Finnfire 33 Information, Review, Specs

The Finnfire 33 emerged from the design board of Eivind Still in the late 1970s, making its debut in 1976. The prototype quickly demonstrated its competitive spirit by winning the prestigious 3/4 Ton Cup in the same year, establishing its credentials as a formidable racing yacht of its era. The builder, Fiskars, a company with a long history in metalworking and manufacturing, extended its expertise into boat building, developing a reputation for quality, particularly with its aluminum powerboats through its Inha Works subsidiary. While Fiskars is no longer involved in sailboat manufacturing, its legacy with the Finnfire 33 reflects a period where its industrial acumen was applied to crafting durable marine vessels.

Still's design philosophy for the Finnfire 33 appears to have balanced performance with practical living spaces, as evidenced by its "slightly more spacy hull design" compared to many contemporaries. During its production run, the Finnfire 33 was offered in at least two distinct versions: a Cruising variant and a Racing variant. The Cruising model often featured wheel steering and teak decking, with differing interior layouts to cater to various owner preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Finnfire 33 is a masthead sloop with a reported sail area of 462 square feet and a displacement of 10,582 pounds. Its performance characteristics are shaped by several key ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.33, the Finnfire 33 suggests a vessel that might require a moderate breeze to truly come alive but also implies a forgiving nature in stronger winds. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, a substantial 47.9%, points to a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/LWL) ratio of around 261 places the Finnfire 33 firmly in the moderate to heavy displacement category, contributing to its robust feel and seaworthiness.

Anecdotal reports from owners affirm that the Finnfire 33 is a "good strongly built boat" that handles well in challenging conditions, posing "no problem in a blow". While it was a competitive IOR 3/4 tonner in its prime, current owners often describe it as a "docile cruiser racer by today's standards". The masthead rig offers simplicity and efficient sail area. However, some owners note that the combination of a large genoa and a relatively smaller mainsail can make tacking somewhat more demanding.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Finnfire 33's design prioritizes interior volume for its length. The designer, Eivind Still, opted for a "slightly more spacy hull design" compared to many similar sailboats of its era, aiming to enhance interior comfort and living space. The presence of distinct Cruising and Racing versions implies variations in the internal arrangements to suit their intended purposes, with the cruising variant likely offering more amenities and a refined finish. Generally, such designs from the late 1970s would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a navigation station, often with quarter berths aft. The construction materials would typically include fiberglass for structural components, often complemented by wood trim to create a warm interior ambiance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Finnfire 33 frequently praise its solid construction and reliable performance, particularly highlighting its ability to handle strong winds comfortably. Many appreciate its robust build quality, which aligns with the general manufacturing ethos of Fiskars, even though the company is primarily known for other products, 5]. While competitive in its day, its character as a "docile cruiser racer" is often seen as a strength for those seeking a forgiving and stable platform for cruising. Some owners do note that the large genoa, characteristic of IOR designs, can make tacking more of a workout. The Finnfire 33 is often considered an attractive option in the used boat market due to its good value.