The Bayfield 32 has an impressive track record. Bob Lush sailed an early boat in the 1976 OSTAR, the single-handed transatlantic race. Lush noted that the eastbound, off-the-wind passage to England was a delight, with the boat making 1,000 miles a week and handling well. The race itself, more of a windward slog, was tough going and Lush had to bear away to find milder conditions. Plenty of other 32s have completed ocean passages, and the boat is a good choice for a Caribbean or Bahamas sabbatical.
It is no secret that the 32 is not a terrific light air performer, especially with the standard low-profile rig. It’s also not a great boat to weather. However, it does have a nice motion in a seaway and despite a 3-foot, 9-inch draft, tracks decently. It is dry, even up wind, and fairly fast on a reach. It’s a cruising boat, that’s what it was designed for, and it was never purported to be a so-called “racer-cruiser” like almost every other boat launched in the 1970s.
This is not a racing boat but it will get you safely to your destination in any weather. Once, while crossing the Ontario lake with my 11 years old son, we were hit by 35 knots gale which lasted around 40 min. I have to admit, it was a bit scary mostly because of huge waves, water flying by and wind trying to swipe you off the boat but boat itself felt safe all the time. While I would not go into such weather on purpose, I’m glad I can rely on a well built boat to handle it anyway.
By the way, Bayfield 32 is one of a very few locally sold boats rated and approved for off-shore voyages. That’s huge!
Below are the beautiful sister boats. I did not have a chance yet to make a picture of Shiloh from outside while she sailed.
Hello I’m interested in buying a sailboat , yours seems very nice and within the range of something i could afford. First inwouk like to ask the details on the owner financing , secondly I have never sailed a day in my life I’m looking to learn with this boat possibly , would this be a possibilty and if so is this a good boat to travel to Florida or the bahammas etc ? I would prefer you to email rather than just ansering my comment
Thankyou
Tom Hashem
Hi Tom,
Yes, this is a great boat to take you to Bahamas. It’s steady, solid and have lots of room for the supplies and extra fuel.
Many of Bayfields traveled down south and back as well as across the ocean.
I can show you the basic boat operation and can arrange one of our local sailing instructors for some lessons.
If this is your first boat, I would suggest to spend at least a season on Lake Ontario before going south to get used to the boat.
And I sent you a reply about owner financing by email.