Once you have a winning formula, it’s easy to improve it and continually raise the bar. This is what I notice every time I get on a Jupiter. The folks at Jupiter build good-running, quality, customer-friendly boats from 26 to 39 feet because they start with a good, clean-running hull design and quality components and apply common sense to build boats that their customers desire.
The Jupiter 32 is a perfect example of the company’s commitment to building practical boats. I recently tested it out of Bradenton, Florida, and was impressed with the improvements, execution of the build and attention to detail.
Starting with the proven hull of the 31, with its solid glass bottom and Klegecell-cored sides, Jupiter developed the 32, integrating the best features from all its models, right down to the nonskid pattern on the decks.
The 32 is smartly laid out. A large anchor locker lies forward, with on-deck access and plenty of room for ground tackle and rode. The forward cockpit seating features large bench seats on each side, with insulated boxes underneath that can be used as storage or fish boxes, as they drain overboard. There are drink holders and handrails here as well. A deep and wide storage bin sits in-deck between the forward bench seats. Aft of that compartment is a huge 250-quart storage bin that can be plumbed as a livewell.
The console on the 32 is also well executed. It is engineered beautifully and bonded to the stringer system for added strength, and you cannot see any fasteners anywhere, which adds a super clean and custom look to the boat. The front end has a forward seat with an 80-quart insulated drink box. There are two in-deck storage boxes on either side of the console that can each house four 8-foot rods.
A large entrance on the port side of the console opens to a completely finished stand-up compartment with a standard electric head and holding tank. There is also a Bomar hatch on top that allows light in, as well as fresh air. On the aft bulkhead, there is a panel up high for access to the backside of the electronics and a clear door over the breaker panel. The latter panel is mounted to the access door that opens to reveal the batteries and battery switches. This is just another area where Jupiter excels with a clean setup, with every wire combed, color-coded and numbered.
The control end of the console is also well thought out and offers common-sense features such as a molded-in shelf with retainers on the top to house the standard compass and a couple of drink holders. The electronics dash holds a pair of 12-inch screens; two multifunction speed, depth and temperature instruments; and a systems control panel with 18 labeled waterproof rocker switches.
The helm is set to port, with the binnacle next to it to starboard. The Yamaha Command Link Plus LCD screen is mounted on the helm dash just above the steering wheel for easy viewing. Our test boat also had an autopilot on the helm dash above the trim-tab switch. The molded glove box to starboard of the helm is actually large enough to hold things like cell phones, wallets and sunscreen. There is also a molded footrest.
Our test boat had the custom molded fiberglass T-top that was designed for it. The top is well done and an integral part of the boat, and I couldn’t see having the boat without it. It has an unobtrusive molded-in radio box and mounting capability for radar, as well as wire chases and lights. You cannot see any fasteners mounting it to the oversize-pipe frame, which makes for a clean, custom look. There are five rod holders across the back of the top for additional storage.
The standard leaning post on our test boat offered ample tackle storage, a lift-up seat for more storage and room for side storage bins. It had a permanent backrest with four rod holders and three drink holders. Aft of the leaning post on the centerline is a large 525-quart in-deck insulated fish box with macerator pump. Just aft of the fish box is another large hatch offering access to the lazarette, with its nicely finished bilge, livewell pumps and pair of Rule 2000 automatic bilge pumps.
The deck of the 32 features a fully guttered drainage system like other Jupiter models, with 2-inch deck-drain scuppers in each aft corner. All deck hatches are fully molded and double-sided and have gaskets and GEM positive-latching hardware to seal them. A 50-gallon oval livewell on the centerline of the transom is fed by a Rule 1,500 gallons-per-hour pump on a through-hull in the lazarette.
Our test boat came rigged with twin 300 hp Yamaha four-strokes. The 32 slips onto plane with little bow rise and takes off effortlessly. I found the sweet spot right at 4,400 to 4,500 rpm, with the boat making right around 41 mph, burning 31 gallons per hour.
We carried on a conversation and easily roamed around to get a drink or move a rod. I shut it down, and we trolled along with a clean bubble trail and the boat laid to for a drift just fine.
It’s hard not to like what the folks at Jupiter do. Their boats are thorough in execution and practical in design, with a running surface that offers a comfortable, safe ride in all conditions. What more could you want from a center console?
Jupiter 32
LOA: 33’2″
Beam: 9’6″
Draft: 33″
Deadrise: 24 degrees at the transom
Fuel: 260 gals., 50 gals. optional
Water: 50 gals.
Max hp: 600
Weight: 8,360 lbs. (dry, with engines)
Base price: $199,990 with twin Yamaha F250 four-strokes
Jupiter Marine / 941-729-5000 / www.jupitermarine.com
