We had ours for 16 years and sailed around Great Britain and to the Baltic twice.
 
Kurrawong_Kid said:
I found it difficult with the original propellor but when I fitted a Gori propellor which had more grunt in astern things markedly improved. Unlike modern spade rudder boats it did take some time to get the rudder to grip but then she steered OK. Wise choice of boat. We had ours for 16 years and sailed around Great Britain and to the Baltic twice.
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Could you recommend a good proven, example that may be for sale
 
Many years ago there was one in our yard, very nice boats. That one had an ofset prop and the owner said it did give problems its turns one way much better that the other. Don't know if all boats were like that worth checking it out.
David MH
 
kevgarmston said:
Thanks for input everyone. The fact that they steer at all going astern is a plus after a long keel boat. Cheers.
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The Contessa 32 is a very similar configuration so I think the handling would be similar.

It will go backwards but always tends to pull the stern to port (with RH prop); after speed has built up you get some sort of control but not enough to do anything fancy until you are going at quite a nip. Of course this is sometimes an advantage sometimes not and you will be well aware of the tactics from your Nich. I think the Centurion prop exits on the port side which may make reverse matters even more invigorating - though if they fitted a Left Hand prop then that may help, I don't know but others may be able to advise.
One point, leaving a berth, with a breeze on the port, side you can be very quickly caught out as the bow can be across in a flash clouting your neighbour midships. This is one to watch if you are singlehanded.

I once saw a yard bloke take a Contessa out of a tricky berth singlehanded. I thought, aye, aye I will watch this, half expecting a lash up. He hit the throttle like George Foreman and the boat came out like a whippet, he did the same thing in forward to straighten up and got round with yards to spare. There we are but not many of us handle boats every day.

Incidentally the advantage of the offset prop is the ease of taking out the stern gear and a more effective rudder. the disadvantage, is that the prop etc is always being towed through clear water, I think I would be keen to fit a some form of furling 3 blade job.

.
 
As has been said - they have an offset prop that can make handling astern a bit of a knack. I originally had a 2 blade prop and that was not up to the job. Fitting a better prop (a 3 blade Gori) transformed the handling once you get enough speed the handling astern is okay.

Most will have been re-engined by now and that also makes a difference - usually changes the handedness of the prop and gives a higher shaft revs allowing a smaller prop to work more efficiently in the limited space.
 
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