Newport 33 Information, Review, Specs

The Newport 33's story began in 1971 when Capital Yachts Corporation, founded by Jon Williams and Bill Smith, acquired the tooling for the existing Newport Fleet from Elgin National Industries. Capital Yachts, based in Harbor City, California, focused on refining and expanding the Newport line, alongside other series like Neptune and Gulf. The Newport 33 is considered a stretched version of the Newport 30, building on the success of its smaller predecessor.

Gary Mull, the boat's designer, was renowned for his work on numerous popular fiberglass sailboats, including the Catalina 22. His design philosophy for Capital Yachts models, including the Newport 33, centered on creating practical and comfortable fiberglass cruisers that were reliable and seaworthy. Capital Yachts generally used robust fiberglass monohull construction, aligning with the industry's shift towards durable, low-maintenance production boats during that era. A notable variation mentioned in its specifications is a shallow draft version, reducing the draft from 5.2 feet to 4.0 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Newport 33 exhibits a balanced approach to sailing performance, making it a capable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.64, the boat demonstrates moderate performance potential. This suggests it is not an ultralight racer but offers respectable speed in a variety of wind conditions, neither struggling in light air nor being overly powerful in heavier breezes.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.42 indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability. This robust ballast ratio means the Newport 33 is well-equipped to stand up to significant wind, providing a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. Owners have noted its ability to handle offshore conditions effectively, with some reporting comfortable sailing in challenging seas.

The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 215, positions the Newport 33 as a moderate displacement cruiser. This class of boat typically offers a good blend of speed for its length and interior volume for cruising comfort, without the performance sacrifices of heavier, more traditional designs or the potentially more tender nature of very light displacement vessels. The boat is generally regarded as having good sailing characteristics and being a good value.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Newport 33 can vary by year and owner modifications, the general layout is designed for comfortable cruising. Given its length overall of 33 feet and beam of 10.83 feet, the interior typically provides ample space for a boat of its size. Owners often describe the cockpit as big and deep, capable of comfortably accommodating several people.

Information from owner forums and listings suggests a common arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Storage is generally considered adequate for cruising needs, and the fiberglass hull construction allows for a relatively low-maintenance interior. The overall finish quality for Capital Yachts boats of this era leaned towards practicality and comfort, rather than high-end luxury, but offered durable materials suitable for extended use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Newport 33 frequently express satisfaction with its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. Many praise its ability to handle offshore conditions with confidence, citing a comfortable motion even in substantial waves. The boat is often seen as a good value, offering a lot of boat for its price point. The design by Gary Mull is consistently highlighted as a strength, contributing to its generally good sailing manners.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around maintenance typical of boats from its production era. For instance, original deck fittings may develop leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. Some owners also discuss electrical system upgrades, suggesting that older wiring might benefit from modernization. Despite these common age-related considerations, the Newport 33 maintains an active and supportive community among enthusiasts in online forums, underscoring its lasting appeal and durability.