Pearson Vanguard
One of the original fiberglass ocean boats: a Rhodes design, 400 built, D/L 413, sitting in Sausalito.

Best for: The sailor under six feet who wants a classic, balanced single-hander a mile from the Golden Gate.
The good
- Philip Rhodes design with a 60-year ocean record; CSF 1.70, Comfort 32.
- 41% lead ballast, 4.5 ft draft, gentle motion for a 32-footer.
- Vanguard owners' group is active and the hulls are famously solid.
The bad
- Headroom varies by hull and source: tall-rig listings say 6'2", most standard boats closer to 6'0".
- 1965 boat, 20 gal fuel, 42 gal water, and many still have the Atomic 4 gas engine.
- 6.3-knot hull speed: budget three weeks.
A proper little ocean boat that taller sailors cannot use. Budget for a diesel and tanks if it has not been done, and measure the headroom in the galley, not the companionway.