Jupiter 32: New Blood
The classic Jupiter 31 FS center console is replaced, over 1,000 boats later.
“We built over a thousand of them,” says Todd Albrecht, vice president of sales at Jupiter Marine. “But it’s time for us to give owners of the 31 a reason to get out of their current boat and into a new model that improves upon the original.”
Enter the 32 FS, a model with a brand-new deck designed with more fishing features, better serviceability, increased stowage and modern lines, among other things.
“The serviceability of the 31 left something to be desired,” says Albrecht. “Access to pumps, batteries and switches wasn’t top-notch. So, we took input from our customers and service professionals when designing the 32, and now we have a boat that’s outstanding in this regard.”
On the 32, for instance, all hatches are gasketed so there’s true dry stowage everywhere, and new stainless steel latches make it possible to thoroughly seal compartments from water intrusion. In addition, every system is easy to access. “It’s a breeze to work on this boat, whether you’re servicing pumps or swapping out batteries,” says Albrecht. “That’s a big advantage for our customers since many of them travel to places like the Bahamas, where they often have to work on their own boats because service facilities are limited.”
The new 32 features better drainage, too. Unlike the 31, this model has a deep and wide gutter around the full perimeter of the deck, so water can drain quickly and efficiently. “That’s a key benefit for our owners, particularly those who use the boat as a tender and don’t want to worry about the vessel when it takes a wave over the bow while under tow. It’s also an asset for those who leave their boats in ports away from home for extended periods of time.”
As for improved features, the 32 FS (an acronym for Forward Seating), has more of what hardcore anglers want, including multiple live wells. In addition to the one on the transom, there’s another at the leaning post near the bait prep center, and a third in the cockpit sole. The 31, by comparison, had a single live well in the sole; it was popular because it was huge, but it did require anglers to get down on their hands and knees every time they wanted to fetch bait out of the pen. The 32 also has more rod holders and stowage compartments, thick coaming bolsters, a freshwater washdown, and premium vinyls and foam on the seats, for comfort and durability.
Though many Jupiter owners cruise as much as they fish, the 32 FS is expected to attract the hard-core anglers among us.
Like all Jupiters, the 32 can also be customized to a degree. Fuel capacity, for instance, can be tailored to the owners needs. The standard tankage is 260 gallons, but the builder can increase that capacity by another hundred gallons or more if the customer needs the extra gas for long runs.
Even with all of the changes, there’s one thing the 32 shares with its predecessor: the ride. Hardcore fans of the Jupiter 31 will be happy to know that the deep-V hull, which was designed by Donald Blount and Associates, remains the same. There’s 60-degrees of deadrise forward which transitions to 24 degrees at the transom; that provides a smooth entry and soft landing in a head sea. When running down sea, the dimensions forward prevent the bow from falling off and digging into the next wave, a motion that can stall forward momentum and create a wet and uncomfortable ride. The hull also features reverse chines that give the 32 a good deal of lift to keep the boat dry and aid acceleration—just seven seconds from 0 to 30 mph. “Many of our 31 customers have told us the ride on that boat is the best they’ve ever experienced,” says Albrecht. “They’ll have the same experience on the new 32.”
The 32 is ideally suited for a pair of 300-hp Yamaha four-strokes, which will push the boat to 55 mph at top end. Cruise speed is 31 mph at 3500 rpm, and at that pace, the boat burns 18.4 gph. However, the boat is designed to accommodate the weight of other engines if the owner has something specific in mind. But regardless of how it’s powered, the Jupiter 32 guarantees a great ride. “Our customer is not a first-time buyer,” says Albrecht. “He’s had many boats, but ultimately, he’s a professional who has limited time, so he needs a center console that will perform in all conditions. He can’t afford to stay at the dock because weather isn’t ideal.”
Jupiter owners also have an appreciation for good quality, and they’re willing to pay for it. This is a premium brand with a price tag to prove it—the 32 goes out the door priced from $200,000 to $250,000, depending on how it’s equipped. But for the investment, owners get a quality build with top-notch detailing. All hinges and latches, for instance, are recessed. There’s no top-mounted hardware anywhere on board. Attention to detail is prevalent in out-of-the-way places, too. Take wiring as an example; it’s numbered, color-coded, sized to ABYC standards, and combed neatly to the terminal.
Attention to detail is evident from stem to stern, including at the console. Peek behind the helm to find wiring that's color-coded and numbered, for an example.
The Jupiter 32 FS made its public debut at the Palm Beach Boat Show this spring, but the company has plans to launch a cuddy version this summer. That could attract some owners with a cruising mindset, but according to the builder, the 32 draws more attention from serious anglers. “Many owners of other Jupiter models spend about 30 percent of their time fishing and the rest cruising, but this model tends to attract the hardcore fishermen and the tournament guys,” says Albrecht. “They’re drawn to the features, but they’ll buy for the ride.”
For more information, visit Jupiter Boats.
Check out our exclusive interview with Jupiter Marine President Carl Herndon.
Specs:
Length: 33’2”
Beam: 9’6”
Draft: 2’9”
Displacement: 8,360 lbs.
Deadrise: 24 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 260 gals
