Storebro are much more innovative than their conservative image suggests, such as in their extensive use of Cadcam and moulded internal monocoque structures.
Storebro are much more innovative than their conservative image suggests, such as in their extensive use of Cadcam and moulded internal monocoque structures. But they are still to be congratulated for developing such a pioneering and inventive craft.
However, Storebro’s new boat is like a wayward child it has such a strong personality and looks so different that it sometimes forgets who its parents are. Of course, its parents are famous for their excellent engineering, tremendous safety and security, and consummate attention to behind-the-scenes finish and design detail.
It’s not really the little J32’s fault. In all the excitement, Storebro have allowed it to get away with behaviour that their normal offspring would be chastised for. Discarding the non-slip just so the boat can have a shiny foredeck is simply reckless, and unlike Storebro. A few other details hint at a premature birth: undersized dinette seats, poor access to some service items, magnetic catches, having to remove cushions to access the engineroom, and the lack of directional stability across waves. The good news is that a spot of minor ‘counselling’ would easily bring the J32 into line. It’s not all one sided. The boat has a great helm, good galley, a big forecabin, a well-designed cockpit; and the mooring cleats are works of art.
Although the J32 is available with outdrive legs, we think that a considerable part of its appeal relates to the jet-drives. The combination of shallow draught, the ability to beach the boat and the lack of underwater appendages can often open up new cruising grounds.
Unsurpassed manoeuvrability is perhaps the most immediately impressive quality of the jet-drive J32. As we stepped ashore at the end of the test, after driving sideways under complete control across the marina, we knew it would be a long time before we skippered another boat that would cause amazed onlookers to burst into spontaneous applause.
DIMENSIONS
Length overall 33ft 3in 10.13m
Hull length 31ft 6in 9.59m
Beam 11ft 2in 3.40m
Draught 20in 0.51m
Air draught 8ft 0in 2.43m
Displacement 4.4 tonnes (light) 5.0 tonnes (loaded)
Fuel capacity 154imp gal 700 litres
Water capacity 33imp gal 150 litres
Engines Twin Volvo Penta TAMD42WJ
230hp @ 3,800rpm 6 cylinder 3.6lt turbo diesels Twin Hamilton 211 waterjets
RPM Speed Trim GPH MPG Range
600 2.8 0.0° n/a n/a n/a
1,500 5.3 0.5° 1.3 4.06 499
2,000 7.0 1.0° 3.2 2.21 272
2,500 9.1 1.5° 6.0 1.52 188
3,000 12.5 4.0° 10.8 1.15 142
3,500 26.0 2.5° 17.2 1.51 186
3,800 31.0 2.5° 23.3 1.33 164
Range figures allow for 20% reserve, 25% fuel, 50% water, 2 crew.
Sea state: 15in (380mm) chop.
Wind strength: Force 2-3
Performance
Maximum Speed 31.0 knots
Maximum Range 164 miles at 3,800rpm
Cruising Speed 26 knots
Cruising Range 186 miles at 3,500rpm
Price from £96,605 ex TAX
Price as tested £105,107 ex TAX
BUILDER: Storebro Bruks AB
S-590 83
Storebro
Sweden
Tel: +46 492 19500
Fax: +46 492 30300
UK Agents: Paul Hadley Boat Sales
Northney Marina
Hayling Island
Hampshire PO11 OHN, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1705 461672
Fax: +44 (0)1705 463492
Email: Email: info@storebro.se
