Tavana 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The narrative of the Tavana 33 begins with Harold S. "Dooley" Glander himself, a pioneer in fiberglass boat construction. The model is directly based on Glander's personal 33-foot yawl, Tavana, which he built in 1956 and which is recognized as one of the earliest fiberglass yachts of its kind constructed in the United States. This foundational vessel demonstrated the durability and low-maintenance benefits of fiberglass, paving the way for Glander Boats Inc.'s unique business model. Production of the Glander Tavana 33 officially commenced in 1961 and continued until 1988, with a commendable 134 units built during this period.

Glander Boats Inc., based in Tavernier, Florida, distinguished itself by offering high-quality, unfinished fiberglass hulls and boat kits, enabling aspiring sailors to complete their vessels to their own specifications. This ethos allowed for considerable owner customization, meaning that while the foundational hull design remained consistent, individual Tavana 33s can exhibit variations in interior layout, finish, and systems, depending on the builder's preferences and skill. Some examples include boats originally fitted with wooden box spars and instances where interiors were significantly redesigned, featuring higher ceilings and larger tankage. The design philosophy centered on providing robust and seaworthy hulls that could be finished by the end-user, democratizing yacht ownership and appealing to those seeking an affordable path to a personalized cruising vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tavana 33, with its fiberglass monohull and versatile centerboard keel, offers a distinctive blend of cruising capability and adaptability to varying conditions. Her reported sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.01 suggests a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser, indicating steady performance rather than exceptional light-air speed. This is typical for a boat designed for comfortable cruising, capable of handling a range of wind conditions with a predictable motion.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.25 indicates a relatively lower percentage of ballast compared to the overall displacement. However, the Tavana 33's design incorporates a centerboard, which significantly enhances its upwind performance and overall stability when deployed, while allowing for an impressive minimum draft of just 3.0 feet when retracted. When the centerboard is fully extended, the draft increases to 6.25 feet. This feature makes the Tavana 33 exceptionally well-suited for navigating the shoal waters of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, a design goal often highlighted in discussions about the boat. Owners have expressed satisfaction with her sailing characteristics, finding her to be a capable and balanced vessel. Despite her cruising orientation, the designer is noted to have opted for a slightly more speedy hull design, contributing to her agreeable handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts could vary significantly due to Glander Boats' kit-boat model, the Tavana 33, with her 33-foot length overall and 10-foot beam, offers a respectable amount of interior volume for a vessel of her era. Owners often praise the quality of the base materials used, with some boats featuring bronze hardware throughout.

Typical interior arrangements for a cruising sailboat of this size usually include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment. The design emphasis was on practical cruising, suggesting functional, if not overtly luxurious, living spaces. The ability for owners to finish their own interiors meant that headroom, galley configurations, and general storage solutions could be customized. Some owner-completed boats have even seen redesigns that resulted in higher ceilings, enhancing the sense of space below deck. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, contributing to comfort in warmer climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Glander Tavana 33 consistently praise the boat for its robust construction and its suitability for coastal and shallow-water cruising. The solid fiberglass hull, a hallmark of Glander's pioneering work, instills confidence in its durability. Many owners have found the Tavana 33 to be "perfect for the shoal waters" of areas like the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, thanks to its centerboard design which allows access to shallower anchorages and waterways. The enduring appeal of the Tavana 33 is also rooted in the pride owners take in a vessel that was often shaped by personal effort and customization.

While specific recurring common problems are not widely reported beyond general maintenance expected of older vessels, the nature of Glander's kit boat model means that the quality of interior finish and systems can vary depending on the original builder. Consequently, potential owners often approach these vessels with the understanding that some renovation or personalization may be desired or necessary to bring them to modern standards or to suit individual cruising needs. Despite this, the active community of Tavana 33 owners speaks to the enduring loyalty and satisfaction with these unique and capable fiberglass cruisers.