Marlow-Mainship 32
Long Distance Comfort And Economy Too
By John Armstrong
When the time finally comes to do the dream destination cruising you’ve always talked about, you need a boat that has both long distance comfort and economy too.
Big enough to offer comfort both in terms of onboard accommodations and also in sea-keeping qualities, the new Marlow-Mainship 32 seems to us to be just the right size for great adventures. A yacht this size is going to fit the available slips at most marinas and yacht clubs throughout North America and the Caribbean, and if you just can’t get in where you’re cruising, it’s big enough to ride it out overnight in an anchorage.
Marlow – Mainship had a pair of their new 32’s at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, one powered with twin Yanmar 75’s and the other 32 with a single Yanmar common rail 220 with a further option for a 260, and Marlow also showed a 32 and the new 37 (review to follow in upcoming issue) at the recent Miami Boat Show.
Both boats have t
he fit and finish you would expect from a David Marlow product, very well laid out with a lot of practicality built into the design and the comfort a couple would be looking for if considering the “ Great Loop “ or just every day cruising.
David Marlow has made some changes in the 32, that were reflected in the 32 that was on exhibit in Miami, namely an optional bench seat aft of the helm seat, new curtains on the sliders and the forward windshield now has a partition that allows in outside air, if so desired.
The Cockpit
When you first board the boat you will see that the stern has a distinctive and classic-looking reverse transom. The center of the transom incorporates a wide transom door that powers down to make a teak bench, or to serve as a swim platform and boarding area, very unique and yet very functional. The aft deck has enough space for two deck chairs and a small coffee table.
Entry to the pilothouse is thru a solid and sturdy glass and wood trimmed door that opens into the upper area. All round are large glass areas for light and great sight lines. On the port side is a bench/settee and large coffee/dining table and forward of that is a forward facing bench seat. It’s always nice when captain and companion can both face forward, especially on a long journey. The convertible table has a real yacht finish with beautiful glossy wood. It’s a pleasure to see and use. We also liked the sturdy handrail on the cabin ceiling to make getting around safe even in rough weather.
On the starboard side is an optional bench seat, forward of that being the helm seat which when seated gives the Skipper a tremendous view in all directions. The helm station is very well laid out and again is a testament to David Marlow’s sense of practicality.
The ship’s style wheel, controls on the binnacle top and instruments mounted high in a wooden panel and in plain view are both traditional and time-proven.
Next, one step down to the galley, which is on the port side and again, is very practical for a 32’ boat. The main electrical panel is there along with good cupboard space for glasses, cutlery and dishes a well as provisions for a longer cruise. We liked the top-loading refrigerator and there’s a second refrigerator conveniently located under the helm seat.
Corian counters are a good feature and everywhere we looked, Marlow quality in the cabinetry and finish was plainly evident.
Forward of the galley is a small but very comfortable bench/couch seat for one , which butts up against the V berth that comes with a filler cushion. This is a nice open area for two to sleep comfortably and with good air circulation. Opening portholes and a deck hatch keep things fresh.
The head has a Corian counter surface and to the right of the sink/makeup area is the toilet shower stall. This area has comfortable space and storage in the vanity as well as a well-placed mirror. Forward of the head is a hanging locker with ample stowage space available for the cruising couple.
This layout will sleep 2 in the vee berth and one on the settee in the pilothouse.
As in all Marlow boats the Marlow Mainship 32 uses plenty of teak to give the boat the traditional and warm feeling associated with a first class product. We were impressed with the fit and finish, an important part of the pride of ownership.
Performance
The Marlow-Mainship 32 equipped with the twin 75 Yanmars tops out at a very thrifty 17 miles per hour while the version with the single Yanmar 260 tops out at 27 miles per hour. This more powerful option gives a very good turn of speed while still returning respectable fuel economy, but the twin 75’s just sip the diesel. The fuel economy is amazing.
The design of the hull makes it a very stable platform for all the weather conditions one might encounter, this has allowed the 32 to be classed as CE Offshore Ocean Class A. Wide and flat side decks will be appreciated by all who really use the boat, especially when anchored.
It’s the kind of boat that will really make sense to those buyers who want to get out and see the world from the water!
Specifications
Test boat engines: Twin Yanmar 4JH4-TE, 75 hp each. Optionally, Single Yanmar 220 or 260 are available.
ENGINE RPM SPEED MPH *
1500 7.8
2000 10.4
2200 11.5
2500 13.1
2700 14.1
3000 15.7
3200 16.7
GPH Fuel Consumption at 1500 rom / 7.8 mph – 8.91 mpg
LENGTH: 36’ 8” / 11.19 m
BEAM:10’ 6” / 3.25 m
WEIGHT: 11,725 lbs / 5,318 kg
FUEL CAPACITY: 196 gals / 742 L
WATER CAPACITY: 90 gals / 341 L
WASTE CAPACITY: 30 gals / 114 L
PRICE: $239,990 base in USD
Test boat provided by and price quoted by: Marlow Mainship, http://www.mainship.com
*Performance data by: Marlow Marine – pre-test estimates
Photos:
Photo 1: With the twin Yanmar 75 engines, the Marlow-Mainship just sips fuel while still running to 15 knots. More power is optional.
Photo 2: The Saloon has the warm and rich cabinetry that characterizes other larger Marlow yachts, along with generous glass areas for excellent sight lines.
Photo 3: The helm has a comfortable seat, accommodates standing to drive and has excellent outward vision and well placed controls. Notice the refrigerator below the helm seat.
Photo 4: In the galley, the woodworking continues with features like a cutlery drawer below the convection microwave.
