US 33 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the US 33 begins with its esteemed designer, Doug Peterson, a name synonymous with performance yacht design, particularly known for his influential IOR One Tonner Ganbare in 1973. The US 33 itself traces its roots to Peterson's Chaser 33, an IOR 3/4 ton design first built in 1975. Bayliner, through its US Yachts division, acquired the tooling for the Chaser 33, using it as the foundation for the US 33, albeit with a redesigned deck and other modifications. Production of the US 33 commenced in 1981 and continued until 1983.

During this period, Bayliner's venture into the sailboat market, which began around 1970 under brands like Buccaneer Yachts and US Yachts, was driven by a vision to offer high-quality, affordable boats with exceptional value. While their broader sailboat production largely ceased by 1979 as the company refocused on powerboats, the US 33 represented a continued effort within the US Yachts brand to deliver cruiser-racers. Peterson's design philosophy for the underlying hull emphasized a balance of speed and seaworthiness, leading to a "slightly more spacy hull design" that also contributed to more comfortable interior volumes for the US 33. The US 33 was primarily marketed as the "Mk I," indicating its initial and likely sole production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The US 33, with its Fin keel and Spade rudder, is engineered for a responsive sailing experience. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.78 suggests a good all-around performer, capable of moving well in light to moderate breezes while still being manageable as the wind builds. A standout feature is its impressive Ballast to Displacement ratio, a substantial 0.494. This high figure indicates a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and maintaining its sail plan effectively, providing a comfortable motion even in choppy conditions.

With a Displacement to Length ratio of around 223, the US 33 falls into the category of a moderate performance cruiser. This translates to a vessel that is neither an ultralight racer nor a heavy, ponderous cruiser, but rather strikes a balance, offering reasonable speed without sacrificing too much comfort or stability. Owners often describe the US 33 as combining good sailing performance with comfortable accommodations, further highlighting its balanced nature. Its generous sail plan contributes directly to its solid performance on the water. The hull speed is estimated at 6.9 knots, offering efficient cruising potential.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior diagrams require specific model reviews, the US 33 was designed with comfortable accommodations in mind, a hallmark of the Bayliner/US Yachts approach to sailboat construction. With a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet, the interior offers reasonable standing room for most occupants. Based on typical designs for vessels of this size and era, the layout likely features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and an enclosed head. The builder's general philosophy prioritized family-friendly layouts and interior amenities, suggesting a functional and practical arrangement for cruising families or couples. Storage, ventilation, and the specific materials used for interior finishes would have been consistent with the value-driven, yet quality-conscious, ethos of US Yachts during the early 1980s.