Quick answer: The Solaris Sunstar 32 is an exceptionally practical, solid-built British cruising catamaran that excels in coastal waters and light-to-moderate offshore passages. It offers incredible living volume and shallow draft capabilities for a 32-foot boat, making it one of the best value-for-money options on the pre-owned multihull market today.
Design Legacy and Construction Principles
Built in the United Kingdom during the late 1980s and 1990s, the Solaris Sunstar 32 was engineered to tackle the challenging chops of the English Channel and the North Sea, making it more than capable for Mediterranean breezes. Constructed with hand-laid solid fiberglass (GRP) below the waterline and balsa-cored sandwich construction above for thermal insulation and weight savings, the hull structure has proven remarkably resilient over decades of continuous use. Unlike modern production catamarans that rely on ultra-wide beam ratios that make finding marina berths a nightmare, the Sunstar 32 maintains a moderate beam of 16 feet 4 inches (4.98 meters).
This conservative beam allows the vessel to access standard monohull slips in many older Mediterranean marinas while keeping displacement right around 4.5 metric tons (9,900 lbs). The twin keels are molded directly into the hulls rather than bolted on, offering immense structural integrity when taking the ground in tidal bays or brushing over soft sandbars. This design approach creates a forgiving hull that appeals to both seasoned ocean sailors and couple cruisers transitioning from traditional monohulls like a Beneteau Oceanis or Jeanneau Sun Odyssey.
Below deck, the layout minimizes wasted space, utilizing the bridge deck to integrate the main saloon with panoramic windows. Unlike modern high-flybridge multihulls that catch wind like a billboard, the low profile of the Solaris Sunstar 32 reduces windage significantly, allowing her to stay stable and tractable when anchoring in exposed Mediterranean bays subject to afternoon Meltemi winds.
On-the-water tip: When handling the Sunstar 32 in a tight marina with crosswinds, rely on short, gentle bursts of throttle on the twin engines rather than large rudder inputs. Because of the lower twin-engine leverage compared to modern 40-footers, keeping your momentum slow and controlled prevents the low-displacement bow from blown off course during stern-to Mediterranean docking.
Interior Comfort, Layout, and Liveability
Stepping into the companionway of the Solaris Sunstar 32, one is immediately struck by the clever open-plan layout that makes this 32-footer feel like a much larger vessel. The central saloon features a horseshoe-shaped settee surrounding a large dining table capable of seating six adults comfortably. Light pours through the forward-facing ports, offering panoramic views of your anchorage while keeping the space feeling airy and dry. Below in the port hull, you typically find a fully equipped galley with dual-burner stove, refrigerator, and adequate counter space, alongside a dedicated aft double cabin.
The starboard hull houses an expansive head with a marine toilet, sink, and integrated shower, complemented by a forward double berth and ample storage lockers. For long-term cruising, storage is well-distributed across both hulls, preventing the common multihull issue of overloading the bow sections. The standing headroom varies between 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m) in the saloon to over 6 feet 3 inches in the hulls, ensuring comfortable living for taller crew members.
Freshwater capacity typically stands at around 200 liters (52 US gallons), which is generous for a 32-foot boat, though many owners installing modern 12V watermakers find they can extend their time off-grid indefinitely. While interior wood finishes lean toward classic teak trim and off-white headliners, a well-maintained example offers a cozy, traditional nautical ambiance that modern minimalist production yachts often lack.
On-the-Water Performance and Specifications
Sailing performance on the Solaris Sunstar 32 is defined by reliability, predictable handling, and ease of shorthanded operation. The fractional rig is easily managed from the aft cockpit, with lines led back to winches within arm's reach of the helm. On a beam reach in 15 knots of true wind, the Sunstar 32 happily sits between 6.5 to 7.5 knots, providing a smooth, level ride that keeps morning coffee firmly on the table. While it will not point as high into the wind as a deep-keel monohull, making effective tacking angles around 90-100 degrees true wind angle, its shallow draft allows you to sail in waters off-limits to deep draft cruisers.
Auxiliary power configuration varies depending on original factory options and owner updates. Many models feature twin inboard diesel engines (typically 15 to 18 hp Yanmar or Volvo Penta units), while others utilize a central steerable high-thrust outboard or twin outboards mounted in well-protected transoms. Twin inboards remain the preferred setup for offshore cruising, providing excellent maneuverability in close quarters and reliable charging capacity for marine electronics, auto-pilots, and safety gear like an EPIRB and USCG-compliant lighting packages.
| Specification Parameter | Solaris Sunstar 32 | Prout Quest 31 | Prout 38 catamaran |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m) | 30 ft 10 in (9.40 m) | 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m) |
| Beam (Width) | 16 ft 4 in (4.98 m) | 14 ft 2 in (4.32 m) | 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m) |
| Draft | 3 ft 0 in (0.91 m) | 2 ft 9 in (0.84 m) | 3 ft 3 in (1.00 m) |
| Displacement | 9,900 lbs (4,500 kg) | 8,000 lbs (3,628 kg) | 14,300 lbs (6,500 kg) |
| Sail Area (Main + Jib) | 480 sq ft (44.6 m²) | 410 sq ft (38.0 m²) | 680 sq ft (63.1 m²) |
| Standard Engines | Twin 15 hp Inboard Diesels | Single 18 hp Inboard / Sonic Drive | Twin 27 hp Inboard Diesels |
Comparing the Pre-Owned Multihull Market
When searching through listings for second hand sailing catamarans for sale, buyers invariably cross paths with iconic classic British designs. The market for mid-sized multihulls under 35 feet is dominated by names like Solaris and Prout. The Prout Quest 31 for sale represents a direct historical competitor to the Sunstar 32. While the Prout Quest utilizes a narrower beam and an outdrive system, the Sunstar 32 provides significantly more interior floor space and an upgraded hull design that reduces slap in choppy seas.
For sailors requiring expanded blue-water capabilities and larger load-carrying capacity, looking into a larger Prout 38 catamaran for sale is a logical step up. However, larger catamarans bring exponentially higher haul-out costs, double the slip fees in popular Mediterranean hubs, and heavier maintenance demands. The Solaris Sunstar 32 strikes a sweet spot, providing 80% of the usable living space of a 36-footer while keeping annual maintenance and mooring expenses aligned with a 32-foot monohull.
When evaluating multihulls for sale in this size bracket, prospective buyers should pay special attention to structural bulkheads, keel-to-hull joints, standing rigging age, and deck moisture levels around stanchion bases. Buying a pre-owned catamaran with up-to-date rigging, modern electronics, and reliable engines will save thousands compared to buying a project boat at a discount.
Buying Advice and Practical Owner Recommendations
If you are planning to purchase a Solaris Sunstar 32 for Mediterranean cruising or coastal exploration, target well-maintained late-production models that feature twin diesel inboards. Your initial step should always involve hiring an accredited marine surveyor with specific multihull experience to conduct a thorough hull moisture check and structural inspection. Focus your budget setup on essential off-grid independence: install at least 400 watts of rigid solar panels on a custom stern arch, upgrade to lithium (LiFePO4) house batteries, and carry reliable safety gear including automatic PFDs, flares, and a modern satellite communicator or EPIRB before setting out on your first extended passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Solaris Sunstar 32 suitable for ocean crossings?
While designed primarily for coastal cruising and regional sea passages (like the Mediterranean, Baltic, and Caribbean), several experienced owners have completed ocean crossings in the Sunstar 32. Careful weight management and weather planning are essential due to its compact displacement.
What is the typical cruising speed under engine power?
Equipped with twin 15 hp diesel engines in good condition, the Solaris Sunstar 32 comfortably cruises at 5.5 to 6.0 knots at moderate RPM, burning roughly 2 to 2.5 liters of fuel per hour combined.
Can the Solaris Sunstar 32 dry out on low tides?
Yes, thanks to its twin low-profile solid keels and flat-bottomed hull design, the Sunstar 32 can safely dry out on sandy or firm muddy bottoms without requiring extra legs or supports.
