Westsail 32

Built 1971–1981 by Westsail Corp. (Costa Mesa, CA); first hulls as Kendall 32

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About the Westsail 32

Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.

Built: 1971–1981
Builder: Westsail Corp. (Costa Mesa, CA); first hulls as Kendall 32
Designer: William Crealock (from William Atkin / Colin Archer lineage)
Length: 32 ft
Waterline: 27.5 ft
Beam: 11 ft
Draft: 5 ft
Displacement: 19,500 lb
Ballast: 7,000 lb
Hull / keel: full keel
Rig: cutter
Propulsion: inboard
Fuel: 42 gal
Water: 80 gal
Number built: 834
Stern thruster: not fitted
Steering: tiller

Tank capacities — where the figures come from

Fuel 42 gal
“Aluminum fuel tank (specify port or starboard) - 38 gallon” — builder, westsail.com · “Two fuel tanks hold a total of 70 gallons” — search excerpt, westsail.com

Westsail Parts Co., run by Westsail's first general manager, who holds the original drawings, sells a 38-gal aluminum replacement for the original steel tank and a 25-gal extra tank but doesn't give the original total. One boat with an added tank has 70 gal. About 400 of 834 hulls were kits, so tanks vary. Our earlier 42 isn't confirmed.
Water 80 gal
“Capacity is about 37 to 38 gallons (same size as the original stainless tank under the cabin sole)” — builder, westsail.com

Westsail Parts Co. says the original water tank under the cabin floor held about 37-38 gal and refers to tanks in the plural, which fits two tanks of roughly 40 gal (about 80 total), but it never says how many tanks, so 80 isn't confirmed.
Water heater unknown
The Westsail Parts Co. service-manual index has no water-heater sheet. The Westsail Owners Association links a factory order form with prices, but it couldn't be checked.

Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.

Thrusters and steering — where this comes from

Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and nothing was found either way.
Steering tiller
“I have had a number of owners ask about excessive pressure needed on the tiller to steer a Westsail 32 or 28. ... There” — builder, westsail.com · “Tiller only, but with over 800 32's produced someone may have special ordered wheel steering.” — search excerpt, cruisersforum.com

Westsail Parts Co., which holds the original Westsail drawings and specifications, describes the Westsail 32 as tiller-steered, with a few boats later converted to wheel. A forum reply agrees: tiller only, with wheel possibly a special order.

Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.

Transom-hung rudder on a long keel; lead ballast. Teak decks and wooden masts were rare options on early boats, not standard. Some 400 of 834 hulls were kits; the first 31 were Kendall 32s. Engine listed as Volvo or Perkins, 36 hp.

Engines fitted

Volvo Penta MD2B — 25 hp, diesel, single standard
Owners of a 1973 (hull #77) and a 1975 boat report the original 25 hp Volvo MD2B; the Westsail repower note refers to 'the original small Volvo engine pans'.

Sources: westsail.org · westsail.org · westsail.com
Volvo Penta MD3B — diesel, single standard
A Westsail 32 owner on Cruisers Forum mentions an MD3B; only one weak source, and hp for this boat not stated.

Sources: cruisersforum.com
Volvo Penta — 36 hp, diesel standard
Perkins — 36 hp, diesel standard
Perkins 4-108 — diesel, single common repower
Westsail's own service note says the 4-108 'has proven very successful' in the W32, now out of production; whether any were factory-installed is not stated.

Sources: westsail.com
Beta Marine 38 (Kubota-based) — 38 hp, diesel, single common repower
Current recommended repower (Westsail service note); owners also mention Beta 25/1505, Universal M50B and a Westerbeke (Mitsubishi block).

Sources: westsail.com · westsail.org · westsail.org
Yanmar 3GM30 — 27 hp, diesel, single common repower
An owner reports a 27 hp 3GM30 in a 1977 W32; the 3GM30 postdates 1977, so it is treated as a repower.

Sources: westsail.org

Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.

Generator

No generator is mentioned in the Westsail service-manual index or on the owners' association page.

Manuals and brochures online

Document Westsail Parts Co. service manual sheet G01: Westsail 32 fuel tanks (parts 1-2, replacement tanks and prices) — westsail.com
Document Westsail Parts Co. service manual sheet G06: polyethylene water tank for the Westsail 32 — westsail.com
Document Westsail Parts Co. service manual sheet J08: excessive tiller load, sail trim and balance (Westsail 32 and 28) — westsail.com

Hosted by the builder or an owners' association; they own the copyright.

Known problems for this model

Kit-finished boats (HIN prefix WSSK) hull
About half the hulls were sold as kits in every stage of completion; a K in the hull number prefix means owner-finished, so build quality varies widely.
cruisersforum.com · sailboatdata.com
Mast compression post and support structure hull
Owners advise checking the bulkhead corner post that carries the mast load, and the structure under the sole, for water damage or movement, plus cracking around the deck mast step.
cruisersforum.com
Stem fitting and bowsprit rigging
The stem fitting carries the heaviest rig load and experienced owners suggest inspecting or replacing it; the roughly 6 ft bowsprit also makes the boat about 40 ft for dockage.
cruisersforum.com
Obsolete original Groco seacocks plumbing
Factory seacocks were a discontinued Groco model with no replacement barrels, so plan on seacock replacement.
cruisersforum.com
Deck hardware leaks / wet core deck
Check everything fastened to deck and coachroof for water intrusion; later-mold (Mk II) boats also have bolted rudder gudgeons to check for leaks.
cruisersforum.com

Engines & parts

Volvo Penta MD1B / MD2B / MD3B parts: limited

Factory standard engine — you entered “Volvo Penta MD2B”

MD2B production ran 1970–1975 (confirmed by two parts sellers and an owner history page); boats built later sometimes carry leftover MD2Bs. Genuine Volvo Penta parts catalogs still list the MD1B/MD2B/AQD2B/MD3B, and specialists (Parts4Engines, MarineDustrie used parts) supply service and rebuild items, but some parts are discontinued. MD2B is the two-cylinder version (MD1B one, MD3B three).

Parts sources: Parts4Engines (Volvo Penta MD2B), Power Products Systems (genuine Volvo Penta parts), MarineDustrie (used MD1–MD17 parts)

Common problems (1)

Raw-water cooling corrosion and blocked passages cooling
These engines are raw-water cooled, so internal water passages scale up or corrode; owners descale them and check cylinder jackets for corrosion when overheating appears.
forums.ybw.com · forum.woodenboat.com · forums.sailboatowners.com

Maker’s service schedule (9)

Engine oil & filter change	50 hrs or 1 yr	“Change the lubricating oil after every 50 hours running or at least once each season. During the running-in period the o” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Engine oil filter change	100 hrs	“Change the oil filter after every 100 hours running at the same time as the oil is changed.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Transmission fluid change MS (Mono Shift) reverse gear	50 hrs or 1 yr	“Change the lubricating oil in the reverse gear after every 50 hours running or at least once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Air filter / intake silencer	100 hrs or 1 yr	“The air cleaner should be removed and cleaned after every 100 hours running, or once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Drive belts inspect / replace	50 hrs	“Check the vee-belt tension after every 50 hours running.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Valve clearance check / adjust	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Check the engine valve clearances after every 100 hours running or at least once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Fuel filters & water separator	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Change the fine filter after every 100 hours running, or at least once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Injector test / service	100 hrs	“We recommend an interval of max. 100 hours of operation between these inspections.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Re-torque cylinder head nuts/bolts	1 yr	“should be re-tightened after 20 hours running and when the engine is warm. Check-tightening should also be carried out o” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de

Service part numbers (5)

Oil filter	Volvo Penta 22057107 Replaces 834337	“p.90 "MD1, MD2" block: Oil filter — 22057107” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta genuine oil filter to replace old model 834337 … MD1A/B, MD2A/B … MD3B” — dealer, foxschandlery.com
Fuel filter spin-on filter	Volvo Penta 21492771 Replaces 829913, 3825133	“p.90 "MD1, MD2" block: Fuel filter, spin-on — 21492771” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Brandstoffilter Volvo Penta 21492771 (vervangt 829913) … MD1B, MD2C, MD2B, MD3B” — dealer, bakker-ijlst.nl
Raw-water impeller MD1B / MD2B (slotted-shaft pin drive)	Volvo Penta 3586494 Replaces 875807, 876689 Also: Johnson 09-806B, Jabsco 4528-0001, Sherwood 9979	“p.90 "MD1, MD2" block: Impeller kit, MD1/MD2 2), MD1B/MD2B — 3586494 (2) Slotted shaft pin drive)” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta: 875807-0 803729 3586494 876689 … MD1, MD1A, MD1B / AQD2B MD2, MD2A, MD2B” — dealer, poseidonmarine.eu
Raw-water impeller MD3B	Volvo Penta 22222936	“p.90 "MD3, MD17" block: Impeller kit — 22222936” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “IMPELLER KIT … Denne delen passer til... AQ130C,100S,110S,MD1B,MD2B,MD3B,D2-40” — dealer, volvopentaparts.shop
Thermostat	Volvo Penta 876080	“Thermostat Kit 876080 … Compatible with … MD Series: MD11C MD11D MD17C MD17D MD1B MD2B MD3B” — dealer, marinepartsystem.com · “Thermostat Kit 876097 / 876080 suits Volvo Penta MD1B, MD2B, AQD3B, MD3B, MD11, C,D, MD17, C,D” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Perkins 4.108 parts: good

Factory common repower engine — you entered “Perkins 4-108”

Out of production but very well supported. Trans Atlantic Diesels (TAD) sells complete aftermarket rebuild kits (pistons, liners, rings, bearings, gaskets, valves, guides, seals), heads, blocks, crankshafts, genuine Perkins camshafts, rebuilt injection pumps and injectors, Jabsco/Sherwood raw water pumps, heat exchangers, starters, alternators and elbows, plus rebuilt exchange engines. The Westerbeke 4-107/4-108 family and some industrial engines share the base design.

Parts sources: Trans Atlantic Diesels (TAD), Foley Engines

Common problems (1)

Rear main (crankshaft) seal leak engine
The original rope-type rear seal is notorious for leaking and often starts leaking again a few hundred hours after replacement; Foley sells a nylon/Teflon replacement seal meant to cure it, and owners check the crankshaft sealing surface for pitting.
foleyengines.com · boatdesign.net · forums.sailinganarchy.com

Maker’s service schedule (13)

Engine oil & filter change 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“4.107(M) and 4.108(M) Engines ... Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). Drain and renew lubricating oil” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Fuel filters & water separator 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). Renew final fuel filter element.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Air filter / intake silencer 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Clean air intake gauze.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Drive belts inspect / replace 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... * Check drive belt tension.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Valve clearance check / adjust 4.108(M) marine	2,400 hrs	“Every 2,400 hours ... Check and adjust valve tip clearances.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Injector test / service 4.108(M) marine	2,400 hrs	“Every 2,400 hours ... Service atomisers.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Transmission fluid change 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). ... Change gearbox oil.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Clean water trap 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Clean water trap.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Check engine for oil and water leaks 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Check engine for leakage of oil and water.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Lubricate dynamo rear bush (where fitted) 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Lubricate dynamo rear bush (where fitted).” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Check hoses and clips 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). ... Check hoses and clips.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Drain and clean fuel tank 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). ... Drain and clean fuel tank” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Examine and service starter motor, generator etc. 4.108(M) marine	2,400 hrs	“Every 2,400 hours Arrange for examination and service of proprietary equipment, i.e. starter motor, generator, etc.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net

Service part numbers (7)

Oil filter later engines with spin-on filter	Perkins 2654403	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 oil filter - OE Part No. 2654403 ... Fits 4.108 and 4.108M.” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Filter, Oil late type long 2654403, Length 130mm - 2654403” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Oil filter early engines with element-in-canister filter	Perkins 26540154	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 Oil Filter - OE Part No. 26540154” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Filter, Oil early type 26540154, Length 122mm - 26540154” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Fuel filter cartridge-type filter housing (most engines)	Perkins 4326658 Replaces 26561117 Also: Delphi (CAV) 296	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 fuel filter - OE Part No. 4326658 ... supersedes ... 26561117.” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Fuel Filter (296) Was 26561117 Now 4326658” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Fuel filter early engines with bowl-type filter housing	Perkins 30242	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 fuel filter element - OE Part Number 30242 ... fitted to early Perkins 4.108” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Filter element, Fuel old type 30242, Length 74mm small element - 30242” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Raw-water impeller Jabsco raw-water pump (3270, 3370-200 or 9970-200)	Jabsco 1210-0001	“4.107M / 4.108M / LL 9970-200 040 3/4" BSP Flange SK229 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com
Raw-water pump kit Jabsco 9970-200 pump	Jabsco SK229	“4.107M / 4.108M / LL 9970-200 040 3/4" BSP Flange SK229 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com
Raw-water pump kit Jabsco 3370-200 pump (obsolete)	Jabsco SK33	“4.107M / 4.108M / LL 3370-200 ... 9970-200 SK33 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Yanmar 3GM / 3GM30F parts: good

Factory common repower engine — you entered “Yanmar 3GM30”

Very popular (used 3GM30Fs sell for $3,000+) and supported by a strong parts network. Cylinder head overhauls (valve seals, lapping, injector service) are a common, parts-supported repair.

Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor), HDI Marine (stainless exhaust elbows), Parts4Engines

Common problems (2)

Overheating at cruise rpm cooling
The 3GM30F has a known overheating tendency linked to its heat exchanger; owners also trace it to coked elbows, worn impellers, scaled heat exchangers or air in the raw water circuit. Some heat exchangers were replaced under warranty.
forums.sailboatowners.com
Mixing elbow corrosion exhaust
OEM elbows corrode internally and should be inspected or replaced with stainless versions before they let water into the engine.
practical-sailor.com · facebook.com

Maker’s service schedule (2)

Fuel filters & water separator	250 hrs	“The normal replacement interval for the element is 250 hours ... Filter cleaning First time 50 hours Filter element repl” — manufacturer, c320.org
Air filter / intake silencer	250 hrs	“Washing period Every 250 hours” — manufacturer, c320.org

Service part numbers (10)

Oil filter	Yanmar 119305-35170 Replaces 119305-35151, 119660-35150	“3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 119305-35170 1 FILTER ASSY, D68XL65” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Maintenance kit Yanmar 2GMF, 2GM20F, 3GMF, 3GM30F ... Yanmar 119305-35170 Oil Filter” — dealer, marinedustrie.com
Fuel filter	Yanmar 104500-55710	“Fuel Filter Element 1 104500-55710 / Fuel Filter O-Ring 1 24341-000440” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104500-55710 1 ELEMENT, FUEL FILTER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com
Raw-water impeller Japan-built 3GM / 3GM30(F) (serial not starting with E)	Yanmar 124223-42092	“Impeller 1 124223-42092 / Impeller Gasket 1 124223-42110” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 124223-42092 1 IMPELLER, PUMP” — dealer, oldportmarine.com
Raw-water impeller European-built GM-YEU (serial starting with E)	Yanmar 128990-42570 Replaces 128990-42200	“(Supersedes part number: 128990-42200) ... 3GM30-YEU, 3GM30C-YEU 3GM30F-YEU, 3GM30FC-YEU” — dealer, palmerpower.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM20F, 2YM15, 3GM30F, 3GM30FC, 3TN30F, 3YM20, 3YM30, 3YM30AE engines. Cross Reference: 128990-42200” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com
Drive belt	Yanmar 25132-003700	“Alternator Belt 1 25132-003700” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 25132-003700 1 V-BELT, A37” — dealer, oldportmarine.com
Drive belt	Yanmar 104511-78780	“S/W Pump Belt 1 104511-78780” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104511-78780 1 V-BELT, M/19” — dealer, oldportmarine.com
Air filter	Yanmar 128270-12540	“Air Filter Element 1 128270-12540” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 128270-12540 1 ELEMENT, AIR CLEANER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com
Zinc / anode raw-water 3GM / 3GM30; also sold for the F (heat-exchanger) versions	Yanmar 27210-200300	“27210-200300 Yanmar Engine Zinc Anode For 2GM(D), 3GM(D), 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, zincsforboats.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM, 2GM20F, 2GM15, 2GM20, 3GM30F, 3GMF, 3HMF, 3GM30H engines.” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com
Thermostat 3GM30F / 3GMF (fresh-water cooled)	Yanmar 121750-49800	“Thermostat 1 121750-49800 / Thermostat Gasket 1 129350-49541” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “Thermostat for Yanmar 2GMF, 3GMF, 3HMF, 2GM20F, 3GM30F, 3HM35F / REC121750-49800” — dealer, marineparts.eu
Thermostat 3GM / 3GM30 (raw-water cooled)	Yanmar 105582-49200	“Replaces Yanmar Marine 105582-49200 ... 1GM, 2GM, 3GM, 1GM10, 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, repowermarine.com · “1GM10, 2GM20 & 3GM30 Thermostat to fit raw water cooled engine versions ... equivalent to 105582-49200” — dealer, parts4engines.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Model sources (9)

sailboatdata.com · cruisersforum.com · westsail.org · westsail.org · westsail.com · cruisersforum.com · westsail.com · westsail.com · westsail.com

Other Westsail models

Westsail 28 1975–1979
Westsail 42 / 43 1974–?

Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.