Articles
BOAT REVIEW: The Unsinkable ETAP 32s
By Tom Kjaersgaard
Canadian Yachting Magazine
“Relax, it’s an ETAP!”
To call the ETAP 32s a new boat would be a little bit misleading. Yes it’s a relatively new boat to Canadian waters, and it may be to you as well. But more accurately, it is a recently redesigned yacht, and one of the latest in a long line of extremely well designed yachts from ETAP Yachting, a Belgian builder with a thirty five year tradition of yacht design and construction and almost 7,000 ETAPs sailing all over the world.
A builder with a thirty-five year tradition - building modern, sporty looking and leading edge boats you say? That sounds pretty unlikely doesn’t it? Well believe it. ETAP has succeeded in designing and building a boat that delivers the modern aesthetics that many Canadian buyers demand. At the same time, they have incorporated the most important part of the past…no, not just “looks and lines”, but all of the learning so far about what works on a boat and what doesn’t. It’s no surprise that this yacht has earned several prestigious awards since it was introduced in 2002.
Not only does the 32s sail extremely well, but overall the functionality and design is near-perfect for a 32‘ boat.
A near-perfect 32’ boat? That’s a pretty lofty claim you might be saying, especially from a boat reviewer who was probably on the boat for an afternoon at most. Well, that’s exactly what I might say too, but in this case the boat and its systems were thoroughly tested by a couple for an entire week. (That’s the reality with doing boat reviews for a Canadian magazine, sometimes you’re forced by management to get on a plane, in the dead of winter, leave behind the refreshing -20 degree temperatures and get to some place like Florida - just to do your job. Talk about a commute!)
So here’s what we know so far: The Unsinkable ETAP 32s is a European built boat that has beautiful lines, is a treat to sail and features a super efficient and functional design. It’s also a Class A rated, blue water capable offshore yacht that’s available right here in Canada.
But what else is there? Try this. One very unique aspect of the ETAP 32s is that you could fire a cannonball through one side and out the other and not sink it! All ETAP yachts are unsinkable since they have a double hull construction with foam in between, that makes them completely unsinkable. It’s virtually a hull within a hull, with positive flotation in between. ETAP Yachts are certified unsinkable by the French Merchant Marine, and ETAP is the only builder of ocean going sailboats in the world to have received the certification.
Even in a completely flooded condition, water will only rise to about the level of the settees bunks in the main cabin. While having knee-high water in the main saloon is an uncomfortable thought for most of us, the rest of the boat remains above the flooded waterline. This means even in a distressed situation the crew still has the ability to cook hot meals, dry out clothing and keep food from being contaminated. And it gets better. Even completely flooded, the yacht maintains sufficient stability and seaworthiness to be able to sail slowly and safely back to a port or away from any danger. This also gives the crew the ability to conveniently assess any damage and to make any repairs that may be made at sea. No ‘jump in the little inflatable life raft and hope for the best’ emergency drills. It’s all about safety first.
ON DECK:
This is a clean, uncluttered deck layout that allows the crew to move around safely, without obstruction and with secure footing. And that’s no small feat. One thing that’s proven true over the years is that there is no such thing as a “non-skid” surface. The quest for excellent “anti-skid” has been as elusive for boat builders as wet decks are pervasive for sailors. However ETAP uses an excellent TBS anti-skid surface where it matters, on the high traffic side deck areas. This type of anti-skid is great…it actually works. It’s not in the mold, but fitted instead, and is designed to last at least 10 years before it needs replacing.
The cockpit sole and cabin top have a more conventional molded in pattern of dimpled anti-skid. For the purist aboard, the cockpit seats are constructed using flush teak recessed into the fiberglass benches, and great news – they’re also are very slip-resistant.
The toe rail on this boat is best-of-breed. Imagine a stylish toe rail that looks like an upside-down grab rail made from anodized aluminum. The rail is through bolted and backplated at all attachment points. The rail goes all the way around the boat, with a few small sections of the rail cut out. The bow, stern, and mid-ship cleats (rated at 5000kg/11000 lbs breaking strength) are simply sections of the rail. The rail is extremely well made, and by design ensures deck water will drain away instantly. And with the main mooring cleats integrated into the rail, fewer holes are drilled into the deck.
The rig is a sporty looking fractional rig by Selden, and features double swept back spreaders, with all lines running aft to the cockpit. It incorporates a single line reefing system and all lines are led to a point in the cockpit where a single person can comfortably and confidently control and sail the boat.
There are no dedicated cleats in the cockpit area for the genoa sheets. The only cleating for genoa sheets is courtesy of the self-tailing Lewmar Ocean Series winches. There are almost no cleats at all on the deck of the 32s. In fact there were so few that I was almost lulled into going barefoot.
The sails are quickly and easily presented to the wind…the Selden Furlex system on board handles the genoa beautifully, while the mainsail features a simple system for dousing. The system is really a marriage between lazy-jacks and a mainsail cover. When dousing the mainsail you simply drop it into the “already waiting” mainsail cover, and with one smooth boom-length “Ziiiiiipp” you’re done, that’s it.
Another really clever feature designed to make life aboard even more comfortable is an innovative detachable mid-cockpit traveler. Sure, it’s been done before. There are examples of European boats that have offered it in the past. But what’s impressive is that ETAP remembers the good ideas, and proves here that good ideas never go out of fashion.
The main benefit of a detachable traveler is the room it affords you when entertaining aboard. While you’re out cruising you can choose to simplify life by simply removing the traveler and attaching the mainsheet block to the eye on the cockpit sole. And when guests arrive you can easily remove the traveler and swing the entire boom and mainsheet assembly to one side or the other.
The split backstay aboard the 32s is really nice, especially for those who like to use a stern gangway, or for access to the swim/dinghy boarding platform and swim ladder at the stern. And aside from convenience, a split backstay also splits the load where it matters…where it attaches to the hull of the boat. The side opening lifelines (amidships) with more anti-skid right there on the toe rail also make for another real convenience.
The cockpit table is right-sized for two, and the cockpit itself has comfortable angles that offer a variety of enjoyable seating arrangements.
BELOW DECK:
Below deck the 32s is very, very inviting. The interior is all business and walks the line between modern and traditional, without being a compromise to either.
Corian® countertops, double sinks (perfect for port or starboard tack drainage) and a 360 degree view combine to make any galley crew’s day. The sinks are round, and as long as your plates aren’t also round and exactly the same diameter - well - then life is good.
The finish throughout is in cherry wood and all wood is done in a matte finish. There is standing headroom of 6’3” in the main galley area…and it drops slightly to about 5’ 9 at the front of the saloon (something I noticed twice on the first day - but then never again!) to allow an unrestricted forward view through the panoramic saloon windows.
At the main table there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a full broadsheet newspaper. Around this table, five for dinner is no problem at all, and with very little effort eight people for h’ordeurves could be lots of fun. The interior of the 32s is stylish with matching curtains for windows and portholes.
There are two private cabins, one fore and one aft for a total of 6 berths, including two well designed sea berths located amidships. The aft cabin is the largest and roomiest, but after trying each, we think it’s the forward berth that will be claimed by most owners. Each cabin does however have adequate room, accessibility, ventilation and overall comfort.
Storage space onboard the 32s is ample for two people but could be a little challenging for larger groups. One of the tradeoffs for guaranteed un-sinkability is that conventional storage space under the v-berth and under the aft cabin berth is already spoken for. On the ETAP 32s the area is injected with closed cell foam. There are several other places though where you can stow your gear, and for weekend use it’ll never be an issue you’ll need to think about. (One other benefit of ETAP’s double hull construction is that the foam built into the hull acts like insulation, and virtually eliminates condensation.)
The navigation station is well laid out, and plotting on a folded chart is no problem at all. Lighting throughout the boat is excellent, using a series of independently switched pot lights. The only area that suffered from low lighting was the galley. One additional overhead light would suffice however.
UNDERWAY:
The boat we tested featured an innovative “performance shoal draft” keel. This tandem keel design is different than most since it’s designed to offer a shallow draft, without significantly compromising windward performance.
This optional keel choice features two fore-and-aft foils joined by a plate/bulb combination across the bottom. It’s true that tandem-type keels have been around for many years and offer real draft/depth advantages. It’s also true that a shoal draft of 4'3” allows her to go places where other deep keels dare not go. While the optional deep draft version of the 32s might slightly outperform the tandem keel model, this keel choice is ideally suited for those of us who think that being hard aground is the slowest of all.
Sailing under full mainsail and full headsail we enjoyed varying winds over several days and throughout the test. Sailing close hauled in 10 knots of breeze and towing a dinghy we were regularly able to sustain 5.2 to 5.5 knots. One particular afternoon the wind was blowing 18-19 knots true and although a fractional rig is designed to sail with mainsail as the primary sail, for a short period while headed to our anchorage we sailed under headsail alone. (In sustained windy conditions a mainsail alone with a single reef and lightly furled headsail is preferable to sailing with genoa alone). However, in spite of the reduced sail area, and still towing the dinghy, we were happy making 4.75 knots upwind in wavy conditions. I call those good news numbers.
Under motor the 19 hp Volvo Penta Diesel pushed the boat along beautifully. Towing the dinghy along we were comfortable and making 6 knots at just less than 3,000 RPM. The Volvo was quiet and reliable with a very efficient saildrive unit for propulsion.
The balance and weight distribution issues are handled very well; the boat just feels right under sail and motor. The tandem keel configuration seems perfectly balanced under sail, and it behaves no differently than a deep draft boat. One unexpected pleasure under sail was how quickly the rig and boat responded to minor tweaking. Under motor the boat turns on a dime.
The ETAP 32s is a real gem. It’s a boat that makes you smile when you see it. Loaded with impressive features and innovations, the ETAP line of boats has started to gain recognition and acclaim here in Canada. With thirty-five years of boat building behind them, ETAP Yachts aren’t exactly new, they are proven…and on the water it’s comforting to know that you’re on the safest production sailboat offered in Canada. The Unsinkable ETAP 32s is a Class A rated blue-water capable yacht that’s easily handled and thoughtfully designed.
When my father taught me to sail he imparted several bits of old-school wisdom he thought might help me one day. One bit of advice that always stuck was: “never step off of a sinking boat until you have to step up to do so”. The difference between most of us and the average ETAP owner is that they have one less scenario to think about at night.
The ETAP 32s could be the ideal choice for many Canadian sailors since it is ideal for family cruising or for a crew of two who want the ultimate in peace of mind…and it’s available in Canada right now.
ETAP 32s Specifications
Length O.A.: |
9.84 m 32' 3" |
Hull length: |
9.61 m 31' 6" |
Length waterline: |
8.38 m 27' 6" |
Beam O.A.: |
3.42 m 11' 3" |
Beam at water line: |
2.84 m 9' 4" |
Draft: |
1.30 /1.80 m |
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Displacement: |
3,890 kg/ 3700 kg |
Keel: |
1,290 kg/ 1,100 kg |
Mainsail: |
27.2 m² 293 sq. ft. |
Genoa: |
27.6 m² 297 sq. ft. |
Engine: Volvo Penta |
19 HP - Diesel |
Current Base Price: $220,000 (CAD)CDN* * Subject to option packages and currency exchange rates. |
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In Canada ETAP Yachts is represented by:
Shining Waters Marine
148 Nautical Way
Tantallon, Nova Scotia
B3Z 2P3
For more information contact:
Peter Vokey (902) 483-9698
Tom Vokey (902) 456-7827
NOTE: Test Boat (Available for charter) supplied by Yachting Vacations, at Burnt Store Marina, 3190B Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 (800) 447-0080.
Quotes:
“One very unique aspect of the ETAP 32s is that you could fire a cannonball through one side and out the other and not sink it.”
“The sinks are round, and as long as your plates aren’t also round and exactly the same diameter - well - then life is good.”
“There is standing headroom of a little more than 6’ in the main galley area…and it drops slightly to about 5’ 9 at the front of the saloon. (Something I noticed twice on the first day, and then never again!)”
“While the optional deep draft version of the 32s might slightly outperform the tandem keel model, this keel choice is ideally suited for those of us who think that being hard aground is the slowest of all.”
“Relax, it’s an ETAP!”