Bayfield 32C

[SV Irish Rover]

I know this is an old post but would love to see more opinions on the Bayfield 32 C.

[VanIslandGuy]

Owned one for 10 years. Really liked the boat.

The positives...

Very dry comfortable boat. Excellent hull. Nice accommodation for it's vintage, works well for a couple who are on good terms with each other. Cutter is easy to balance, and the boat tracks well. Mainsheet is end sheeted with the traveller behind the wheel making it simple to single hand sail. Safe and secure feeling deep cockpit, and low freeboard made stepping off onto a low dock easy. Hand holds and wide side decks made going forward in rough weather a simple task compared to other boats of the same vintage.

The negatives...

Long shallow keel will give up a lot of leeway moving upwind. Reversing the boat can have a mind of its own. Single handed docking I found much more challenging in this boat than other larger monohulls. There are big differences in electrics from early models to later models. We ended up replacing all the original fuse panels on ours with CB panels. Cockpit is crowded with more than four people.

We loved our time with our Bayfield and were sad when we parted. The only thing I would do if looking for one would be get the tallest rig model, and have the surveyor pay close attention to the tanks, decks, and keel step for the mast. These boats are three or more decades old now so expect a lot of owner DIY that can be a blessing or a curse depending on who the owner is.

[Cheechako]

There seem to be many for sale, some quite low.

[Mike Argosy]

As I was the owner of the Bayfield C 32 wich you’ve use the photo to post your question, I can confirm that this vessel is made for such use that you mention. P.S. The photo was taken on lake Champlain, NY many years ago ! At least before 2001, the year I’ve switch to RVing.

[aleggert52]

Hello, I have a 1982 Bayfield 32c with a Cinkle mast and in need of info for the mast head fittings type and the Wire Rope lengths for the standing Rigging. I am located in El Salvador and need this info to renew the standing rigging Please advise me if you know this info.
Thank you,
aleggert52

[Adelie]

Welcome to CruisersForum!

The Bayfields are on the list of boats I would go offshore in.