Najad 332

2005 December 12
By Robert H. Perry

Cruiserr

In a yacht design world, where so many boats are designed to hit a broad market target, it's refreshing to see a boat design for a single purpose, cruising. This new 32-foot, 8-inch sloop from the Najadvert design group has nothing more on its mind than to make Mom and Pop happy while they do their summer cruising. I suspect the 332 can go anywhere you want and while it is a small boat for offshore cruising I am certain that it is capable of passagemaking if you can find a way to augment the small tanks.

The 332 is no lightweight. It has a D/L about the same as a Valiant 42 at 274. It's also on the buxom side too with an L/B of 3.06. The forward overhang will help keep the boat dry, as it will add flare to the topsides forward. It will also keep the anchor rode away from the stem. There is a shoal keel drawing 4 feet, 11 inches and a deep keel drawing 5 feet, 6 inches. The lead is on the bottom of a molded-in sump to help get the VCG down. It's also very nice to have a deep bilge sump on any cruising boat. While the 332 is on the plump side it's well proportioned. I don't think this is the type of boat you buy if you are looking for high performance. I think the 332 will be a sedate and steady performer, stiff with good directional stability. I have no sectional drawings that indicate hull form but I suspect it is moderate with some deadrise.

The layout is fine for two couples but I see it more as a one-couple boat. I suppose I'd use the V-berth area for stowage although I'd have to check out the access and egress from the quarterberth first. I don't mind sleeping in a confined space. I do mind having to contort myself to get into and out of the berth. Bob doesn't fold like he used to. I don't think there is sufficient floor space in that quarter "stateroom" for me to pull on my pants. I am not criticizing the layout I'm just saying there is only so much you can do with 32 feet, 8 inches. In the saloon you have the choice of opposing settees or a settee to port and silly chairs to starboard. I know they are popular but I just don't like to sacrifice a long settee berth for two Streisand chairs of limited versatility. The V-berths look roomy and comfortable.

The 332 comes standard with a tiller. So, when you have the hook down you hinge the tiller up and out of the way and your entire cockpit is wide open. This makes sense to me. In addition to the practical reasons, it is nice to steer a small boat with a tiller. It's just a better way of connecting directly to your boat. The windshield looks fine. It's not sleek by any means but it is functional and with the inevitable dodger attached to it visibility forward will be good. The side decks are wide and there is a flush anchor locker in the foredeck. There is a deep swim step cut into the transom.

The fractional rig is deck stepped with forward lowers and swept spreaders. These forward lowers are just further proof that the 332 has been designed for some serious cruising. The drawings show no mainsheet traveler. This certainly helps clean up the cockpit and with a good vang it should work just fine. The SA/D is 15.74. This is a snug rig designed for areas where it blows or for a couple who like to take it easy and prefers not to reef too often. I can relate to that. If you want light-air boat speed you can rely upon the 28-horsepower Volvo with a sail drive. There is an option for a self-tacking jib.

If I have one caveat with this design it is the tankage. There are tanks for 37 gallons of water and 20 gallons of fuel. Maybe you can find some room to stow jerry cans of extra water and fuel if you are heading offshore but that doesn't sound too appealing to me. For coastal areas where more fuel and water are abundant this will be no problem.

If you want to do some serious cruising and you want to keep it small you should take a look at the Najad 332.