B Boats B-32 vs Douglas 32
How do the B Boats B-32 and Douglas 32 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
B Boats B-32 
Douglas 32 | B Boats B-32 | Douglas 32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 32.0 ft9.75 m | 32.1 ft9.78 m |
| Waterline length | 27.5 ft8.38 m | 24.5 ft7.47 m |
| Beam | 10.3 ft3.15 m | 9.5 ft2.90 m |
| Draft | 6.4 ft1.96 m | 4.7 ft1.42 m |
| Displacement | 4,100 lb1,860 kg | 11,500 lb5,216 kg |
| Ballast | 1,650 lb748 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 500 ft²46.5 m² | 459 ft²42.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 31.23 | 14.41 |
| Displacement / Length | 88 | 349 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.8 | 33.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.58 | 1.68 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.0 | 6.6 |
B Boats B-32 vs Douglas 32: the short version
- The B Boats B-32 and Douglas 32 are close in length (32.0 ft9.75 m vs 32.1 ft9.78 m ).
- The Douglas 32 is heavier, displacing about 180% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the B Boats B-32 carries the more powerful rig (31.2 vs 14.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Douglas 32 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Douglas 32 rates better for offshore work (1.68 vs 2.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.